TWO THOUSAND EIGHT

The year 2008 may not have been the greatest year for the rest of the world, but it sure has been good to me. For as long as I live, the year 2008 will never be forgotten. Why do I say this? HA! Like you don't already know! It's not like I haven't plastered bulletins and pictures all year long on myspace, bragging about all of the great things that has happened in the last 365 days, right? So... just in case I haven't gotten you to hate me yet from my year long self promotion, here is a list of my accomplishments that occured in the year 2008. Hey, it has kind of become a tradition and it's good for memory sakes! Oh and before I forget... I am sorry if you lost your job, your house was foreclosed, your credit card limit went down, the stock market failed you or if you were like Oprah and put on 50 extra pounds! Ouch! This is my year in review for a year so special, it couldn't be forgotten by me even if I end up with Alzhiemer's Disease in my 70's!
First and foremost: I got married! I sit here on the beautiful hardwood floor inside our cozy mansion, watching Dana bunched up near the fire place with a sheep skin blanket wrapped around her body. I sip from the warm, steamy mug that rests in my left hand, reflecting on all of the financial success that I have had all year long as I type this.... Ok, ok ok.. There isn't really a mansion... or a sheep skin blanket.. or financial success.. But, we do have a hardwood floor! Well, its laminated hardwood. I may not have all of those things (yet) but I did marry the love of my life, Dana! We have our own little one bedroom, one bath palace that we are so proud of. I never thought I could love someone, the way I love Dana. It feels so good to now have the ability to call her my wife! On November 1st, 2008 we had a perfect wedding (yes, they are possible!) and then had an amazing eight day honeymoon in the most beautiful place I've ever been to. We had a near flawless honeymoon in Maui until the "snorkling trip from hell" which occured on our final day of the trip. Lets just say that my new wife was feeding the fish the whole way back to shore and we both nearly drowned as we attempted to snorkle in "Perfect Storm" type weather. Nevertheless, the entire experience of the proposal/planning/wedding day/honeymoon has been something that I will never forget. I love you Dana! (Dana is currently trying to peak over my shoulder and get a spoiler of this which I am not too happy about.) =P
Nick and I have really gelled as a team this year. I really feel like we have found our niche and are only going to get better. We currently hold the tag team titles for the second biggest independent wrestling company in America known as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and have had some amazing matches that many have ranked as the best of the year in professional wrestling. No crowd in the world is like a PWG crowd. We had the honor of being able to tour all over Japan with the promotion Dragon Gate. Dragon Gate is world known and has the greatest wrestlers in the world on their roster. Competing with a company like this is not a small feat and is something that Nick and I are extremely proud of. We completely sold out of t-shirts and photos on our second tour which was awesome! (I believe a whopping total of 3 men purchased a t-shirt.) We were also more then thrilled to perform in Los Angeles for the Dragon Gate USA debut show. This was a huge night for us as it was very special to show our unbelievable fans and loving family what we've been sneaking off and doing for months over seas. That may have been our finest match.
Nick and I were fortunate enough to work with the WWE throughout the year. I got to wrestle Chuck Palumbo on Smackdown in February, The Big Show in October on Smackdown and then got to dress up as Triple H alongside Nick who played Shawn Michaels on ECW in the "Dirtsheet" segment with Morrison and The Miz which was also in October. Hunter came up to me, looked at my giant fake nose and said to one of the boys, "everytime they make fun of me that f***n' thing gets bigger and bigger." HAHA! WWE is a great place to work and is number one on my "dream job" list.
I've gotten to wrestle in nearly 100 matches this year which is great by indy standards. I can honestly say that I have given it my all and tried to steal the show in 80 of those matches. (The other 20 matches, I wrestled the Ballard Brothers.) HAHA. Just kidding guys! But anyways, I feel like this has def been the best year of my professional wrestling career. People actually know who Nick and I are! Imagine that! Some Rockers, Hardy Boys, and Rock N' Roll Express rip offs are actually gaining some attention!? Who would of thunk? We are so very blessed for the opportunity.
I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support: My soul mate and best friend in life.. my "WIFEY 4 LIFEY" Dana. My unbelievable parents have been so supportive for years. Thanks for believing in me when I was 16 years old and had a bowl cut. You guys are my rock. My brothers Nick and Mal who are so talented and fearless. Nick is only 19 years old and has traveled the world with me. Mal is a survivor and is the bravest kid I know.. and he's rich. (That's a shoot.) My big sis D.J who is so loving and has more energy then anyone I know. My brother in law Paul who is such a family man.. (Who would of known!) My beautiful nieces Makayla and Beckers! ("No numbers!") My in-laws Sue and Dave who I love and have bonded with more then I would ever have imagined, my brother in law Scott who is headed to the Navy, Janie and Derek along with their three beautiful daughters (Kristen, Madyson & Brynnlea), my best friends in this business "The Cutler Brothers" who will be the next big thing in indy wrestling, the "Ballard Brothers" who are both old enough to be my father but I love them like brothers. Sky whom I've always looked up to, Scott for being the life of the locker room and everyone else I didn't mention because its 3 AM and I am tired! Oh yeah, and Joey Ryan. (Thought I'd forget bro?) I gotta go, Dana and her sheep skin blanket is waiting for me. Happy New Year! (Bill Bogle voice)

Update!

UPDATE!!

Hello wrestling fans! (Or should I say friends and family?) Not quite sure what I am going to write about. Just wanted to put up a little update. Here goes..

We are near completion of our second tour here in Japan for the Dragon Gate promotion. We leave on Friday, August 28th in the afternoon. I write this blog from Sappora, Japan.(Yes, the place with the famous beer.) It has been a very memorable and successful trip that neither my brother or I will ever forget. This August tour has been grueling to say the least. In the end we will have spent twenty-one days in Japan. Fifteen of those days were show days! That is A LOT of wrestling shows. After living in Japan and competing for Dragon Gate for a total of two months this year, I have a new respect for the guys on this roster. These guys are not just professional wrestlers - they are the toughest men on this planet. A typical Dragon Gate year has anywhere from 200-250 shows a year! Each show, the wrestlers set-up and tear down the entire venue from the ring, banners and chairs to the PA system and merchandise tables. The matches these guys are having night in and night out are nothing like the typical matches that you see on television every week. I'm still blown away everytime that bell rings. On top of all of this, the Dragon Gate wrestlers and staff typically travel 5-7 hours a day on average. Of course the trips can be WAY longer then that. (We just spent 22 hours on a ship and 7 more on a bus back to back earlier this week.) This is a never-ending carny, yet you'll never see one guy from this group dragging his boots. These guys are not just hard workers, but they are extremely respectful and professional. Nick and I have earned friendships that will last a lifetime.

We are very proud of the work that we have put out this month here in Japan. We feel like it is some of our best stuff yet. One highlight from this trip was aligning our selves with the strongest unit in Dragon Gate, World-1. Getting to stand ringside during Speed Muscle matches every night may be the best learning technique out there. Do the Young Bucks have a future with Dragon Gate? Absolutely. We will be back. (I know that some internet fans are not going to be thrilled to hear that. A long time ago I used to let you types get to me... however, that was a long time ago.) [EDIT: Most of you are awesome and Nick and I owe a lot to you for getting the "word" out. Oh, and obviously I do care about what you think. Otherwise it wouldn't of been mentioned in this blog.] We also got to check out Universal Studios Japan in Osaka which has the most ridiculous "Adventures of Spider-Man" ride EVER. Nick and I both agreed that its more advanced than anything we've been on in the states. Another major highlight was the beach show/after-party at Sumo Beach earlier this month. Dragon Kid and Hayabusa put on a concert in a ropeless ring that seriously rocked the house. It was fun clapping along to songs (which we obviously couldn't understand) with guys like Tanisaki, B x B Hulk, Yoshino and Doi. (Name drop count: 4) We also had a couple of sponsors take us out to dinner which didn't agree with our stomachs but was a ton of fun nonetheless. We were both peer pressured into trying raw Kobe Beef which was just weird tasting. Dinners in Japan last about 2-3 hours by the way..... And your eating..the ENTIRE time.

My brother and I have a lot to look forward to in the coming days/months. We have a big weekend for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (the company that got us out here) coming up that we are extremely psyched for. Ever since I fell in love with independent wrestling, El Generico was one guy that I have always wanted to work. And then the following weekend is the US debut of Dragon Gate. If you live within a six hour drive and you call your self a wrestling fan you MUST go to this show. Also, Nick and I have been filming a bunch of great stuff for our new internet reality show "YBTV" that I know you guys are going to get a kick out of. Dustin Cutler, (the sole editor) Nick and myself have really big plans for the show that we are very excited about. Stay tuned...

And then the main event... November 1st - The day I marry my best friend and love of my life. I've always known that we would end up together. Seriously. Even during our break-ups and months apart, I knew it. I told my good friend and cougar hunter a little earlier today, "I'm just lucky I found someone to put up with all of my crap." Not to mention that she is the most wonderful and supportive women I could of chosen to spend the rest of my life with. I miss you Dana. You've taken this whole 'me not being home thing' unbelievably well.

Anyhow, we've got three more matches to go and then we are headed onto that long 10-12 hour flight home from Tokyo.

God bless,

Matt Buck

Dragon Gate ring breaking incident...

Did the ring really break at the Korakuen Hall during the 8/09/08 Dragon Gate show? Did the Young Bucks and the rest of the Dragon Gate roster all wrestle on the floor with just plain mats? These are just some of the questions that WERE NOT asked. I'm going to go ahead and clear some of this up anyway..

We talked a little to Cima (Dragon Gates most popular wrestler and Japanese heart-throb) the night before our first match of the tour and he made it aware that we would be performing in a brand new American style ring the next night. We thought it would be neat to perform in a ring that came from home at a place that is very much different than home. We get to the hotel and grab a few hours of sleep in our mini rooms (I am not complaining Joey Ryan) which was nice because of the jet-lag. Morning comes too fast as always. We grab some coffee which size-wise could be compared to those little tiny plastic cups filled with grape juice that you sipped during communion at church, grabbed some McDonalds breakfast, rested a little and were soon off to the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. The Korakuen Hall is also known as the "Wrestling Building." On our first tour we were told by Pac (best high-flyer in wrestling today) that the Korakuen Hall has a wrestling show held in it EVERY night. WOW. Nick and I also find it to be kind of cool that we could jump and land on top of the Tokyo Dome from the forth floor balcony in this building.

After a few hours of set-up which consists of loading the elevator, unloading the elevator, and building the ring, the shows start time was fast approaching. (By the way, it is Dragon Gate tradition that all of the wrestlers help with the set up and tear down.) The show starts on time at 6:30 p.m (Yes, wrestling shows start on time out here!) and the first match is underway! Nick and I grab a comfortable seat in the backstage locker room, down a "Real Gold" Japanese soft drink and begin watching the opening match. And then the ring broke. Yes, it happened THAT fast. We blinked and noticed that the rings ropes were extremely loose to the point where they were sagging. Immediately a few young boys jumped up to the apron and started trying to tighten the turnbuckles to repair the loose ropes. This made things worse. We looked deep into the monitor and then noticed that one of the poles was completely off base. The match gets wrapped up quickly. The ref then stands on to the apron and in an attempt to correct the off balanced pole, begins to push and kick the pole. Following a strong kick from the ref, the ring implodes! The Japanese crowd was shocked - almost as much as the wrestlers in the back.

We're thinking that the show is going to get canceled and that there is no way they can fix the ring. (We later found out that one of the vital parts of the ring was completely destroyed.) We looked back into the monitor and saw the young boys taking down the ropes. We were under the impression that maybe the show would go on but without the ropes? As we looked on along with the stunned Japanese crowd, the young boys continued to disassemble the ring. Off went the padding, the wooden planks, the metal pieces and finally the four poles. I then thought about unlacing my boots as the show was surely going to be canceled. What a disaster! As the entire locker room looked on to what was going on through the monitor along with the patiently seated 2-3 thousand fans, one of the Dragon Gate announcers grabbed a microphone and stood in an empty 20 x 20 space where a wrestling ring once stood. (This all took well over 20 minutes.) There was a hush silence in the building similar to the sound a crowd would make if Nick or I decided to take a shot at a singles career. The announcer quickly fixed that silence by saying something in Japanese. The crowd absolutely exploded. I am not kidding, this was a CENA pop. In unison, Nick and I turned to one of the workers in the back and tried to figure out what the announcer said to please the crowd so much? Don Fuji then turns to us and says "Show.. Go on.. no ring... ONLY PADDING on floor!" I thought out loud "Only in Japan."

Then in a frenzy all of the wrestlers in full gear came out to what was formally ringside. They grabbed the blue outside mats and placed those perfectly on the floor. On top of that went the wooden planks which were once used as the floor for the now broken ring. Atop the planks went the padding which was also originally used in the wrecked ring. The wrestlers, young boys and rest of the staff worked like a well oiled machine - so strategic. Surely something like this has happened before which is why everyone was so prepared right? I later asked CIMA that same question and he said NOTHING like this has EVER happened in Dragon Gate. Finally the Dragon Gate mat was taped over the padding and we had our selves a make shift ring in less than 35 minutes.

We went on to have a pretty good match that we both will never forget. Never would I ever dream of performing in Tokyo, Japan at the Korakuen Hall on the first day of the "Summer Adventure Tag League Tournament" in a make shift ring with no ropes. To the Japanese fans credit, they were hotter then ever from start to finish. It is such a joy to work in front of them. Nick and I both stood with the crowd after our match and watched the remainder of the show in complete awe. These guys are putting on better matches on the floor in a fake ring then most matches I see now days anywhere. I just wanted to note that none of this would have probably went down in the states. As soon as the ring broke, I strongly believe that the show would of been canceled had this show been anywhere else besides Japan. Or, if this type of thing did happen in the states and the promotion decided to go on with the show with a make shift ring, I believe that 50 percent (or more) of the audience would want a refund for their ticket. This is only one example of why the Japanese people are so disciplined. If I had to describe this wonderful place in one word.... it would be RESPECT.

In a terrible, terrible situation that could have been a disaster, Dragon Gate prevailed and put on a show that will never be forgotten. Any who.. I hope that helped clear up those questions that you didn't ask.

God bless.

-Matt Buck

2007.

Hello,

For the last couple of years I posted a "Year in Review" type of blog which listed and discussed everything I had accomplished in those particular years for the sake of remembrance. The year 2007 was extremely great and SO MUCH has happened. I am going to list and describe some of the amazing things that have happened in my life in 2007 and in no way intend on this being a blog for me to boast and bask in my own glory. (Which, I do quite often actually! =) I am simply celebratory of my accomplishments and only want to share why I am such a blessed person! I'll try to keep this short and sweet as I continue the type, sip coffee, type rhythm that all of my mornings have become..

-Ran six successful High Risk Wrestling shows which were above and beyond the quality of our previous years shows. In August at Highway 2 Hell, I got to team up with one of my childhood heros, Marty Jannetty (who is an extremely modest, complimentary and hard working individual whom I look forward to working with again in the future.)

-Purchased my new 2007 Ford Ranger which has received over 10,000 miles in just 4-5 short months via a long distance relationship and a part time job that has a heck of a commute. ;)

-Proposed to my LONG time girlfriend Dana who I am now proud to call my fiance. I couldn't see the story of us ending any other way. Dana is my soul mate and the reason I wake up in the morning. (Come home from Montana already!) We will tie the knot on November 1st 2008! I love you doll face!

-Debuted in THE company to work for in the west coast, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. PWG is the most talented group of people I have ever been in contact with and is truly larger then life. PWG has given us a larger stage to perform on and has already helped us get to that next step in the right direction. My brother and I look forward to working here and contributing in 2008! Thanks for the opportunity Joseph!

-I got to celebrate the birth of two NEW nieces! My sister received a gift that we all call "Baby Beck" or Rebecca. Dana's sister just recently delivered a wonderful little girl named Brynn! Congrats!

-"The Young Bucks" have had a remarkable year to say the least. It is not official just yet but we are projected to win the SoCalUncensored.com Tag Team of The Year Award which is a HUGE deal to us. We have had some incredible matches in 2007 with guys like the Cutler Brothers, The Ballard Brothers, Los Luchas, Karl Anderson, Joey Ryan, Scott Lost, T.J Perkins, CK Jackson, Scorpio Sky, Steven Andrews, Lil Cholo and Sonny Samson just to name a few! We had the privilege to travel and work in such places as: Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Vancouver and virtually every major city in Northern and Southern California. Hopefully 2008 means more plane rides and hotel rooms! =)

-I have had the opportunity to develop some awesome friendships with pretty much everybody listed above and others I forgot to list to whom I apologize! I don't have a bad thing to say about anyone I have come across. Southern California wrestling breeds truly amazing people!

-Special thanks to my wonderful family who have inspired me to continue to reach to a goal that most call "unreachable." Dad- For being a great boss, and leader. Your wisdom is unmatched by anyone on the planet. Mom- For being the backbone of the Massie home and never lacking positivity no matter the situation. Meijer Family- I've never been more proud to have an extended family. I envy your warmth and happiness. CK- For being a great little brother. I'm glad to see you getting back into the world of professional wrestling as your extremely talented! Nick- For being my tag team partner, spot in the gym, and traveling buddy. There is nothing better than getting to work with family. Kruse Family- For taking me into the family and being so generous. Thank you for the HUNDREDS of meals you've supplied! And thanks for letting me marry your daughter! Dana- For being so supportive and caring toward me NO MATTER the situation. You are the best thing to ever happen to me. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Also, thanks to all of the boys and promoters who have helped me live the dream in 2007! I hope 2008 is an even BIGGER and better year!

God bless.

the last 365 days...

What a wild ride the year 2006 has been. If some body would have told me all that would happen this year, last year I would of never believed them. Here is a little description of what exactly has went down in the last 365 days...

A fed called High Risk Wrestling (that is ran by "youngsters" who do not know the business and are destined to fail), has thrived. October marked the second year anniversary. HRW brings out Christopher Daniels and has its most successful show in its existence entitled Highway 2 Hell in July. An HRW charity event entitled "Free 4 All" draws over 450 fans in June. HRW announces that it has joined forces with the legendary National Wrestling Alliance in November.

I have had the honor to visit such wonderful places this year: I went and wrestled for Cyberfights in Vancouver, BC twice this year. I've been to Arizona several times to wrestle for Rising Phoenix Wrestling and a few other times for vacation. I've been to Las Vegas several times also. (One time the guys and I drove out there for a show.. which got canceled!) I lost count how many times I went up to northern and central California to compete for companies such as SPW, APW and Wrestling Ministries. Nick and I had a wild trip all the way to Mexico and back on the same night. We wrestled for a AAA indy. Not to mention the hundreds of times myself and the guys did the trip to Los Angeles virtually every weekend for the past year!

My most memorable trip of the year was def when Dana and I got to visit New York City for my 21st b-day. We stayed right in Times Square which was just surreal. Being in the city is unreal.. like your watching a movie. I can't compare anything to walking through Rockerfeller Center at night, seeing the statue of libery and looking down at the city and counting "yellow cockroaches" (the cities term for taxi cabs) from your hotel window. It was a truly unforgettable trip that I will never forget.

Nick and I are collectively known as the "Young Bucks." I think 2006 has been HUGE for us as we are finally finding our niche. We have tagged up so many times that I couldn't even imagine ever doing this alone again. We had the honor of wrestling in front of 3,000 ppl at the Anahiem Convention Center this year and even made our debut on television! We can be seen every Wednesday night on Mav tv or @ mavtv.com. I would like to think that we have def proven our selves to fans, other wrestlers and promoters this past year which is an unbelievable feeling. We feel that we are that much closer to the prize... We had a scary moment earlier this year when Nick accidentally suffered a concussion at a WAR show in southern cal. Thank God it was not worse. (Thanks to Dana for saving the day that fateful afternoon!)

My family has been great and supportive throughout this year. My dad has grown closer to his music. Him and I have worked together all year long and its because of him that I haved saved so much money! Mal has developed a love for basketball. Him and I love to chain wrestle in public. lol. Nick is my tag-team-partner/spot in the gym/and traveling body. We have grown a lot closer this year. Mom is the organizer of my life and holds the pieces together. Dj, Paul, Makayla (and alex) have made it fun to have family again. Makayla puts a smile on my face no matter what kind of day I have had. Dana and I have had rough times but ultimately we know we're better off together. Our love is real.

Thanks also goes out to my great friends: Bj, Dustin, Brandon, Darrino, Deshawn, Steve, James, and anyone who is involved with HRW. Also to all of the great wrestlers scattered around southern California. This area is honestly covered with the most talented ppl I have ever met.

I feel accomplished that I have been able to do so much in only a year, especially considering all of the circumstances: Hitting the gym five days a week, driving 45 minutes three days a week after work to visit Dana, flyering in the blistering heat and in frost-biting cold four days a week and finally...finding time to watch Seinfeld! I can only thank three things.. Sugar free Redbulls, protein bars and GOD!

I mean and no-way to boast or brag about anything in this blog. I am simply writing out my accomplishments for this past year for a few reasons.. I do not want any of this to be forgotten...and I am simply proud. Thanks to everyone for the support throughout the year 2006. Here is to another great 365 days!

God bless,

Matt a.k.a Mr. Instant Replay a.k.a The Mac Daddy of Sports Entertainment a.k.a Matt Jackson (Yes, that's what they're calling me on tv!!!)