On the Beat With Rocket Pro Wrestling

Yesterday I had a couple interviews with talented folks from Rocket Pro Wrestling. I got interesting info and insight. I didn't get all of the answers to the major questions at RPW, but I got new perspectives.

I started with Gunner Brave. As part of the World Famous Fabulous Idols, Gunner is right in the middle of all sorts of action.

As usual, I got a little background first. Trained by Seth Rollins among others, Gunner gave his thoughts on the WWE superstar. He also talked about his first match, his finisher, his first title win and more from the early stages of his career.

From there we moved to his feelings on crowd reactions, whether he works as a fan favorite or a heel. I saw another side of the man who currently wrestles “on the dark side” with the Idols.
Of course, we had to delve into the latest happenings with the group. At the last RPW show and the aftermath, there seemed to be a bit of dissension in the group, although leader Joey Roth dismisses such notions. Gunner admits there was a minor situation, but states all is fine within the Idols. I am not so sure about that, but “Darkness Falls” on October 1 might provide more answers to that.

Gunner is a young wrestler on the rise with an incredibly bright future. Whether or not his future lies with the Idols is to be seen. Either way, he looks to continue to improve and become one of the bright young independent stars.

It was interesting learning more about Gunner. Although he is in the Idols, who are causing all kinds of issues at RPW, he has a genuine appreciation for RPW and the fans. Gunner stresses respect, both giving and receiving. I already respected Gunner for his accomplishments at such an early point in his career, but I gained a whole new level of respect after this interview.

The next chapter in his story will come on October 1 at “Darkness Falls.” He issued an open challenge and it was accepted. Gunner ends the interview discussing this matchup.

Right after talking to Gunner, I had an interview set with RPW broadcaster Steve Ahrendt. Steve delivered a nice surprise. While I planned on asking Steve about the latest events at RPW, Steve doubled the fun and insight by adding Rion Skillz to the interview.

A big presence on the Chicago wrestling scene for years, Rion has been at RPW since its debut. His history in wrestling and his inside knowledge of RPW makes him a great person to delve into the current state of RPW.

First though, the duo discussed The Power Hour, another of their joint ventures. It also features wrestler, manager, broadcaster and Chicago area legend C Red and Cactus Rack roller derby super vixen. The Power Hour podcast features some of the best wrestling talent and talk. It's a favorite on my podcasts lists.

Next we moved on to the Chicago Knockouts roller derby. The Knockouts are back in action, with a show this Saturday in Homewood. I saw several of their shows pre-pandemic and they were all great nights of entertainment. I look forward to getting back to a Knockouts event soon.

Then we got to the situation at RPW. Steve unexpectedly appeared in the Rocket Rumble at the last show. While his time in the ring was short, it was effective, as he ousted Joey Roth. This little exchange is just the latest incident in a brewing feud. I continue to feel that feud will end up in the ring, although both Steve and Joey denounce that idea.

When I turned to Rion for his thoughts, he had some interesting advice for Steve. Very familiar with the Idols, Rion seemed a bit battle-weary from them. Of course, Rion and Steve are crafty veterans. This could be a huge smoke screen or at least part of a plan.

While I don't claim to know the answer, I know that “Darkness Falls” will reveal some things and probably raise more questions, too. No mater what, it will be a hot show.

Along with Gunner's open challenge match, “The Icon” Grin battles “All Day” Marshe Rockett, who showed a change in attitude recently. Plus, it is a casket match! There's also a hug eight man tag match pitting the World Famous Fabulous Idols against Maximus Orion and Those Damn Coyotes. Just announced is a Triple Threat match between “The Boomstick” 12 Gaige, Alex Rico and “Bad Buns” Justin Fowler.

"Darkness Falls" is on October 1 at St. Joseph Park in Joliet. The doors open at 4 pm, with a 5 pm bell time. It's destined to be another fantastic night of action.