New Dawn January 2020

Doc Wyatt posted a promo on WPW.com in response to another post show comment from Lance Marshall following the most recent Showdown Phoenix Rising show…


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Following comments from PCP Champion Darryl Jenkins which followed Rampages impressive win to earn a championship fight in PCP, Rampage was asked to give his thoughts, which he did via a video on his Instagram account…

In an exclusive interview, the Wrestling Monitor’s editor in chief Ray “The Razor” Tolbert sits down with Warrior Pro Wrestling owner Tank McDaniel to discuss the promotions roadmap for 2020, and make a few exciting announcements.


Razor: Welcome Tank, 2019 was a pretty good year for you guys- what does 2020 hold for Warrior Pro?

Tank: Thanks Razor. 2019 was a roller coaster for sure, but in the end I was very pleased with the quality of the product. The promotion put on consistently entertaining shows, and our guys started popping up in other promotions all over the country. The hope for this year is to build off that momentum and continue to grow. Honestly, I feel pretty confident we will do just that.

Razor: That growth includes moving into a new home right?

Tank: Yes sir. Construction on our new home- which includes a wrestling hall, office headquarters, and our Baron Wrestling School training center- completed last week and our first Warrior Grounds of the year will be held in that building. The building is self-funded so we own it outright, but you could end up seeing other promotions running as they tour the area. I’ve named it after my late brother:


We also are pleased to announce that we’ve entered into an agreement with Moffett Field Arena to run our monthly PPV events from that building. Moffett Arena is located about 5 miles from the historic military base in Mountain View. The Arena, as you probably know was a popular destination in the 70’s and 80’s before newer, bigger arenas took over. We’re pleased with the renovation effort and are very excited at the opportunity to run in an arena with that much history.



Razor: Switching topics, Lucha POWER. Pretty big news that you bought a major share of the company. How involved will you be in the day to day?

Tank: I’m old man, and honestly some days I don’t have the energy to run one company, let alone two. Their have been plenty of rumors regarding my nephew Lefty being sent down south to help run things and keep an eye on El Macho. The reality is that’s only half true. Lefty will have a booking role in Lucha POWER and will be running most of the back office stuff for Macho, but El Macho will still have final say- and still owns the majority of the company. But more importantly, this is a chance for my nephew to get some on the job training for what will eventually be a role in Warrior Pro. The plan has always been that he’d step in when my old ass couldn’t manage the day to day, and that time is probably sooner rather than later.

Razor: Is this a retirement announcement?

Tank: Hell no. But there’s no reason not to prepare for the inevitable future.

Razor: I understand there are a few roster announcements?

Tank: Yep. First off Jack Gold has signed a multi-year deal with Lucha POWER. I still have high hopes for the kid, but a change of scenery would probably do him some good, and I think he’s going to fit in real well working in Mexico.


And second, this has been rumored for a couple months- Warrior Pro will be creating a Women’s division this year. With that we have our first two signings:


We’ll continue to announce signings over the next couple months and will start to book showcase matches that will hopefully include outside talent as well.

Razor: What about Blackwood Academy? Will Fiona be leaving?

Tank: No, there is specific language that Fiona can continue to work in Blackwood.

Razor: What does the schedule look like for 2020?

Tank: Our first show of the year will be the Grand Opening of Gorilla Hall- Warrior Grounds #15 next Friday January 17th. We will be announcing the card shortly but we’ll have a special main event: McDaniel and Baron vs Los Terribles for the Warrior Pro Tag Team Championship

On January 30th from Moffett Base Arena, our first PPV event of the year will be broadcast LIVE on Twitch:


The rest of the year is set to be huge as well, here are some of the upcoming hightlights:
- Lucha Power Supershow: Lucha Fantastico (Feb)
- Golden Gate Tournament and Finals (April/May)
- Warriorversary II (June)
- Gorilla Memorial Tournament – for the first ever Women’s Championship (August)

Razor: That’s a big schedule. Last question- will we see Tank McDaniel in the ring in 2020?

Tank: I told you Razor, I’m not retired yet.

Big Bama Ray was taking questions from fans on his twitter. Someone sent a link to a podcast and asked Ray if he's gonna be the one to step up to Rampage Hunter's challenge. Ray listened to the podcast and immediately tried to get in touch with Jeff Gorham, but the owner wasn't able to be reached. Ray decided to use his new found social media skills and take matters into his own hands. It got the owner's attention.

After a prolonged break, Warrior Pro Wrestling is back! This Friday the promotion hosts its first show of 2020, and its set to be the biggest Warrior Grounds to date. For the first time in Warrior Grounds history, the Tag Team Championship will be on the line, plus not one- but two- number one contenders will be determined. All of this plus an appearance from John Logan, and Doc Wyatt speaks for the first time since he lost the World Title.

Not to mention this will also act as the kickoff of Warrior Pro’s brand new venue- Gorilla Hall. Tune in THIS FRIDAY for all the matches, promos, and angles as we go full speed into the new year and set up for the first PPV on January 30th- NEW DAWN.


Match Previews:

Markus Winter vs Roy Carter
Markus Winter will take his three-fight win streak, the longest active one in the company, to the test against veteran Roy Carter. The winner will be well positioned at a future Intercontinental Title shot and very well could be in line to face the winner coming out of New Dawn.

#1 Contender for the Warrior Pro IC Title: Maverick Reed vs Jimmy Hawkins
Jimmy Hawkins would like nothing better than to get another shot at Robino and that Warrior Pro belt around his waste, but first he’ll have to get past Maverick Reed. The oldest Reed brother had an impressive end to 2019 in singles action with the hope that an upset win here could catapult himself into the next tier and perhaps, championship gold in 2020.

#1 Contender for the PCP Title: Rampage Hunter vs Big Bama Ray
Rampage Hunter makes his triumphant return to Warrior Pro after an extended stay in the southwest fighting in PCP and Tiger Stripe Pro. The hope was he would be returning with two belts, but a failed attempt at capturing PCP’s top prize fell short. He’ll have another shot with a win over, ironically, not only the man he beat to get his first PCP shot, but the man he beat to win the Tiger Stripe Southeastern Memorial States Tournament- Big Bama Ray. Can the big man from Alabama finally solve the Rampage puzzle? Or will Rampage continue the streak and get the rematch with Darryl Jenkins he so desperately wants?

Warrior Pro Tag Team Championship: Los Terribles vs McDaniel & Baron
Lobo Muerte makes his first appearance since ending Doc Wyatt’s historic run as World Champ- and he does so with an eye at making history of his own. Teaming with his cousin Pantero Negro Jr, Los Terribles take on the reigning Tag Team Champions for a chance for Lobo to be the first duel champion in Warrior Pro history. It would also create an interesting situation where all Warrior Pro Champions would be held by outside talent- something the prideful Vic Baron and Lefty McDaniel would no doubt want to avoid given their close family ties to company management.


The stage is set for this to be the biggest main event in Warrior Ground history, and a hellova kickoff to Gorilla Hall and 2020. Tune in Friday for a full recap of the show!

A message from Senator Steve Phillips:

Lil' Lariato:
That's right, Mr. Senator Man,
A duo promo was the ultimate plan,
What's up, Doc,
Your talk was just a crock,
You opened up your mouth, but you ain't got any cred,
I was the matador, and your vision just went red,
So one more time, let's settle this thing,
Third time's the charm, even if you ain't got no bling,
Meet me somewhere, meet me at Lariats, Number Ten
Let's see for the last time, who can get the career defining win.

After an oddly quite week, news blew up this weekend around Warrior Pro Wrestling. Here are all the details.


New Dawn will be broadcast LIVE THIS THURSDAY AT 5pm on Twitch. Tank McDaniel will be hosting a press conference for the show tomorrow.


New Dawn does in fact have a card despite not being officially announced. Delays have centered around the main event- specifically who will face Warrior Pro Champion Lobo Muerte. As of this writing that opponent is still scheduled to be Vic Baron- who issued the challenge at Warrior Grounds #15 and who’s last loss was to Lobo back in June of last year. The complication however sits with Doc Wyatt, the former champion, and his insistence on a rematch. Sources say Doc still does not have medical clearance from his match against Lance Marshall (the attack from Lil Lariato at WG 15 no doubt didn’t help). Virgil Wyatt has been privately pushing to sue both Phoenix Rising (for what sources say are “poor work conditions”) and Senator Phillips- for Lariato’s attack on Doc as ways to bring outside pressure on Tank to delay a championship match till Doc is physically ready for a rematch. Tank is expected to give a statement regarding the matter at tomorrow’s press conference.


The rest of the card is largely set. Brick Casey will face Red Masterson after their staredown at Warrior Grounds. Jimmy Hawkins earned a shot at the reigning IC champion, Robino. Senator Phillips accepted Lefty McDaniel’s challenge. It is also heavily rumored that the Lucha POWER championship will be defended at the show, with Dungeon Dominguez facing Pantero Negro Jr.


One potential matchup still without clarity relates to the final segment of Warrior Grounds #15, where Machine Gun Mayhem attacked John Logan. Logan, who attended a B.A.S.E. show on Saturday spoke with reporters about the incident…

Warrior Pro office responded to the comment late Sunday simply stating, “Tank will address it at the press conference.”


And finally, we’ve heard nothing from Lil Lariato’s camp regarding Virgil Wyatt’s demands regarding the trilogy match with his son, though sources say he plans to provide backup at ringside for Brick during his match with Red Masterson.

It's FIGHT NIGHT, and Warrior Pro Wrestling’s first show of 2020 is going to be a great one. Three titles are on the line, plus a brutal unsanctioned match with two of the promotion’s biggest stars. And on top of all that, Senator Phillips Retirement Tour stops by San Jose for his first and last appearance in Warrior Pro.


Tune in tonight at 5pm PST for all the action, LIVE ON TWITCH.


Match Previews:

Red Masterson (w/Doc Wyatt) vs Brick Casey (w/ Lil Lariato)
This opener might break the ring before the night even begins. Brick makes his long-awaited comeback after shoulder surgery, and he’s picking up right where he left off, charging head first into the Jackson Hole Outlaws. He faces the man that replaced him in the group, the dangerous Texan, Red Masterson. Masterson is rumored to still be bothered by a rib injury he suffered at the hands of Cowboy Johnston, and there is added intrigue by both Doc Wyatt and Lil Lariato scheduled to act as cornermen for the match.

Intercontinental Title: Jimmy Hawkins vs Robino (c)
A rematch from the finals of the Gorilla Tournament, that saw Robino win the IC belt in dramatic fashion. Jimmy Hawkins has been on a tear since returning from AAW- can he avenge his only loss since his return, and reclaim the IC belt for Warrior Pro? Or will the bouncy Bostonian continue his impressive run and continue undefeated through iWe’s rival promotion?

Lucha POWER World Title: Pantero Negro Jr. vs Dungeon Dominguez (c)
Lucha POWER has been quiet since breaking from La Guerra in October, but this rivalry has been simmering since last summer. Dungeon has been an unstoppable force for the promotion, but after settling his feud with Nightmare Clown, Pantero Negro has had his sights fully set on the championship gold. This will be a perfect showcase for next month’s “Lucha Fantastico,” and will likely set the direction for the promotion in the coming year.

Senator Retirement Tour: Senator Steve Phillips vs Lanky Lefty McDaniel
Senator Phillips Retirement Tour has been one classic match after another, as the Hall of Famer has turned back the clock in this final run. Tonight, he’ll answer Lefty McDaniel’s challenge in his sole appearance in Warrior Pro in what fans hope is a match to be remembered.

John Logan vs Machine Gun Mayhem (unsanctioned street fight)
This… escalated quickly. Joh Logan, out for months with a knee injury, was set to address fans at the first Warrior Grounds of the new year, except he never got the chance. Instead he was brutally attacked by Machine Gun Mayhem- out to make a statement of his own. The result is an unsanctioned street fight that will be officiated by Tank McDaniel.

This just in: An added stipulation insisted by MGM: The ring will be covered by light tubes for the match. Logan has agreed…

Warrior Pro World Heavyweight Title: Lobo Muerte (c) vs Vic Baron
The main event will, for the first time, not feature Doc Wyatt or John Logan. Instead it will feature Lobo Muerte, an unlikely underdog who dethroned the reigning champion, and Vic Baron- the reigning Tag Team champion who has been chasing a shot at the top prize for over a year. Can Lobo continue his unlikely run? Can Vic live up to the Baron family name and become a third-generation champion?

All of these questions get answered TONIGHT at NEW DAWN.