Another year in wrestling, and there’s plenty to be thankful for…

Today in the USA is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday – next to Christmas. It’s not just because I love the food… though I do. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and pumpkin freaking pie. But the thing that I enjoy even more is taking stock of all the things I am thankful for.

I am a pretty fortunate guy, if I am being totally honest. I have a beautiful wife that I love with every cell in my body. I have a job that allows to help students (and gives me access to space to record my podcasts). I have a podcast and a great podcast partner. My family and friends are doing well and I am getting healthy with the help of JOPO! Overall, life is good. And that goodness spills over to the world of wrestling.

2018 has seen some fantastic matches, angles, and wrestlers come to the forefront of the business. While the main roster of WWE is problematic at best and the company as a whole is in the middle of an international incident that makes me sick, there is still so much to be thankful for. So, here are my top five Things to be thankful for in wrestling this year!

5. Becky Lynch

The Lass Kicker, The MAN. Becky has come on in a big way over the last couple of months and my god was she needed. The women’s division was becoming so stale. We saw the same people fighting each other over and over. How many times can we see Bayley and Sasha take on the Riott Squad? Asuska has been botched and there was Carmella.

But Becky, she came along and she has changed the game. She is by far the best thing going in WWE. All of it. She has become a unifying force for the WWE Universe. They see something fresh, new and organic in her. She wasn’t created to get over like this. She did all the hard work herself and she is amazing. And sweet Jesus her Twitter game is next level. She is killing little Ronnie every damn day and it’s beautiful.

4. Being The Elite

The utter joy this show gives me is almost measurable. Each week the BTE crew put together super-funny and engaging content that just works on so many levels. Cody shines on the show but the SCU boys are always good for a laugh. If you want an unsung hero of the show, Juice Robinson was fantastic in his 2-3 appearances.

Watching the lead up to All In, all the hard work and the gamble that is was made the show that much sweeter to watch. I totally understand why the core group (Bucks, Cody, Kenny, Marty and Page) don’t want to go to WWE. The is no way they would get the freedom they do to make this kind of content. They are all true artists and they want that freedom. And can anyone blame them.

3. Magnum C.K.

I love my local indy wrestling company, AIW. I have friends I see there, I have seen wrestlers like Zack Saber Jr, Ultimo Dragon, and I got to see Johnny Gargano’s last independent match. But one of the best things I have ever seen since I have been going is a man called Magnum C.K. He is a member of The Production, a group of angry theater kids. He is the absolute embodiment of charisma. Think Andy Kaufman but even better.

In the short time I have seen his work, he has become one of my all-time favorites. I am going to see him tomorrow, but unfortunately it will be his last show. He has injuries that are causing him to retire and it’s heartbreaking. I have no doubt in my mind he would be a mega star if given the chance. Here is his last promo, which he calls monologues. He is the lord of SportsEntertiania and I will miss him so much.

FINAL MONOLOGUE
This Friday, Cleveland.@aiwrestling has its last stand at Mt. Carmel.
I have my last stand in pro wrestling.https://t.co/x3Ywm9I4lm pic.twitter.com/dxQidWJybY

— C.K. Parsons (@TheMAGNUMCK) November 22, 2018

2. Progress Wrestling

I was so lucky to get to see this London-based company over the summer. My wrestling road trip to Chicago and Detroit was one of the most fun things I have done in years. Getting to see and meet people like Trent Seven, Tyler Bate, Jinny, Jack Sexsmith, and so many more – I was blown away. The Chicago show, in particular, was the best wrestling show I have ever seen in my entire life. I was ringside and I have never had so much fun at a show ever. I also got a special shoutout from Jim Smallman. I have a full recap coming soon, but I still look at the pictures and smile. It was truly magical.

1. Senter Stage

While my podcast isn’t only about wrestling, we talk about it a lot and I am thankful I have the outlet to talk about this thing I love so much. I have had the pleasure to interview a wrestler, PB Smooth, and I have more coming. Bringing Zach on board as the co-host has been one of the best moves I have made. He is amazing and makes the show so much better. I see big things for the show in 2019 and I can’t wait.

So there you go. I have to finish cooking the turkey, so off I go. Happy Thanksgiving and remember, you’re the tops!