Journal

-The Temple Update, the official TV program of Temple University, has completed a feature on Bryce's balancing of college student and pro wrestling referee. Airdate is sometime during spring semester, and is available in the North Philadelphia area. Keep it here for updates and details.

-Bryce and fellow CHIKARAites Ultra/ZERO & the Conundrum are preparing to take to the air and fly to Florida for two shows for LXW in late February. These may be among the biggest shows of their career.

Wow, I haven't touched this in 4 months. That doesn't mean I have had nothing to say, it means that I realize that no one cares and I am lazy. It also means I have had one busy summer. I imagine today is as good as any day to update this seeing that it was one year ago tonight I reffed my first match, for JAPW in Bayonne, NJ. It amazes me how ignorant I was only a year ago, and how much I have learned from so many great guys since then. I still know that I have so much to learn, and that is why I still train once a week at the CHIKARA Wrestle Factory in Allentown, PA.(*PLUG*)

I will do my best to reflect on a summer gone by.... CHIKARA ran 5 shows, with highlights being the rockin' Anniversary show crowd and night 1 of the Tag World Grand Prix on July 5. I participated in two training sessions with Skayde, who if you don't know is the trainer of the Toryumon school in Mexico City. His knowledge is seemingly endless, and even as a referee and bystander, I learned so much from him. I anticipate his return in October.

I had all the intentions of becoming a traveling man, and travel I did this summer. I made my Connecticut debut in late July for NAWF, and returned in August for some CHIKARA 6-man showdown for JWA in Guilford. Why does it always rain when I visit CT? Anyone? I have become a regular part of the roster for KCW in Altoona. The locker room is great, the fans are great, and they have made me feel like part of the team. I trekked out to my childhood vacation land of Cleveland, OH, and worked for a great promotion out there, and met a lot of classy guys who I also learned a lot from. I have become a regular of sorts in the North Jersey area as well, participating in almost all of the JCW shows in Paramus and Garfield, and the ABC debut show in Boonton. I also reffed the annual J*Cup tournament, which was won by my buddy Jay Lethal. I couldn't think of a better guy.

Of course, my personal highlight of the summer was the super fantastic road trip of doom the WildCards, Jigsaw, and I ventured on in August. I actually got to work 5 nights in a row, slept/watched tapes at Chris Hero's famous house, and train with said Hero at the IWA Arena. Some of these shows were the biggest of my career, partly because we were so far from home, but one was at the TNA Asylum in Nashville.

I can't describe how lucky I felt that night, almost as if I did not deserve to be there. I met a lot of people I never thought I would, appeared in front of the biggest crowd of my career(in the 800 range), and made my national TV debut. I got some constructive criticism from the powers that be at TNA, and was invited back for another shot.

We also found ourselves working in the infamous IWA Arena in Clarksville, IN. This night was the NY triad's night, because their match blew a lot of people away, and I know it meant a lot to them. I was nothing but proud of my friends. We also were on a show in an amazing building in Evansville, IN, and two shows for NWA Main Event down in Tennessee. I won't bother trying to explain the unlimited funny stories from the trip, but let's just say what happens on the road, stays on the road.

I have to recognize a few people that created some unforgettable memories for me over the course of the summer.... Chris Hero and Dave Prazak for their hospitality, open arms and all around helpfulness... My main man Chuck the superfan for laughs... The crazy CHIKARA chicas for the sunglasses...I was seriously touched... The DOI crew for interviewing me for their website... Joey Matthews for the 30 minute psychology talk... I'm sure I forgot some, so in general, thanks to the fans, my friends in and out of the business, and the family for the support.

Slowing down is not an option, as the CHIKARA boys prepare to take our longest, and bravest road trip to date, to Maple Grove, Minnesota for some MPW action next week. Major ups to our boy Arik Cannon for everything. Here's hoping for a safe and fun trip... I will finally be debuting for VCW in Newport News, VA, and trying to balance my returns to KCW, JCW, and Cleveland All Pro. Don't be surprised if I pop up on TNA Explosion again before the end of the year, either... Finally, last but not least, CHIKARA resurfaces for the autumn season with 4 shows, the first of which will be held in good old St. John's Hall in Allentown on Sept. 27! www.chikarapro.com for details!

I can only hope for a fraction of the fun times and schtuff in year #2 of my career. I will be doing my best to duplicate an amazing year. I thrive on your feedback, so bring it on. E-mail me at BryceTheRef@aol.com or sign the guestbook. Eat your vegetables....

If you haven't heard yet, shame on you... CHIKARA marks its 1 year Anniversary with a blowout show on Saturday May 24. If you were ever considering going to a CHIKARA show, this is THE ONE. First time on American soil in over 3 years, and the first time in CHIKARA's history, 10 Man Tag Team Match! Feuds will come to a head at St. John's Auditorium.

Today is also an anniversary of sorts for myself. 1 year ago today I walked into a wrestling ring for the first time and began my training with Mr. Reckless Youth. CHIKARA has changed my life, I feel I belong to something, and a part of something. Something I am very proud of. Here's hoping for another fun, hopefully successful year.

The anniversary show makes it hard for me to believe that it has been a year since "the Renaissance Dawned". I was thrust into the role of ring announcer 12 days after i started training, and as I sat and watched from ringside, I knew something special was happening. Perhaps we have not reached our full potential, and we haven't hit our stride yet, but slowly but surely, little by little, we gain momentum with each show. My first night as a member of the business couldn't have been capped off any better than with a 6-man(what would later become a CHIKARA hallmark) pitting Reckless/Quack/Montoya vs. Punk/Hero/Cabana. These were 6 of my favorites as a fan, and I will never forget this match. I have watched the tape over and over, and it brings back the memories of that special night. Here we are a year removed, and this time we're doing it 10 man style. Anyone who can read this right now, find your way to our Anniversary show, and I vow you will not be disappointed.

I have been lucky enough to become very active as of late, with a CM Punk weekend warrior streak now up to 9 weekends. I have visited some new promotions, as well as participated in CHIKARA's recent popularity surge. Over the last few weeks, a few folks, both fans and talent have complimented me on my reffing work. I realize no one pays attention to the refs, so this means a lot. I am living my dream, and to be complimeted on it makes my day. I do my best, always, for whatever promotion, and to have it noticed is nice.

Good old CHIKARA is chugging along with shows at homebase in Allentown this weekend(May 10) and the big 1 year anniversary show on May 24. We have had some hot crowds at St. John's the last 2 shows, and I can assure you the momentum will continue along through these two shows and the summer. We thank each and every fan that checks us out. We are trying to be ourselves, and carve a previously unfilled niche in indy wrestling, and having fun and maybe entertaining a few folks while doing it. The crew is as tight as ever, traveling the roads and whatnot together. A fun time is always guaranteed when the 'family' gets together. Much love for making some very unfun situations fun, and for the friendships.

In March, I started working for JCW out of North Jersey. The locker room has been nothing but cool to me since my arrival, and I have become part of the full time crew. They have a TV deal, and some talented guys, so check them and me out throughout June. (6/8-Garfield, 6/15-Passaic, 6/29-Paramus)

I was also fortunate enough to be a part of the inaugural PXW show in Colmar, PA. I was treated great there, and I regretfully have to miss the next show due to a school trip to London. That shouldn't stop you! Give them a shot in their return to Colmar on May 30. I ventured west a few times, with two CHIKARA shows in Wall, PA, and for FNW in Latrobe last weekend. We met some great fans in Wall, and a special shoutout to two rad kids we met at the "Hollow Tavern" restaurant in Latrobe.

I am looking forward to a busy, traveling summer. I have been in talks with new promotions, and am excited about expanding my operations, meeting new people, and going new places. I am having so much fun, and making new memories on a regular basis, so I can't complain. Indy wrestling is unexplainable to those who haven't experienced it, and I am finding that more and more to be true week in and week out. All smiles from my end as I anticipate a crazy week worth of finals and a 5 day trip to London. Again, thanks for the support and sign the guestbook! Good vibes to everyone... I am outtie for now.