Blog Anniversary
(random ramblings from the Mangler)
Today is the 5th anniversary of the rebirth of the Mangler Wrestling site.
You have Alex Miller (The Cave) to thank for that and I truly appreciate him for it. While I was reading his site in 2020, he mentioned (The Cave: Firsts) that one of my stories, ( A Family Affair), was the first wrestling story he read, and he had many complimentary things to say. Interestingly enough, he had some parts of the story he really didn't like (referred to them as yucky), but he mentioned what he did like: is so not my personal taste but the inter-character dynamics got me through that.
I found (and still find) that sentence very interesting. I think inter-character dynamics were the least successful part of my early stories, and while my newer ones are better, I still find them lacking. Alex does a way better job of that, and that is one reason I enjoy his stories so much. He brings his characters to life.
The evolution of my site and my writing style have shown real growth in those five years, although I still don't consider myself a great writer. Storyteller—yes; great writer—no.
The biggest changes I have seen since I first started writing stories (back in 2000) and within the last five years have been the explosion of independent wrestling and the "underground wrestling scene." I was told by one master of that genre that he preferred the term "custom wrestling scene," but I'm old-fashioned and still use the older term.
When I first got into the underground wrestling scene, you essentially had BG and then BG East. There were some older, Old Reliable photos and wrestling tapes around, but for quality, you went to the best. This is a very interesting Wikipedia piece on Old Reliable.
Since then, there has been an increase in the number of such companies, with varying degrees of quality and success. But MOST IMPORTANTLY an increase in the number. And, of course, in the last year or so, the explosion of Watchfighters and individual wrestlers being able to present more of their personal matches increases the opportunity for you to find a match you really like.
And if you can't find a match that pushes your buttons, you can custom order one, sometimes from an individual wrestler, sometimes from a company. I have ordered three custom matches from Wrestler4hire and have been very satisfied with them.
If you are interested, all three can be ordered online.
Zach Altivito & Mark Muscle vs Cameron and Ethan
Cameron vs. Ethan Andrews with guest ref
Jonny Firestorm and Ethan Andrews vs. Brad Barnes and Braden Charron, with Morgan Cruise as the ref—sadly, I couldn't find a link for this one.
And yes, Ethan Axel Andrews is one of my go-to wrestlers.
Cameron probably cringes when I request a custom because I like Tag Team matches, and he states they are a lot of trouble to film.
A Final Few Pleas
Let the wrestlers and writers that you like know it. A 'like' on their social media website or (even better) a quick email or comment on their site is all that is required. And all the comments don't have to be complimentary. If there is something you don't like, mention it, BUT be respectful when you do. And if you can, support them by purchasing their products.
To those writers who contributed to the original site, especially Crusher, Gym Dude, Cocky Punk, Sal Bruno, Punk Wrestler, A very large thank you. I could not have originally done this without you. If you a reading this, perhaps drop me a line letting me know how you are doing -- or maybe a new story 😁 (I believe I managed to upset one of you recently, but I didn't really mean to.)😞
And the final final, to those who helped start the "underground" scene and keep it going, a Very Big Thank You. I don't believe there are enough words to express how grateful I and many others are. There are way too many of you to mention, but thank you especially to my firsts:
Kid Leopard
Sailor Rob
Tiger Collins
Andy Bailey
I'm not sure how long I will be doing this, but I look forward to a productive 2025.
Thank you,
Mangler
Thank you for all of your work and efforts over the decades. I have been a fan of your stories and the opportunities given of other authors to post their great stories. I was excited to discover your blog a few months ago and deeply honored that my stories are still available as I am the author, Mr Phil. Back so long ago I would purchase the stories and sketches from BG that would fill my certain kinks. It was definitely a limited world back then and I am glad people like you were brave enough to create a format for people with like interests. Thank you again for keeping this alive.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. I agree the wrestling scene has come a long way since BG and BG East started. They will always have a special place in my heart.
DeleteAs for Mr. Phil --- well damn!!! Those have been three of my favorite stories as they combine two of my favorite subjects in a wrestling match: ballbusting and humiliation. Surely, you have another story in that brain of yours.
Again, thanks for the kind words and for following the blog.
Glad to hear that you like the stories. I was never sure if they fit in and I am not the greatest at filling in all the wrestling moves as they do now. As I wrote those back in the early 80’s I enjoy the wrestling scene and have my own kinks of ballbusting, humiliation and especially wrestling gear with mishaps. When I get a chance I will try to figure out how to write and post for your review to see if they are good for posting. Thanks again from Mr Phil
DeleteOh hey Mr. Phil! You've got my favorite stories on this site for sure. Love it when cocky, hung studs get their fat balls blasted in the ring! Any chance you might be writing a new story?
DeleteYou can email me privately at manglerwrestling@yahoo.com if you wish
ReplyDeleteManagler, the day you stop putting out your wrestling stories will be a sad one. Let's hope that Hell freezes over first. In the meantime, here's to your having a productive 2025.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for you, Mr. Phil, let me second Managler's praise of your work and also say well damn!!! "Country vs. City" is a favorite of mine.
Mr. Phil and others, I just finished reading Phil and Mark's Revenge Match and absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I’m happy you took my comment in stride and saw the praise in it! It never occurs to me that the subjects of my posts will read them, given how obscure my blog is. I wouldn’t use ‘yucky’ again (for multiple reasons) but it all worked out!
ReplyDelete