| DGUSA has partners all over the US. Looking a bit behind the curtain at “Untouchable,” everyone can see just how valuable these partnerships can be. In this particular case, we will look at the value in the partnership with AAW: Pro Wrestling Redefined. Saturday, September 5 AAW Presents “Defining Moment: Us Vs. Them” If you have ever wondered “what’s in it for them” in regard to DGUSA’s partner promotions, one need look no further than this event for AAW. AAW is a Midwestern promotion with events in Iowa and Illinois. The bulk of their events happen in the shadow of the Chicago skyline at the Eagles Club in nearby Berwyn, IL. That very venue’s intimate setting would be the stage set for what was AAW’s most successful event to date. Now, when it comes to independent pro wrestling promotions, a lot of folks deem an event’s success solely upon the live event’s draw. AAW on many occasions has sold out the Berwyn Eagles Club. So, what was it that set this night apart from other sellouts before it? Previous sellouts at this venue were seldom seen outside of those in the greater Chicago area. This was AAW’s chance to perform to a different scope of audience. Fans had literally come from different regions of the world for DGUSA’s Chicago debut the following day. Though our stage was very familiar, the eyes watching were potentially very different. AAW has set itself apart from a very wrestling saturated market in Chicago with its production values and frequent cycling in of new, fresh talent that can’t necessarily be seen regularly at other area cards. Cycling this talent has helped their product continue to evolve. But, what people often forget to factor in is with more recognizable talents come significantly higher costs. Through its partnership with DGUSA, AAW was able to bring in great talents from other US regions at a fraction of the cost. It’s not too often a fan can get the chance to see stars like Johnny Gargano, Shiima Xion, and the Chikara six-man tag, in addition to many of the best in the Midwest and “Best in the World” Bryan Danielson. When one reads the lineup from “Us Vs. Them,” it doesn’t take an insider to tell you just how AAW has reaped the benefits of this relationship. Not only did AAW win over new fans with the more varied live audience mix, they gained a lot of business after the fact. AAW DVDs have been available through Smart Mark Video for some time. However, never before had they cracked the top ten sellers’ list. Upon its release, AAW’s “Defining Moment” immediately made its top ten debut. To say the weekend was a tremendous success from AAW’s standpoint in this relationship is a bold understatement. Sunday Morning/Afternoon, September 6 DGUSA Preparing To “Open the Untouchable Gate” The day began rather early for both the DGUSA and AAW crews. It was time for AAW to return the favor. The AAW crew took on the task of transforming a historic building (a former movie theater with all floor seats removed) into a wrestling hotbed, suitable for a future international release on Pay Per View known as “Untouchable.” So much work went into this event before the cameras even started rolling, and the AAW crew deserves recognition for their work. A lot of people already realize the ring used for DGUSA was indeed AAW’s with a different canvas and some strategically placed marketing materials. When you look at everything else that involved any form of setup from the guardrails to the curtains and the video promos to the audio queues, it was all handled by the AAW crew. The AAW gang took some of the most taxing, stressful work away from the event to allow the DGUSA officials to focus on what they do best, providing the best wrestling product in the world. Before anything even remotely pertaining to a wrestling match happened, there was another important event taking place thanks to our official event sponsor, Highspots. Not only had they set up a beautiful array of merchandise and wrestling memorabilia, they were key in providing our special guests. Thanks to Highspots, fans were treated to a rare tandem public appearance by WWE Hall of Fame broadcast duo Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jim Ross. As the Golden Ticket holders started to enter the venue for FRAY, everything surely seemed to be falling into place. Everything had almost been, dare I say it, easy. Everything was timely and done well. It might have been obvious to the fans as they expect excellence from DGUSA. What might not have been so obvious is just how much energy had gone into this event already. Sunday Evening, September 6 DGUSA Becomes “Untouchable” The fans are in. The lights are out. A video package begins to play. I get the word from Gabe, “Harvey, GO!” I assume my position in the ring, almost out of breath even though I haven’t physically done a damn thing. That’s about the time I thought to myself, “So much energy has gone into this event already. I hope the fans feel it as much as we do.” Then, it happened. -The video package had not even concluded yet. Not one person affiliated with DGUSA had done anything in front of most of this live audience.- “Dragon Gate...Dragon Gate...” -This crowd hasn’t even seen a match yet? What the hell?- “Dragon Gate...Dragon Gate...” -My god... and I thought we put energy into this event!- “Dragon Gate...Dragon Gate...” -Good lord, this is what is going to make this event. These fans are HOT!- “Dragon Gate...Dragon Gate...” -The lights are on, including the little red one on the hard camera. That’s “supposed” to be when I start the opening dialogue as the Live Event Host for the Pay Per View. This crowd is too far up, there’s no way they’d even hear me if I speak.- “Dragon Gate... Dragon Gate...” -OK, Harvey, the chant is simmering down, get out a line and start this thing.- “Dragon Gate USA is HERE in CHICAGO!” -Listen to this crowd! They are this nuts and they literally haven’t seen anything yet! I love this!- “I’m your Live Event Host, Kevin Harvey. Here at Dragon Gate USA we are all about action, so let’s get to it with our first match. It is a rematch...” After typing all that, I don’t know if I even remotely did justice to the overwhelmingly positive feeling I received from you, the DGUSA fans. From there, we were off and running. For Dragon Gate USA, the weekend was a big win all around. For AAW, the weekend and subsequent ticket and DVD sales have been a tremendous success indeed. For the guy in the suit with the best seat in the house, there were too many highlights to list. There were overtly humbling moments like when Jim Ross asked me to get the company background and info and the insanely positive conversation we shared as a result. A lot of that conversation was echoed in JR’s blog, so I can tell you his written words very much matched was he said and felt right there in the venue. There were the simply torturous ways in which the human arm is not intended to bend. However, Bryan Danielson showed me my perception was wrong, quickly using Naruki Doi’s left arm as an exhibit in his case. There were the seemingly superhuman efforts of Davey Richards and Shingo it what is already being discussed as a Match of the Year candidate. Once this Pay Per View hits November 6, the rest of the world will see why. From no matter what angle I look at this weekend from a professional or personal standpoint, this was a weekend full of wins for all sides. We look forward to all of you experiencing “Untouchable” this Friday. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or reliving the live event experience of Chicago, it is truly our pleasure to bring the best in the world of professional wrestling into your living rooms. Thank you for your continued support of Dragon Gate USA! |
