Feedback concerning talent roster changes

[SHIMMER office]

Though we at the SHIMMER office have a gameplan in mind for Volumes 7 & 8 of the SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES DVD series, which will be filmed later this summer once again in the Chicago area, we are always interested in fan feedback concerning the talent we are putting to use on our events.

Volumes 5 & 6 included 21 of the top female competitors from around the world, and resulted in what I feel were the two best, top to bottom, DVD releases we will have put forward when all is said and done. At the very same time, 21 wrestlers made for a jam packed taping, which ran over six hours in length (including the intermission), which can be very taxing on the live crowd as the taping nears completion.

I know several fans have been pushing for SHIMMER to introduce new talent into the mix in the future, but while many of those suggested certainly deserve the opportunity to show what they are capable of amongst the SHIMMER regulars, that also means boosting the roster to upwards of 24 or more wrestlers. Doing so would only serve to lengthen the taping/DVD time, and you must keep in mind that our schedule requires that we film two DVD releases per live event.

Our question, just for general fan feedback and suggestions, as we finalize the talent list for Volumes 7 & 8, is which current roster members would you feel should be put on the back burner (not permanently, but more on a rotating basis of being a part of the tapings on a semi-regular basis, so as to allow new talent to be added the mix), and who would you like to see introduced as new faces in the SHIMMER ranks (and why).

We value the opinions and feeback of our fan base, and look forward to your thoughts. Needless to say, those who were in attendance at the 5/21 taping of Vols. 5 & 6 have more to work with concerning such feedback, having seen the debuts of wrestlers such as Serena Deeb, Amazing Kong, Portia Perez, Josie, etc.

Thanks for your continued support of SHIMMER, and look for Volume 4 (which is the most lengthy DVD release since Volume 1) to be released during the second week of July by ROH!

[teamblondagefan]

Interesting, but sad.

I'd honestly hate to see any of the current talent to be put on the sidelines. But it is understandable. In my most honest opinion, I'd say Ringer. Nothing against her personally as I am a huge fan of her, but she was absent for Vol's 5&6(I know it's not her fault), I think it would be fair to have her return in Vol 8.

Also, is Christie Ricci ever going to re-debut?

[bullshizzle]

Wow, thats a tough one. So far everyone that has come by into SHIMMER has put in a lot of effort into what they do. I wouldn't like to put the newer girls names out there since Vol. 5 would be the first time that I see them wrestle.

But to answer your question I would say Cindy Rodgers to be someone who could be brought back to another show after Vol. 7&8. I love Cindy's wrestling style and would like to see her in some more high profile matches. But from show reports it sounds like she has to be there and then get out of Berwyn ASAP. That's the only logical reason I could come up with.

As for new talent I would like to see Lufisto or Nattie Neidhart brought into SHIMMER. Lufisto would bring in a new kind of intensity to SHIMMER with her wrestling. She is a solid wrestler. She would be able to fill in a void in the mid-card (if Melissa, MsChif, and Allison are moved to the main event level).

Nattie has a recognizable last name and she can wrestle. I have only seen Nattie the heel, but after seeing that I don't think that I would ever want to see the woman as a face. She is that good of a heel. Her style reminds me of Beth Pheonix only with more mat wrestling involved. Although at this time I don't know if she is still recovering from surgery, but according to her website she is taking a booking on Aug.26 in Oklahoma.

[teamblondagefan]

I'd like to see Madison, from Supergirls in the next two volumes. If you've ever seen her work, you'd know she is an amazing athlete and she most definitely can wrestle. Have her rematch against Knox and she won't disappoint.

[cyclonekid]

This is really tough. You never want to say someone DOESN'T deserve a spot. Especially with all the work these girls have put in over the past 6-7 months. There's no one I've seen on the shows that I really thought "I don't ever want to see her again." If I had to pick one, probably Amber O'Neal. She's GREAT at her character and at getting the fans to react, but her in-ring stuff, as a signles wrestler, is probably my least favorite. That said, I won't be dissapointed at all if she is on the Volume 7-8 talent roster.

I haven't seen a ton of the other indy girls, but I'll echo the sentiments for Lufisto and Nattie Neidhart. From everything I've seen from them, both can go.
'

[mercedesmartinez1]

i would have to say Amber O'Neal.

I would like to see Lufisto get on the roster, i feel she and Mercedes would put on a match that could top either Del Ray bout other the match with Mercedes & Melissa from Chick Fight 4.

[igby]

Hey guys,

Way to put the fans on the spot! I am going to rise to the challenge though and list in order who I think is indispenasble on the roster. My apologies if I hurt anybody's feelings...

1 (tie). Sara Del Rey & Lacey
2. Rebecca Knox
3. Rain
4. Nikki Roxx
5. Cheerleader Melissa
6. Daizee Haze
7. Allison Danger
8. MsChif
9. Mercedes Martinez
10. Tiana Ringer
11. Portia Perez
12. Amber O'Neal
13. Lorelei Lee
14. Ariel
15. Serena Deeb
16. Christie Ricci
17. Cindy Rogers
18. Lexie Fyfe
19. Malia Hosaka
20. Josie
21. Amazing Kong
22. Ann Brookstone


As for who I'd most like to see added...

1. Alexa Thatcher
2. Amy Love
3. Lollipop
4. Lufisto
5. Scarlet Rose
6. Persephone
7. Talia
8. AJ Sparx
9. Jessica James
10. Kayla Sparx
11. Jenelle Sinclair
12. Venus

[haysihawk]

igby said:

19. Malia Hosaka
20. Josie
21. Amazing Kong
22. Ann Brookstone

I'll take a wild guess that you weren't at the 5/21 taping to actually see Amazing Kong before placing her as low as you did. If you were there, what are your reasons for ranking her so low?

[igby]

haysihawk said:

igby said:

19. Malia Hosaka
20. Josie
21. Amazing Kong
22. Ann Brookstone

I'll take a wild guess that you weren't at the 5/21 taping to actually see Amazing Kong before placing her as low as you did. If you were there, what are your reasons for ranking her so low?

she just doesn't do anything for me man. different strokes...

[cubsptrain]

I would have to believe that in the long run, the most valuable person to Shimmer is Rebecca Knox bar none. While many would argue that Sara, Melissa, and others would have that spot, I must disagree.

After watching Knox for two tapings now, she is absolutely the real deal and has taken over my top spot as #1 female wrestler in the world. Not only is she a phenominal athlete, but she also has the personality and makes you want to hate her but cant wait to cheer her. Lacey wishes she had the heelish antics of the K-Nox.

As to who I would dispense...I wouldn't want to get rid of any of the girls, but this is purely based on who I would want to see and who I think would benefit Shimmer down the line.

#1 Rebecca Knox - The above is my arguement.

#2 Sara Del Rey - The wrestling ability is superb. The ability to make the crowd care is just as good. And there is no doubt in my mind that when the time is right, Sara will make a tremendous heel. That's right, Sara as a heel. I totally see it happening. But not until the Del Rey vs. Knox epic encounter takes place.

#3 Cheerleader Melissa - Again, before I got a look of K-Nox, Melissa was the best female wrestler in the world. The two hover between 1 and 2 constantly, but in the long run, I just see Knox being there. There is a reason she is a "Future Legend." As much as I hate to say it, I think Shimmer should get Melissa as long as she is not in WWE which I think will be the ultimate outcome.

#4 Nikki Roxx - I could not stand Nikki going in to Vol. 5. I thought she was boring and did not have much to show. Her match with Kong COMPLETELY changed my mind. Nikki is without doubt the next big babyface in Shimmer. I could see Nikki being Shimmer's first "home grown" main eventer.

#5 Allison Danger - She is the "head" of the Shimmer locker room for a reason. She has grown as a performer in the ring with leaps and bounds over the past year or so and cannot wait to see her continue to improve.

#6 Rain - In my opinion, not only the more talented of the Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew, but also the one who Shimmer could benefit from. I'll get to Lacey down the line...but I saw Rain hold her own, if not carry men in a match at an AAW show.

#7 Amazing Kong - She is a monster. And while granted, she looks like Mark Henry, she could work circles around Henry. She and Nikki had one of the best Shimmer matches. I am truly looking forward to seeing more of her.

#8 Daziee Haze - The Haze is a great athlete. She is, with Lacey, was a great way to draw in the Ring of Honor audience. With that being said, I would like to see Daziee take a less prominent role. I don't mean drown out to the background, but maybe have a feud with Rain or Serena.

#9 MsChif - Gives Shimmer it's "pyscho" character. To see her with K-Nox for a match would be great.

#10 Serena Deeb - While at the Vol 5 & 6 taping, the only thing I could think about during her matches was how good she was and how awesome it would be if she would stick around. I would love to see her get a shot in the ring with a bigger name...Lacey, Rain, etc.

Wrestlers I think should stay:

Mercedes Martinez - I'm not saying she should go at all. She is a tremendous wrestler...there is absolutely no question about that. But that is the only thing I see her bringing to the table. I want to see her outside of a feud with Sara to see what she can do.

Lacey - Same with Mercedes, she should absolutley stay but I am very bored with Lacey's character. We get it, she doesn't like the fans. She is good in the ring, but other than that, she just annoys me now. I am not going to make it a big case or anything, but Lacey has been on my X list for a couple of weeks, so this could just be me upset.

Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka - (For each) She's a great heel that the crowd loves to boo. She is very good in her role of tough veteran. I enjoy her work especially when paired together.

Tiana Ringer - She was really good in her performances. I would like to see her again.

Wrestlers that

Wrestlers I think should go:

Lorelei Lee - After 2 tapings, she has not shown me anything. Her matches are usually some sort of break for me.

Cindy Rogers - Snooze. Fest. She needs some sort of personality. It reminds me of Rocky Maivia. Being called a great talent can only get you so far.

Amber O'Neal - There was a reason WWE signed Krissy Vaine and not Amber. Krissy worked great as the dumb blonde, Amber doesn't.

Christie Ricci - There is probably a reason we haven't seen her since Vol. 1. Hell, I don't even remember her. That probably means something.

As for Ariel, Portia Perez, and Josie, I think they are there to be good guys for the bad guys to beat up. Whatever happens to them would not bother me either way.

Hope this sparks some debate...

[varan619]

Ok, here's the twelve wrestlers I think should be booked whenever available:

1. Rebecca Knox
2. Cheerleader Melissa
3. Tiana Ringer
4. Allison Danger
5. Sara Del Ray
6. Daizee Haze
7. Lacey
8. Rain
9. MsChif
10. Mercedes Martinez
11. Nikki Roxx
12. LuFisto (NEW)

Everyone else should be booked in rotation to fill the card and replace those above that are unavailable. In addition to talent we've already seen in Shimmer, other names I would like to see added to the rotation are Danyah Rays, The 21st Century Fox and Cherry Bomb. No special reason, just that I am more familair with women wrestling in Ontario... but I don't actually live there.

It should be noted that I live in San Diego and have never been to a live Shimmer event. I am considering making a trip to Chicago to catch a future event (9 & 10 would probably be the soonest). The three names I would hope to see on the card above all before buying my ticket are Knox, Melissa and Ringer.

Edit - Oh, and if you can get Niedhart for one taping before she goes to WWE (like you did with Nikita) than super!

[michaelwayne]

I'd like to see Ricci back. Cindy is very talented, but as stated above, personality goes a long way from the match being seen as "boring".

I'm being asked to make a list of females to include in future SHIMMER shows, and with that...

AJA Kong - her stiffness alone would make any match entertaining.

Mariko Yoshida - the new "future legend" of the industry, could have a top match with a brick.

KAORU - she hasn't retired yet, but from what I'm understanding, taking limited bookings. Selling her on some SHIMMER dates could bring some great matches to dvd. And in the process help the joshi scene in Japan as well.

Valentina - I watched some of her matches from WEW. And while she's not great, she's not terrible either. Working in SHIMMER would give her a better environment to improve and put on some great performances.

April Hunter - why the hell not

Lufisto - great talent, can go in the ring, I'd love to see her there.

Nattie - I'm surprised you guys haven't aqquired her to SHIMMER already! She's great looking, charismatic, and talented. Everything you could want. And if SHIMMER comes to Tampa and she's there with Lufisto, I will mark out like a little boy in a toy store.

Talia - I certainly wouldn't have any grudges with Talia working some shows either.

[stew]

Tough one. I can't comment on those girls who appeared on Vols 5 & 6 though.

Indispensibles:
Rebecca Knox, Cheerleader Melissa, Sara Del Rey, MsChif, Rain, Daizee Haze, Allison Danger, Mercedes Martinez, Malia Hosaka

Not indispensible, but I'd still prefer to see kept:
Lexie Fyfe (everything she does, Malia Hosaka does better), Lacey (everything she does, Rain does better), Nikki Roxx, Cindy Rogers, Tiana Ringer (all three of these girls I think have plenty of potential and I want to see that develop)

I'd put on the back burner:
Ariel (has never really connected with me), Lorelei Lee (I feel bad about this, because it's only really based on the Vol 3 match, whichg wasn't necessarily bad), Amber O'Neal (she's lost without Krissy Vaine. I'd keep her if she was doing a new Team Blondage, but not as a solo), Christie Ricci (blah)

I'd introduce:
Nattie Neidhart (I've been pushing for this one for a while - a Nattie Neidhart vs Cheerleader Melissa rematch is needed. Plus, she's got the name value which could inspire some people to pick up the show due to curiosity)

Sweet Saraya (now that Nikita has moved on, Saraya can be the UK's gift to SHIMMER. She's a far better talker than just about anyone on the roster from what I've heard, she can wrestle with the best, she's got a distinctive look and she carries herself as something special)

Sumie Sakai (I think there's a problem here given that she works for WEW, but I'd love to see Sumie work SHIMMER)

Alere Little Feather (I've always enjoyed what I've seen of her)

Ivory (she's accepting indy dates. If SHIMMER could afford her price, she'd be a great name to bring in to help establish some stars.)

I also quite like the look of Vanessa Harding, but I've only seen a couple of matches.

[tsjaypcn]

Rebecca Knox is absolutely indispensable, as virtually every above poster has said. She's an elite level wrestler by any scale, and has the most effortless personality of anyone on the SHIMMER roster. She needs to be kept at any cost.

Sara del Ray is probably the best female wrestler on the planet bar none, and has had legitimate Match of the Year contenders on every SHIMMER release thus far.

Lacey, Daizee, Melissa, Mercedes, MsChif, and Allison are the "names' everyone is familiar with from ROH and other indy exploits (CHIKARA, IWA-MS, etc.) so they need to be kept, obviously.

Rain is insanely underrated by indy fans - she has just as much personality as Lacey does and her matches tend to be much more faster-paced with some more dynamic wrestling (such as bigger moves...yes I know that's not what makes "great wrestling" but it's still fun as hell to watch.) The Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew as a unit are tremendous.

Amazing Kong I think adds something different to SHIMMER shows...a massive immovable object who strikes fear into opponents. She'd be neat in an "Abyss"-type role...a monster/occasional title challenger (for whenever SHIMMER gets a title)...She's not needed for EVERY show/taping, but she's in Japan a lot anyway and it would be good to have in once in awhile.

Ariel I think was really hurt in SHIMMER fans' eyes by missing the 3 and 4 tapings. Out of all of the New England wrestlers in SHIMMER, she's the 2nd-most talented behind Mercedes. She had a great match with Rain on Volume 1 that proves she's more than capable of hanging at the level SHIMMER expects, and she can play face and heel equally well. If fans at the live shows don't buy her as a babyface, turn her heel because she can deliver in that role bigtime. I say keep her because her full potential really hasn't been shown yet to SHIMMER audiences.

Oh, and I really enjoyed Daizee vs. Portia Perez...Portia looked really good in the short timeframe she had and I'd be very intrigued to see how she matches up with other members of the roster.

[michaelwayne]

I'd like to see Nora make some appearances if she has any interest in working SHIMMER.. Ivory put on a classic with Melissa shortly before her release from WWE and Nora could no doubt shine with the entire roster 6 times over.

Melissa/Nora
Nora/K-Knox
Nora/Del Ray