The joshis were a joy to work with this past weekend. Can't wait to have them back.

Here are previews of Buddy LaMantia's ringside photos from the Volume 27 portion of the November 8, 2009 SHIMMER tapings in Berwyn, IL.

SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES returns to live action on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, just outside Chicago. Bell time is 2pm. Doors open at 1pm. This event will celebrate SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary, as Volumes 27 & 28 of the SHIMMER DVD series will be filmed during the course of the event.

Front row seating to November 8th is already SOLD OUT. General admission seating is still available, at a cost of $20 plus $1 shipping per ticket. Over half of the available seating has already been sold, so act fast if you want to attend! You can order tickets online right now by using the PayPal buttons at the link below.

http://visuex.com/shimmer/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=44

Alternately, you may order tickets by mail order (check or money order). If you wish to place a mail order for tickets, please E-mail dave_prazak@yahoo.com for instructions.

The first 24 wrestlers for the taping have been unveiled as part of the SHIMMER 4th Anniversary Promotional Card design, which you can preview below. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can be sent FREE glossy promo cards in the mail by simply E-mailing shimmernews@yahoo.com with your full name and postal mailing address.







...and that's not even the complete talent list. Mark your calendars! Sunday, November 8th!

http://www.shimmerwrestling.com/

International star AYAKO HAMADA debuts for SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES as part of SHIMMER's "4th Anniversary Celebration" tapings on Sunday, November 8, 2009, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, just outside Chicago!




AYAKO HAMADA - Height: 5'4" Weight: 143 lbs. Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico. Pro Debut: August 1998. Ayako Hamada has been one of the premier female professional wrestlers worldwide for much of the past decade. Mainly competing in Mexico and Japan thus far in her career, Hamada brings an exciting blend of wrestling styles to the squared circle. The daughter of wrestler Gran Hamada, Ayako's championship accolades include capturing the Queen of ARSION title in late 2000, winning the prestigious WWWA singles championship in All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling during 2003, and becoming AAAW champion in GAEA during 2004. In recent years, Hamada has put much of her focus on competition in Mexico, including an impressive run with AAA. She recently inked a deal with TNA Wrestling in the United States, and is now poised to capture the attention of the U.S. wrestling world. Ayako Hamada makes her mark in SHIMMER rings beginning November 8th!




Tickets for SHIMMER's "4th Anniversary Celebration" event on Sunday, November 8, 2009, are currently available at http://www.SHIMMERwrestling.com/ for purchase. Front row seating is already SOLD OUT. Less than 100 general admission seats remain available at a cost of $20 each, before we reach venue capacity. Secure your tickets quickly if you'd like to attend.




http://www.shimmerathletes.com/

SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES returns to live action on Saturday & Sunday, October 24th & 25th, 2009 at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, just outside Chicago. Bell time each day will be 2pm Central. Each day of taping will conclude by 8pm Central.

The October 24th & 25th weekend festivities will celebrate SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary! Volumes 27, 28, 29, and 30 will be filmed over the course of the two days of tapings. We will have an after party both nights at Michael Anthony's Restaurant & Bar in Berwyn as well.

Front row reserved seating for the entire SHIMMER 4th Anniversary Weekend events (all four full length DVDs) will be available at a cost of $100 per seat, and will go on sale on Thursday evening, July 23rd at 7pm Central time. You must be signed in at The SHIMMER Forum at http://www.shimmerathletes.com/ at that time to secure front row reserved tickets to the tapings. If any front row seats aren't sold on July 23rd, they will remain available online until they sell out. Front row seating will only be available as a two night package, covering both nights. General admission seating will be made available on a per night basis during the weeks to come.

Mark your calendars, and make your plans to be there live and in person for SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary Weekend, October 24th & 25th in Berwyn!

http://www.shimmerwrestling.com/

SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES returned to the Berwyn Eagles Club in Berwyn, IL on Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd & 3rd, to film Volumes 23-26 of the SHIMMER DVD series. Here's what went down...


Saturday, May 2nd


SPARKLE (pre-show)

1. RACHEL SUMMERLYN & RAYNA VON TASH (the first graduate of the SHIMMER Wrestling Academy) defeated SASSY STEPHIE & KIMBERLY KASH when Rayna rolled up Stephie for the pin. After the match, an angry Stephie shoved Kash and walked out on her.


Prior to the beginning of the main show, the new SHIMMER highlight video "One Shot" (produced by Nicholas Andrews) was shown on the video screen to the live crowd for the first time.

The video is up on YouTube at...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwHnwOWO2Qw

You can also download the video in high resolution at...

http://www.sendspace.com/file/rptgxb


SHIMMER VOLUME 23

New SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER caught ANNIE SOCIAL arriving at the venue in the parking lot. Social revealed that she is in SHIMMER to make money by managing someone straight to the top.

1. NIKKI ROXX defeated CAT POWER following the Barbie Crusher.

2. AMBER O'NEAL defeated the debuting TENILLE (trainee of Lance Storm and the second female graduate of Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary) via backslide with a bridge.

In the locker room, SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed SERENA DEEB about her first scheduled main event match in SHIMMER, challenging MsCHIF for the SHIMMER Championship.

3. DAFFNEY defeated MELANIE CRUISE following Daff Knees. During the bout, ANNIE SOCIAL came to ringside, taking notes. After the match, Social helped Cruise back to the locker room.

4. SARA DEL REY defeated MADISON EAGLES following the Royal Butterfly. The first several minutes of the match displayed both women's chain wrestling skills, while the action got turned up several notches during the final moments as both women fought for the win. Though Madison was able to counter the first Royal Butterfly attempt into a Northern Lights Suplex, Del Rey was able to work Madison from Tilt-a-Whirl Suplex position into butterflying Madison's arms and planting her into the canvas for the three count.

In an interview taped inside the ring and an empty Eagles Club, SHIMMER Correspondent VALERIE MALONE interviewed SHIMMER Champion MsCHIF about her defense later in the show against SERENA DEEB.

5. LUFISTO defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER (also making her SHIMMER debut) following a Burning Hammer. Prior to the match, Skater ran her mouth on the microphone, proclaiming herself to be "virtually indie-structible," challenging anyone in the locker room to face her. LuFisto answered.

6. NICOLE MATTHEWS wrestled DAIZEE HAZE to a 20 minute time limit draw, in a match that earned a standing ovation from the fans in attendance. The final seconds of the bout saw both women battle for leverage in a rolling cradle as time expired. Fans chanted for five more minutes, but Matthews refused and returned to the locker room.

7. AMAZING KONG defeated "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ following the Amazing Bomb. This very hard hitting contest saw Kong become the first woman in SHIMMER to kick out of Mercedes' Fisherman Buster.

SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed ALLISON DANGER in the ring. Danger discussed giving birth to her first child during the SHIMMER off season, and how she is now focused on getting revenge on PORTIA PEREZ in their upcoming Street Fight. Portia interrupted, and the two exchanged words face to face. Perez spat part of her chocolate chip cookie right in Danger's face, prompting a brawl which required several wrestlers and referees to pull the two women apart.

8. SHIMMER Tag Team Champions ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH defeated "The International Home Wrecking Crew" RAIN & JETTA (with LACEY) two falls to one in a Two out of Three Falls Match to retain the titles. Lacey revealed herself to be the other individual to receive a SHIMMER manager's license when she ran to ringside toward the end of the first fall, rolling over an inside cradle behind the referee's back to give the IHWC the victory in the first fall. The champions earned the second fall with an O'Connor Roll. The third fall saw the IHWC use a chain to score the pin, but referee P.J. DRUMMOND came to ringside and informed Senior Official BRYCE REMSBURG about it, who quickly found the chain, and ordered the match to be re-started. Ashley & Nevaeh soon after hit their STO/Yakuza Kick combo to score the pinfall and retain the titles.

9. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC defeated CHEERLEADER MELISSA following the CB4 Driver. This match was the continuation of the rivalry which started in Europe several years ago, and caught wrestling fans' attention in ChickFight rings. During the closing minutes of the match, ANNIE SOCIAL came to ringside once again to scout talent, which served as a distraction for Melissa, who left the ring and got right in Social's face. This allowed Wesna time to recover inside the ring, and ultimately hit the CB4 Driver for the pin. After the match, Wesna celebrated with Social, as Annie declared on the microphone that she was taking Wesna to the top, and will make sure that Melissa never comes anywhere near a title shot.

10. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated SERENA DEEB following the Desecrater to retain the title (her ninth defense). Serena hit the Spear on MsChif, but the momentum sent Chif all the way to the floor, and Serena couldn't go for a cover. When she was finally able to drag her back inside the ring and go for the win, enough time had passed that MsChif was able to kick out. As MsChif went for the Desecrater, Serena was able to roll through the attempt, but Chif held on and continued to roll all the way back to a standing position to hit the maneuver and score the pin. SARA DEL REY entered the ring and got in MsChif's face, declaring she's coming to get "my belt" back. AMAZING KONG then approached the ring as well, indicating that she too wants the title. Kong attacked MsChif, and Del Rey joined in. CHEERLEADER MELISSA quickly hit the ring with a steel chair in hand to run off Del Rey and Kong.


SHIMMER VOLUME 24

In the locker room, LEXIE FYFE & MALIA HOSAKA discussed how they, as the two wrestlers on the SHIMMER roster with the most ring time under their belts, would be facing the students of Lance Storm and Daizee Haze tonight, and planned on taking the students to school.

1. "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER defeated "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY with a cheap pinfall while holding Jessie's tights for leverage.

In the locker room, "The Canadian Ninjas" PORTIA PEREZ & NICOLE MATTHEWS discussed their respective singles matches scheduled for Volume 24. Matthews declared that DAIZEE HAZE wasn't able to beat her in 20 minutes, and now in the rematch she's going to knock a main eventer right out of the mix. Perez talked about how ALLISON DANGER needs to worry about her safety in their No Disqualification Street Fight, while shaking a wiffle bat, and then a hockey stick at the camera in a threatening manner.

2. "The Experience" LEXIE FYFE & MALIA HOSAKA defeated TENILLE & RAYNA VON TASH after hitting the double team Gourdbuster on Rayna.

3. "Girl Dynamite" JENNIFER BLAKE defeated AMBER O'NEAL following a superkick to earn her first singles victory in SHIMMER competition.

SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed SERENA DEEB in the locker room. They discussed SERENA's failed attempt at winning the SHIMMER Championship from MsChif on Volume 23, and what her plans are going forward. Serena said that she has faced one setback after another her entire career, and will do whatever it takes to get back on track, and work her way into another title shot in the future, so that one day she can achieve her goal of becoming SHIMMER Champion.

4. "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ defeated MADISON EAGLES following the Fisherman Buster in a very athletic, back and forth contest. After the match, Martinez praised Madison's wrestling skills and said she is someone to keep your eyes on as a potential future SHIMMER Champion.

In a locker room interview, SARA DEL REY & AMAZING KONG talked about how CHEERLEADER MELISSA got involved in their business with MsCHIF by hitting the ring on them with a steel chair, and now they want revenge. Del Rey said how she's coming for her belt back, which prompted Kong to take issue with Del Rey. Sara clarified that "everyone wants that title," and she and Kong are now united against a common target.

5. "The International Home Wrecking Crew" RAIN & JETTA (with LACEY) defeated NIKKI ROXX & "The Portuguese Princess" ARIEL when Jetta made Ariel submit to the Stranglehold Lungblower.

6. SERENA DEEB defeated CAT POWER after hitting the Spear.

SHIMMER Correspondent VALERIE MALONE interviewed SHIMMER Tag Team Champions ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH concerning the ramifications of the Volume 24 main event of SARA DEL REY & AMAZING KONG vs. MsCHIF & CHEERLEADER MELISSA. Not only is the bout a grudge match, but the winners would also get the next shot at the SHIMMER Tag Team Titles. Ashley & Nevaeh said that they've always been considered the underdogs, and despite the incredible odds, they intend on remaining the title holders against whichever team wins the main event, be it the undefeated tandem of MsChif & Melissa or the seemingly unstoppable duo of Del Rey & Kong. They said they would be watching the main event closely.

7. DAIZEE HAZE defeated NICOLE MATTHEWS in a No Time Limit Rematch from Volume 23. Late in the contest, Nicole's "Canadian Ninjas" tag team partner PORTIA PEREZ tried to interfere, but Daizee was still able to hit Nicole with the Mind Trip and score the pin. ALLISON DANGER began to brawl with Perez, leading straight into their scheduled match.

8. PORTIA PEREZ defeated ALLISON DANGER in a No Disqualification Street Fight when she choked Danger out with her yellow chain. Among the weapons utilized during the match were the yellow chain, a hockey stick, a cookie sheet, and a steel chair. Late in the match, NICOLE MATTHEWS took advantage of the No DQ stipulation and helped Perez, sending Danger right into Portia's Superkick. Perez then choked her out until Danger was unresponsive and the referee called for the bell. The two then continued the assault until DAIZEE HAZE hit the ring to run them off.

9. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC (with ANNIE SOCIAL) defeated LUFISTO in a rematch from Volume 22 after hitting the CB4 Driver. Once again, Social gave an assist to Wesna, this time by pulling LuFisto's leg as she came off the ropes allowing the opening for Wesna to hit her finishing maneuver. With consecutive victories over the likes of CHEERLEADER MELISSA and LuFisto, Wesna was now in line for a title shot against MsChif.

10. SARA DEL REY & AMAZING KONG defeated SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF & CHEERLEADER MELISSA after over 20 minutes of action, when Del Rey pinned MsChif after Kong used Del Rey as a weapon, hitting the Implant Buster on her into a Splash on MsChif for the three count. Del Rey & Kong continued the beating after the bell, and were quickly joined by WESNA BUSIC. SHIMMER Tag Team Champions ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH hit the ring to try to make the save, but were immediately destroyed by Del Rey & Kong as well. The show concluded with Del Rey & Kong grabbing the SHIMMER Tag Team Title belts and holding them overhead, while Wesna did the same with the SHIMMER Championship, standing over the lifeless bodies of all the champions.


Sunday, May 3rd


SPARKLE (pre-show)

1. KIMBERLY KASH defeated SASSY STEPHIE after a Double Kneedrop off the top rope onto a prone Stephie.


SHIMMER VOLUME 25

In a segment taped prior to the show, ANNIE SOCIAL watched over a workout session with her new signees MELANIE CRUISE and "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC, along with several sparring partners. Social noted how she sees potential in Cruise due to her size, and she feels that Wesna is the right person to fine tune Melanie's skills and take her to the next level. Wesna proceeded to demonstrate to Cruise how to make several maneuvers more effective. Annie closed the segment by saying that she came to SHIMMER to make money, and in the main event, she would lead Wesna to the SHIMMER Championship against MsChif.

1. TENILLE defeated JETTA (with LACEY) with a quick sunset flip out of the corner to score the upset victory. Post-match, Lacey and RAIN assisted Jetta in working Tenille over, who fell victim to Lacey & Rain's double team Tomikaze before referees ordered all three Home Wreckers back to the locker room.

2. CAT POWER defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER & RACHEL SUMMERLYN & "The Portuguese Princess" ARIEL in a Four Corner Survival bout when she made Summerlyn tap out to a leglock.

3. NIKKI ROXX defeated MELANIE CRUISE (with ANNIE SOCIAL) following the Barbie Crusher.

4. RAIN (with LACEY) defeated "Girl Dynamite" JENNIFER BLAKE with Acid Rain (Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex).

5. CHEERLEADER MELISSA defeated "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY after hitting the Kudoh Driver. During the course of the bout, McKay nailed Melissa with a sick School Girl Crush (Yakuza kick) which resulted in a nasty bruise under Melissa's eye. Despite falling victim to Melissa's most deadly maneuver, McKay earned the admiration of the fans in attendance as well as Melissa for a hard fought contest.

6. LUFISTO defeated AMBER O'NEAL via submission when O'Neal couldn't reach the ropes while locked in the Jujigatame.

7. DAIZEE HAZE & ALLISON DANGER defeated "The Canadian Ninjas" PORTIA PEREZ & NICOLE MATTHEWS when Danger pinned Perez after hitting the Old School Expulsion. Though Allison was able to get a measure of revenge on Portia by winning the match for her team, The Ninjas took Danger out once again after the bout, hanging her with the referee's belt and ultimately rendering her unable to compete on Volume 26.

8. SERENA DEEB defeated "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ with a Victory Roll as both women were exchanging quick nearfalls during the closing moments of the match. After the bout, Martinez shook Serena's hand in a sign of respect to the new main event level star.

9. SHIMMER Tag Team Champions ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH defeated SARA DEL REY & AMAZING KONG via disqualification to retain the titles. Del Rey & Kong took turns working over Nevaeh for the majority of the match, until she was finally able to make the tag to Ashley. Though they came close to scoring pinfalls on several occasions, the size and power of their opponents was just too much to keep down for a three count. Ashley was able to move out of the way of the double team Implant Buster/Splash attempt. Kong then focused on Nevaeh, brawling with her on the floor, and all the way back to the locker room, where Kong cracked her with a steel chair. Kong then returned to the ring with chair in hand and refused to let go of it, leaving referee P.J. DRUMMOND with no choice but to call for a disqualification. After the bell, Kong continued the assault, and hit the Implant Buster on Ashley, leading SERENA DEEB and MERCEDES MARTINEZ to come to Ashley's aid. Deeb got in the face of her rival Del Rey, while Martinez stared down Kong, until both Del Rey & Kong left the ring. Serena and Mercedes then helped carry Ashley back to the locker room.

10. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC (with ANNIE SOCIAL) following the Desecrater to retain the title (her tenth defense). MsChif was able to brilliantly counter the CB4 Driver into the Code Green late in the contest, but was unable to score the pin. Wesna countered a Desecrater attempt, hitting MsChif with the Ki Crusher, only for Chif to kick out. Wesna then survived a second Code Green, but was eventually put down by the Desecrater.


SHIMMER VOLUME 26

1. JETTA (with LACEY) defeated DAFFNEY via submission with the Stranglehold Lungblower. This match was pure silliness!

In the locker room, SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed CHEERLEADER MELISSA about her Knockout or Submission Match against WESNA BUSIC. Melissa blamed the loss in their Volume 23 bout on the distraction caused by ANNIE SOCIAL, and said tonight will be a different story. Melissa wondered "Do you know who I am?!" and dared Annie to get involved in her match again to see what happens to her.

2. DAIZEE HAZE defeated her trainee RAYNA VON TASH following the Mind Trip in a Teacher vs. Student match.

In a locker room interview, LEXIE FYFE & MALIA HOSAKA talked about how they were able to easily dispose of two rookies in their last match, and now tonight they will put away two wrestlers who have been in SHIMMER since the beginning, NIKKI ROXX & ARIEL.

3. "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER & "Girl Dynamite" JENNIFER BLAKE & MELANIE CRUISE (with ANNIE SOCIAL) in a Four Corner Survival bout when she pinned Skater after hitting the Boyfriend Stealer (sitout Uranage). Moments earlier, Blake was able to nail Skater with the Superkick, but Cruise broke up the pin and fought to the floor with Blake, where Social sent "Girl Dynamite" into the steel barricade. Inside the ring, McKay battled with Skater and was able to score the pin, avenging her controversial loss to "The Rate Tank" from Volume 24.

In the locker room, LUFISTO caught SHIMMER Champion MsCHIF in the midst of applying her green eye makeup in preparation for her match later in the show. LuFisto began to ask a series of annoying questions, all of which prompted a quick answer of "yes" from the Champ. The last question of the bunch asked if MsChif would give LuFisto a title shot later in the show, which Chif also nonchalantly responded to with "yes." LuFisto quickly hugged MsChif and thanked her, and then ran away before Chif realized what she had just agreed to.

4. NIKKI ROXX & "The Portuguese Princess" ARIEL defeated "The Experience" LEXIE FYFE & MALIA HOSAKA when Ariel pinned Lexie following the Dariel.

In the locker room, SHIMMER Correspondent VALERIE MALONE interviewed WESNA BUSIC and ANNIE SOCIAL about the Knockout or Submission Match later in the show against CHEERLEADER MELISSA. Annie said that if Melissa tries anything, she can hold her own as a wrestler too, but tonight Melissa had better not worry about her, she needs to worry about Wesna handing her another defeat.

5. RAIN (with LACEY) defeated TENILLE with Acid Rain in a grudge match based on what took place after Tenille's bout against Jetta on Volume 25.

In the backstage area, SHIMMER Tag Team Champions ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH talked about how they survived the unthinkable odds of SARA DEL REY & AMAZING KONG and still have the belts. They were interrupted by "The Canadian Ninjas" PORTIA PEREZ & NICOLE MATTHEWS, who said they were through taking out main eventers, and now they are coming after the SHIMMER Tag Team Titles. The champs reminded the Ninjas that they already gave them a title shot and defeated them, which prompted Portia & Nicole to physically attack them before walking off. As Ashley got back to her feet, she agreed to another match against the Ninjas in order to get some payback.

6. SARA DEL REY & AMAZING KONG defeated SERENA DEEB & "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ when Del Rey pinned Deeb following the double team Implant Buster/Splash.

7. CHEERLEADER MELISSA defeated "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC (with ANNIE SOCIAL) in a Knockout or Submission Match when Wesna couldn't answer the referee's ten count following a right hand from Melissa. After the match, Melissa nailed Social with the Air Raid Crash to the crowd's approval.

8. "The Canadian Ninjas" PORTIA PEREZ & NICOLE MATTHEWS defeated ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH with the Funky Cold Medina (Superkick/German Suplex combo) to become the second SHIMMER Tag Team Champions.

9. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated LUFISTO after the Desecrater to retain the title (her eleventh defense) and close the weekend of tapings. MsChif targeted LuFisto's back (known for being her biggest weakness) during the bout. This first time ever match anywhere in wrestling saw the crowd split 50/50 in support of their chosen wrestler.


Post-Taping Notes

Fans there live witnessed a total of 41 women's wrestling matches over the two days!

A total of 32 women wrestled during the course of the weekend, plus 2 female managers, 2 female interviewers, and 1 female referee appeared.

Oh, and there was also Joey Eastman, Bryce, Drummond, Gorie, and everyone's favorite referee Andy Long.

All of us at SHIMMER would like to thank each and every fan who bought a ticket to witness the Volumes 23-26 tapings live at the Berwyn Eagles Club. We had just under 200 paid each day, so we were short of a sellout. Given the current state of the economy, we know that you have to pick and choose how you spend your entertainment dollar these days, and we greatly appreciate your decision to spend your money on our product. It is only with the financial support of our fan base that we can continue to hold these live events, and then produce them for DVD release. Thank you!

MADISON EAGLES was sidelined from the May 3rd tapings due being under the weather (she usually towers over it). She has since returned to Australia and is feeling well. Madison had two fantastic matches on May 2nd against main event caliber talent, and we can't wait for her to return to SHIMMER competition in the future so she can pick up where she left off on Volume 24.

SHIMMER management was pleased with the debuts of new talents KELLIE SKATER, TENILLE, and RAYNA VON TASH. We are always on the lookout for new, young talent that SHIMMER can help give ring time, experience, and exposure to, and all three wrestlers are welcome back for future SHIMMER events. Each of these athletes have made plans to continue their respective training at various wrestling facilities around the world during the coming months, in preparation for an eventual return to the SHIMMER ring. We look forward to seeing what they have to offer in the future as they continue to develop as professional wrestlers.

Former SHIMMER star REBECCA KNOX was in Chicago several days prior to the SHIMMER tapings, and a brief interview segment was filmed with the Irish ex-wrestler discussing her departure from SHIMMER and the wrestling business in general. The interview segment will be included as a DVD Extra on one of the four releases filmed during the course of the weekend.

Photographers Gilda Pasquil, Walter Lippmann, Buddy LaMantia, and Ricky Havlik were in attendance for the duration of the weekend to capture everything on film. Look for full galleries from all four photographers to be placed online during the coming weeks.

For those who are curious, we do not have a next set of tapings scheduled as of yet. As our only "financial backing" is the sales of our product on DVD, we can only schedule a next set of tapings once enough money has been generated to pay for running them. We hope to be able to do so during early fall, if all goes well. Every dollar you spend on our product during the next several months will help enable us to run more shows and produce more DVDs.

We will be heading into production on Volume 23 as soon as the ROH production schedule permits, with the remaining three releases to be spaced out during the months that follow.

Spread the word about SHIMMER to your fellow wrestling fans! Thank you for your support.

http://www.shimmerwrestling.com/

We just days away from the return of live action from SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES in the Chicago area!

This Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd & 3rd, SHIMMER will film Volumes 23 through 26 of its DVD series at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL. Two full length DVD volumes will be filmed each day!

Bell time each day is 2pm. Doors open at 1pm. General admission tickets are $20 per day, and are available along the left column of the main page at www.SHIMMERwrestling.com right now. Tickets ordered online during the remaining days before the shows will be held at the door.

Seven of the matches which will take place on the first day of taping have been revealed. What happens during the course of the events on Saturday will determine the card for Sunday's taping. Here's a look at the matches signed thus far...




***SHIMMER Championship***
(Champion) MsCHIF vs. SERENA DEEB

It has been a bumpy road for Serena Deeb in SHIMMER, full of many roadblocks along the way. Serena made her way to the company in May of 2006, filling a last minute opening on the card for Volumes 5 & 6. Serena traded wins with Amber O'Neal in her first two outings, but was determined to make the necessary progress to work her way up the ladder in the SHIMMER ranks.

After a full year of active SHIMMER competition, Serena was selected as one of the sixteen women to be a part of the SHIMMER Title Tournament, during June of 2007. Regularly wrestling for and training at Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Serena made the solo drive up through the state of Indiana, headed for Berwyn, only to have bad luck strike. Though she did have the good fortune of not sustaining any injuries in the process, Serena's car was totaled in an auto accident, and she was unable to make it to the Eagles Club to participate in her scheduled first round contest. When Serena finally made it to the building during intermission, she announced on the mic that she would not let this setback stop her from achieving her goal of becoming SHIMMER Champion. Serena watched the tournament from the sidelines, as Sara Del Rey went on to defeat Lacey in the finals to become the inaugural SHIMMER titleholder.

Though Sara's reign came to an end before Serena could work her way into title contention, Serena got the chance to step in the ring against Death Rey on Volume 20. During the bout, Sara targeted the knee of Deeb, who tried her best to deal with all of the pain and continue to fight, but in the end, she just couldn't physically go on, and was forced to tap out.

Serena again would not let this setback stop her from trying to prove herself as worthy of being at the top of the card, and worthy of getting a championship opportunity. As Volume 21 kicked off, Serena called out Del Rey, demanding a rematch. The two fought once again, and for a second time, the power of Death Rey was just too much for Serena to overcome.

Trying to remain positive and focused, Serena declared that she would face anyone on the SHIMMER roster in an effort to prove her worth, even an intimidating force such as Amazing Kong. MsChif approached Serena and told her that she was impressed by Deeb's determination in her matches against Del Rey, the woman MsChif defeated to become the champion. Chif made it simple for Serena... if she can defeat Sara Del Rey, she will grant her a title shot. Serena thanked MsChif for the opportunity, and set her goal.

Volume 22 saw Del Rey attack MsChif immediately following a successful title defense against Ariel, and Serena seized the moment, not only coming to the aid of MsChif, but also bringing the fight to Del Rey once again. Senior official Bryce Remsburg signaled for the opening bell, and an unscheduled second main event was underway! Sara dominated Serena yet again during the course of the bout, but more determined than ever, Serena fought back every step of the way. Her heart paid off in the end, as Serena was able to catch Del Rey off guard coming off the ropes, and with all the momentum she could muster, Serena nailed Del Rey with the spear, hooked the leg, and scored the pin!

The Eagles Club erupted in celebration of Serena doing what many considered the unthinkable, defeating Sara Del Rey. As a result, MsChif will now grant Serena what she has wanted from the very beginning, the chance to be the #1 woman athlete on the SHIMMER roster.

On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Serena will get her title shot against MsChif. Will Serena's drive and sheer determination propel her to the top of the heap, earning her the SHIMMER Championship?




***SHIMMER Tag Team Championship/2 out of 3 Falls***
(Champions) ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH vs. RAIN & JETTA

Ashley Lane made her way to SHIMMER during late 2007, as part of the Volumes 15 & 16 taping. Though she was unable to pull out a win in those intitial outings, Ashley was determined to find her niche in the SHIMMER ranks. She made the pitch to SHIMMER management during the winter break for her frequent tag team partner on the Ohio independent scene, Nevaeh, to be at her side when SHIMMER resumed its schedule in the spring of 2008. The two young competitors from Dayton, Ohio were given the chance to show what they were capable of as a tag team force on Volumes 17 & 18.

Though Ashley & Nevaeh fell to "The Experience" Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka in their first tag team bout as a unit in SHIMMER, they remained focused on conquering the tag team division of the company, and make their mark as a duo. Two women who were a part of SHIMMER from the very beginning, the "Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew" of Rain & Lacey, stepped into the ring against them in tag action on Volume 18. What looked to perhaps be another easy victory for the Home Wreckers quickly turned into one of the most shocking upsets of the taping, as Ashley & Nevaeh were able to hit their double team STO/Yakuza Kick combo to score the victory! With that one pinfall against an established SHIMMER duo, Ashley & Nevaeh became a team to keep an eye on.

During the months that followed the Volumes 17 & 18 taping, it became apparent that those would be Lacey's final SHIMMER matches, as she disappeared from active participation in the pro wrestling industry. With Lacey suddenly absent, Rain continued her tag team ways alongside the woman who was the "cream" to the MNHWC's "Oreo," the UK's Jetta. The newly dubbed "International Home Wrecking Crew" had a score to settle against the Ohio girls for the upset loss on Volume 18, and faced them in a tag team bout on Volume 20. That contest saw the IHWC even the score, as Rain was able to pin Nevaeh while holding the tights.

As the tag team scene in SHIMMER heated up during the closing months of 2008, it became time to crown the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions, via a six team gauntlet match on Volume 21. Though the order of entry for the gauntlet was chosen at random, Ashley & Nevaeh stood across the ring from the Home Wreckers once again, but this time the stakes were higher than ever. Only one of the two teams would be able to advance to the final pairing of the gauntlet and have the opportunity to become the initial SHIMMER Tag Team Champions. When all was said and done, the STO/Yakuza Kick combo did the trick yet again, and Ashley & Nevaeh were able to eliminate the IHWC from the gauntlet. Not only that, but they also went on to win the whole thing, and became the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions!

Ashley & Nevaeh made a successful first title defense on Volume 22, and then went on to put the belts up for grabs on independent wrestling events in the midwest during SHIMMER's winter break. As fighting champions, Ashley & Nevaeh now head into the May 2nd & 3rd weekend with the difficult challenge of trying to remain title holders through two days worth of tapings.

Rain & Jetta have made it known that they intend to claim their "rightful spot" at the top of the SHIMMER tag division by capturing the belts on May 2nd. Due to the history between these two sides, and the exchange of wins and losses between them over the past year, there is only one way to determine which team is worthy of holding the titles.

On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Ashley Lane & Nevaeh will put the belts up for grabs against Rain & Jetta... in a Best 2 out of 3 Falls matchup! This will be the first time that a tag team bout in SHIMMER is held under such a format. Do Ashley & Nevaeh have what it takes to defeat the IHWC twice in one match and retain the titles, or do Rain & Jetta have enough tricks up their sleeves to pull out the victory and capture the belts?




***No Disqualification/Street Fight***
PORTIA PEREZ vs. ALLISON DANGER

When Portia Perez first arrived in SHIMMER back on Volume 5, both the fans as well as her fellow wrestlers immediately began to note her very youthful appearance. Before too long, it became standard practice to crack jokes in reference to Portia looking so young, particularly during commentary on the SHIMMER DVD series. Color commentator Allison Danger had perhaps the most fun of all at Portia's expense.

After Allison sustained a fractured collarbone during the main event of Volume 17, she made her return to the SHIMMER ring on Volume 19 against rising Canadian star "Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake. After a hard fought match, Danger praised Blake's efforts on the microphone and proclaimed that Jennifer is one of the best young Canadian athletes today.

Portia Perez and her "Canadian Ninjas" tag team partner Nicole Matthews quickly interrupted, stating that they took great offense to Danger's (who is 50% Canadian herself) evaluation of Canadian talent. Cookie in hand, Perez called Danger a "Diet Canadian," and the Ninjas challenged Danger and Blake to a tag team match on Volume 20.

The tag bout on Volume 20 saw a kick from Perez to Danger's collarbone re-aggrivate the previous injury. Immediately sensing Danger was in trouble, Perez locked in a Fujiwara Armbar and refused to let go as Danger furiously tapped out. Referees hit the ring to pull Portia away from doing further damage, but as Nicole took the attention of the officials, Portia once again grabbed hold of Danger, and caused further injury with a vicious Divorce Court. This put Allison back on the injured list for the remainder of the summer.

While recovering from the injury, Allison and her new husband made good use of the time off, as Danger revealed during an in-ring interview at the Volume 21 taping that she was now pregnant with her first child! Danger stated that after she had the baby and could return to active wrestling competition, she would be coming for revenge on Portia Perez.

Portia interrupted Danger's interview, saying that she was sick of Danger running her mouth, and "we can do this right now." Perez declared "I'm not just going to end your career, I'm going to end something else," and proceeded to hit the ropes to charge across the ring at her. Luckily, SHIMMER senior official Bryce Remsburg quickly tackled Portia before she could come anywhere near Allison to do any harm, and multiple referees dragged Perez back to the locker room, keeping the two women separated.

During SHIMMER's winter break, Allison gave birth to her daughter Kendall Grace. With her family safe from Portia Perez's threats, Danger immedately began to hit the gym and train to get in shape for a return to SHIMMER action in May, with only one goal in mind... to eliminate Portia Perez once and for all.

Portia stated in a recent audio interview with Mike Johnson of www.PWInsiderElite.com that if Danger wants to fight, they can do it on May 2nd in Berwyn. She also commented during the interview that she has been pigeonholed into not being taken seriously as a wrestler due to everyone constantly cracking jokes and having fun at her expense. With Portia's actions against Allison Danger over the past year, as well as the pure hatred both women have for one another, the battle between these two women will be no joking matter. It will be an all out war.

On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Allison Danger and Portia Perez will collide, with the rulebook thrown out the window. This won't be an exchange of wrestling holds, it will be a fight. As a result, the match will be a No Disqualification Street Fight!




***The Rivalry Comes To America***
CHEERLEADER MELISSA vs. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC

Cheerleader Melissa has been one of the most exciting performers in SHIMMER history. Melissa's battles against MsChif early in the SHIMMER DVD series have become legendary for their innovation and creativity. Later bouts between Melissa and the likes of Daizee Haze, Sara Del Rey, Amazing Kong, Sarah Stock, Mercedes Martinez, LuFisto, and many others have demonstrated to SHIMMER fans worldwide why Melissa is one of the very best in the industry.

"The Croatian Panther" Wesna Busic made her way to SHIMMER in early 2008, facing main event level competition from the very beginning. Wesna's physical encounters against Martinez and Kong, though losing efforts on her part, were perfect examples of the intensity that Wesna brings to the ring each and every time.

On Volume 21, Wesna gave SHIMMER's resident diva Amber O'Neal just a taste of what "The Croatian Panther" is all about, putting Amber away with the CB4 Driver, in a bout that also opened many fans' eyes to the ability of O'Neal hold her own in a fight.

Volume 22 saw perhaps Wesna's most hard-hitting, memorable SHIMMER encounter to date, as she went one-on-one in an International Dream Match against Canada's LuFisto! Many fans called that match the best of that day's taping, as neither woman held back one bit in a first time ever meeting, anywhere in the world.

As we approach SHIMMER weekend in just a matter of days, we must switch focus to the ChickFight promotion. It was in ChickFight rings on events the United Kingdom that Cheerleader Melissa and Wesna began something special in 2007... a rivalry that got wrestling fans across the globe talking.

It was at ChickFight IX on June 17, 2007 at Orpington Halls in Kent, England that Melissa and Wesna fought to a classic 45 minute draw, which left both women battered and bruised by the end. They met again at ChickFight X on May 4, 2008 at The Caribbean Centre in Ipswich, England to continue their memorable series of ChickFight encounters.

Cheerleader Melissa, despite her friendship with MsChif, would love nothing more than to get the opportunity to receive a title shot at the SHIMMER Championship in the future, something that has eluded her in #1 Contender's matches on several occasions already.

On the heels of the loss to LuFisto on Volume 22, Wesna must somehow get herself on the winning path in order to work her way into title contention. Wesna's true potential as a main eventer in SHIMMER has yet to be realized, and each and every match from this point forward is crucial to her chances of getting a title shot.
 
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, the rivalry which began in Europe will come to America for the first time! This weekend, SHIMMER presents Cheerleader Melissa vs. Wesna Busic!


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEexoIa7uuM[/youtube]

Visit http://www.chickfight.tv/ for more on ChickFight!

Visit http://www.clickwrestle.com/ to download the previous Wesna vs. Melissa matches!




"The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ vs. AMAZING KONG

Much of the early buzz for the SHIMMER DVD series was built around the rivalry between Sara Del Rey and "The Latina Sensation" Mercedes Martinez. The very physical Del Rey vs. Martinez bouts helped to establish both of them as two of the top female wrestlers in the United States, while also helping put SHIMMER as a company on the map.

It was the third match between Del Rey and Martinez (on Volume 8) which saw Martinez sustain a shoulder injury, later requiring surgery, and keeping "The Latina Sensation" on the sidelines for the entire year of 2007. During Martinez's recovery period, another imposing, and dominant star became a virtually unstoppable force on the SHIMMER roster... Amazing Kong.

As Kong fought in memorable battles against the likes of MsChif, Daizee Haze, Sara Del Rey, and Cheerleader Melissa, Mercedes was forced to sit back and wait for the chance to return to active SHIMMER competition, and return to the main event scene.

The first taping of 2008 saw Martinez return at 100% physically. She proceeded to rack up victory after victory, working her way to the top of the card once again, proving she had not lost a step.

It was Volume 21 which saw Martinez and Kong finally cross paths for the first time in a SHIMMER match, as part of a Four Corner Survival bout to determine #1 contendership to the SHIMMER Championship. Late in the contest, the brawl between Kong and Martinez spilled to the ringside floor, into the steel barricade, and both women wound up fighting all the way back to the locker room, leaving the other two wrestlers in the match inside the ring where the match came to a conclusion. Both Kong and Martinez effectively cost one another the chance to earn another shot at the title.

On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Mercedes Martinez and Amazing Kong will face off in a one-on-one contest to settle their differences!




MADISON EAGLES vs. SARA DEL REY

Two Australian competitors made their way to SHIMMER during late 2008 to participate in the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet. "The Pink Ladies" of Madison Eagles & Jessie McKay added themselves to the mix, alongside five teams comprised of wrestlers who had already been established with appearances on previous SHIMMER events.

Most of the SHIMMER roster, as well as a considerable portion of the SHIMMER fan base, were unfamiliar with just what "The Pink Ladies" would bring to the table as a tag team prior to their arrival on Volume 21. They were paired up against "The Canadian Ninjas" of Portia Perez & Nicole Matthews at the very beginning of the Gauntlet. Although the Ninjas were able to eliminate Eagles & McKay, both Australian athletes made a strong impression during that initial outing, displaying their exciting double team work as well as Madison's fantastic agility and quickness.

An eight year veteran of professional wrestling, Madison Eagles is perhaps the most skilled female performer to come out of Australia in recent years, and has handed down her knowledge of the mat wars to the younger talent on that side of the globe in the process.

After impressive tag team outings on Volumes 21 and 22, Madison Eagles will now be tested as a singles competitor against one of the very best wrestlers in SHIMMER history.

On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Madison Eagles will go one-on-one against former SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Rey! Can Death Rey regain her focus after her loss on Volume 22, or will "The Punisher" display that she is a powerful force as a singles wrestler by pulling out the victory?




DAIZEE HAZE vs. NICOLE MATTHEWS

Nicole Matthews is one of the few wrestlers on the SHIMMER roster who actually got her start in professional wrestling after SHIMMER held its first live event in 2005. She made her debut with the company during October of 2007, forming a team (which would later come to be known as "The Canadian Ninjas") with Portia Perez on Volumes 15 & 16 of the DVD series. At the time of her arrival in SHIMMER, Matthews was still very new to the wrestling business, and was still in the initial growing stage of her career.

With Perez away on a tour of Newfoundland during the SHIMMER Volumes 17 & 18 taping, Nicole entered singles competition. During matches against Shark Girl and Lorelei Lee on those releases, Matthews displayed to the SHIMMER fans that she is more than just a tag team wrestler, and began to hit her stride as a wrestler with the additional ring time under her belt. She also developed a mean lariat.

Nicole's most notable SHIMMER singles bout came on Volume 19 when it was "Nikki vs. Nicole," as Matthews had the unenviable task of being the first opponent of Nikki Roxx upon Nikki's return to the promotion. Though Matthews was unable to pull out the win against Roxx, once again Nicole made a strong impression with her ability to hang with a veteran of SHIMMER competition.

As the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship came to be shortly thereafter, The Ninjas began to focus on tag team action once again. However, the heated rivalry between Portia Perez and Allison Danger has now taken on a life of its own, which puts the tag team focus of Perez & Matthews on the back burner for the time being.

Nicole Matthews, now with over three years of pro experience as a wrestler, enters the ring as a singles competitor once again next weekend in suburban Chicago. As much of a true test as Nikki Roxx was for Matthews about a year ago, Nicole will now take on one of the women who has main evented in SHIMMER since the very beginning, and one of the faces of the promotion.

On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Nicole Matthews will square off against Daizee Haze in singles action! Will this be Matthews' night to shine by getting the better of SHIMMER's head trainer, and one of SHIMMER's measuring sticks, or will The Haze give Nicole a reminder of why she's one of the best women athletes out there today? We will find out the answer to that question in less than one week!

General admission tickets are still available along the left column of the main page of www.SHIMMERwrestling.com right now.


PLUS MORE WRESTLERS TO BE ADDED!!!

In addition to the wrestlers listed above, many more of the top female pro wrestlers from around the world will be a part of the festivities, over 25 in all! Among those also announced thus far are...

Nikki Roxx
Daffney
Jessie McKay
Malia Hosaka
Lexie Fyfe

Be sure to get to the venue prior to the official bell time each day to see the SPARKLE competitors compete in the SHIMMER ring. SPARKLE matches will begin at approximately 1:30pm each day.

SPARKLE pre-show competitors announced thus far are:

Rayna Fyre (1st Graduate of the SHIMMER Wrestling School)
Belle Von Black (Canada)
Kellie Skater (Australia)
Kimberly Kash (Illinois/Indiana)
Rachel Summerlyn (Texas)
Sassy Stephie (Ohio)

Only 175 general admission seats will be available, due to venue restrictions. Less than 50 seats remain for each day of taping, so don't delay in securing your tickets if you wish to attend!

In addition to SHIMMER this weekend, the AAW promotion, which runs regular monthly live events at the Berwyn Eagles Club, will be holding an event at the venue on Friday night, May 1st! If you are coming in from outside of the Chicago area, this is a great opportunity to catch three straight days of live wrestling! Visit http://www.aawrestling.com/ for more on AAW, or to get tickets ot the 5/1 event.

Mark your calendars, and make your plans to be in Berwyn on May 2nd and 3rd for the biggest SHIMMER weekend ever!

http://www.shimmerwrestling.com/

Rivalry of the Year (82 Points)


Allison Danger and Portia Perez have a true feud going in SHIMMER.  Upset about Danger's comments about her youthful appearance and the fact that she endorsed Jennifer Blake as one of Canada's best women's wrestlers, Perez made it plain that she was out to get Allison.  She did so on Volume 20, reinjuring her shoulder during a tag match and putting her out of action once again.  When Allison next showed up on Volume 22, she revealed her pregnancy, which Portia took as a coward's way out of facing her in the ring.  She went on to threaten Danger by telling her she was not only going to end her career but "end something else."  She made to charge Allison, but was stopped by a referee.  This of course enraged Allison Danger, who told Portia she was so lucky that she was pregnant and couldn't retaliate.  This feud is far from over, and already it is receiving the highest accolades from the fans.

1st Runner Up:  Serena Deeb vs. Sara Del Rey (79 Points)

A classic case of a young underdog wanting bigger matches, Serena Deeb went up against Sara Del Rey on Volume 20.  Sara won the match, but it was a breakout performance for Serena, who won over the fans.  Citing the fact that her knee couldn't take Sara's offense in the previous match, she goaded Sara into a rematch on Volume 21.  She fell again, but this time put up more of a fight.  Serena seemed ready to move on, until MsChif told her that if she could achieve her goal of beating Del Rey, she would give Serena a shot at her title.  Serena agreed, but Sara didn't.  With the presence of her agent, who claimed there was no reason for Del Rey to face someone she just beat twice, Sara took the night off from the ring.  However, she just couldn't resist attacking the woman who took the title from her at the end of the night, which brought out Deeb to make the save.  It was on once again, and this time it was Serena's night.  After faking out Del Rey on the ropes, she leveled her with her Spear and pinned her shoulders to the mat, establishing herself as a contender for the SHIMMER Title.

2nd Runner Up:  MsChif vs. Sara Del Rey (42 Points)

This started on Volume 17, with Sara Del Rey being upset that MsChif and her partner Melissa were getting more cheers than her, the SHIMMER Champion.  Though MsChif was not able to get the pin on Del Rey, she did keep her down for well over a three count, which MsChif cited when asking for a title shot on Volume 18.  Sara agreed, and MsChif managed to pull it off, pinning Sara with her Desecrator.  The loss of her title sent Sara over the edge, and she adopted a darker persona with one goal in mind: to regain her title.  She hit somewhat of a roadblock in Serena Deeb, but got her title shot, though due to the interference of her agent she acquired it at an ROH show and not a SHIMMER show.  That didn't stop her from coming out and sneak attacking MsChif after a hard fought title defense against Ariel on Volume 22, however.

3rd Runner Up:  Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. International Homewrecking Crew (34 Points)

After upsetting the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, Ashley and Nevaeh once again ran up against Rain, this time with her new partner Jetta in tow on Volume 20.  Lightning did not strike twice for Lane and Nevaeh, though the IHWC's win was due to some chicanery.  The two teams met again as part of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet.  Rain and Jetta were somewhat weary after their match against the Suicide Blondes and immediately had to face another set of blondes.  This time it was Lane and Nevaeh coming out on top, and they went on to claim the Tag Team Titles by the end of the Gauntlet.

Honorable Mentions:  Amber O'Neal vs. Lorelei Lee, Cat Power vs. Daffney, Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Experience

Shimmering Heart Award (84 Points)


Another landslide victory.  Allison Danger has always shown heart for the business of professional wrestling and SHIMMER, but she started off the year in a bad way after a grisly incident involving her collarbone being fractured after taking an Air Raid Crash from Cheerleader Melissa.  That didn't stop her from coming out later that night to let the fans know what was going on and give an impassioned speech about the women in the back.  Working hard at her rehab, Danger was back in only two months, competing at the July taping.  However, this time life reared itself in the form of a little bundle of joy who would come to be named Kendall Grace.  Allison's quest to get back in the thick of things in SHIMMER was derailed by pregnancy.  However, she still had the heart to come all the way to the final show of the season to address the fans.  For many, the birth of a child is a life changing experience, one that forces them to reevaluate their lives and priorities.  However, when Allison speaks, it's not about if she'll come back to wrestling, but when.  And after going through all of that in the last year, who could compete with that?

1st Runner Up:  Daizee Haze (48 Points)

Daizee Haze was going along smoothly until a freak back injury during training forced her out of competition a week before the SHIMMER July show.  Despite not being able to wrestle, Daizee still addressed the fans and it was obvious that she was heartbroken at not being able to mix it up in the ring.  Luckily for Daizee, she was able to recover in a quick manner and was back in action at the October show, not missing a beat.

2nd Runner Up:  LuFisto (45 Points)

Being known as the First Lady of Hardcore comes at a price.  Weeks after making her SHIMMER debut in 2006, LuFisto's back injuries had gotten to the point where she had to take an indefinite hiatus from wrestling, and perhaps retire.  She searched within herself long and hard for a decision about that possibility, and eight months later we all found out the answer when it was announced she had returned to the ring.  Immediately the fans wanted her back in SHIMMER, and in July it finally happened.  LuFisto was ecstatic to be back, and genuinely moved by the fans' warm embrace of her return.

3rd Runner Up:  Nikki Roxx (25 Points)

Nikki Roxx had to leave SHIMMER in 2007 after signing a contract with a larger wrestling organization.  However, the possibility of a comeback presented itself in May when SHIMMER reached an agreement to be able to feature that organization's wrestlers.  But why even bother to come back, when she was getting a larger paycheck and national television exposure?  For Nikki Roxx, that answer is she has a passion for wrestling and for SHIMMER and its fans.  She returned to action in July and it was as if she had never left.

Honorable Mentions:  Amazing Kong, Amber O'Neal, Ariel, Cheerleader Melissa, Daffney, Danyah, Mercedes Martinez, Portia Perez

Personality of the Year (66 Points)


She eats cookies in the ring, looks like a teenager, calls herself a ninja, wears pink and bullies unborn fetuses.  Say what you will about Portia Perez, but you have to admit, she's got style.  In a promotion full of good wrestlers, Portia has managed to find a niche that has made her stand out from the pack, that niche being her personality.  As just a plain babyface, no one took notice of Portia.  Then came the fateful day when she hit Josie with her Playskool Chain.  Since then she has gained quite a following, and as her feud with Allison Danger has shown, her hard work has paid off as she is being given a chance against the big dogs.

1st Runner Up:  Jetta (58 Points)

Jetta's prissy attitude and disdain for the fans makes her a standout personality in SHIMMER.  She plays it to the hilt AND somehow manages to go over the top at the same time.  Her Coventry accent gives her a unique sound among the ladies in the promotion, as she mocks them in attempt to make fools out of them, though it is usually she who ends up looking foolish.

2nd Runner Up:  LuFisto (39 Points)

LuFisto may be the First Lady of Hardcore, but she is also the "Super Hardcore Anime," a goofy Japanese-French-Canadian who is extreme cuteness juxtaposed with random acts of violence, and has some of the most outrageous ring outfits in wrestling.  Her ability to bully her opponents in a way that makes the fans laugh in addition to her ring skills has won their hearts.

3rd Runners Up:  Amber O'Neal and Daizee Haze (TIE - 20 Points)

To be in the running for Best Babyface and Best Heel, obviously you have to have a personality.  These two may be on opposite ends of the spectrum as far as fan support, but as has been discussed, both have the personalities as well as the in-ring skills to be amongst the most beloved competitors in SHIMMER.

Honorable Mentions:  Allison Danger, Amazing Kong, Ariel, Cat Power, Daffney, Jennifer Blake, Lacey, MsChif, Nicole Matthews, Nikki Roxx, Rain, Sara Del Rey, Shark Girl

Finisher of the Year (76 Points)


A vicious move in which Melissa elevates her opponent upside down across her back and then drives them head first into the canvas, the Kudoh Driver is also a valuable weapon in her arsenal.  No one has been able to kick out of it yet, and it has led Melissa to two victories in 2008, over Sarah Stock and LuFisto.

1st Runner Up:  LuFisto's Burning Hammer (44 Points)

The Burning Hammer is a move in which LuFisto lifts her opponent into a reverse fireman's carry and then drives them head or face first into the mat.  A large part of LuFisto's success in 2008 can be attributed to this move, as it was responsible for her two victories over Rain and Wesna Busic.

2nd Runner Up:  Sara Del Rey's Royal Butterfly (33 Points)

The move that won Sara Del Rey the SHIMMER Title remained just as potent in 2008.  After butterflying the arms, Sara lifts her opponents off their feet into a submission, and if unable to get them to give up, she flings them overhead with a suplex.  She beat both Ariel and Serena Deeb with the move.

3rd Runner Up:  Cheerleader Melissa's Air Raid Crash (30 Points)

Melissa again makes the list with her lesser finisher.  Melissa elevates her opponent upside down while hooking a leg with one arm and the head with another.  She then drives them into the canvas with brutal force.  She beat Jennifer Blake and Allison Danger with the move in 2008, in the latter's case fracturing her opponent's collarbone.

Honorable Mentions:  Acid Rain (Rain), Amazing Press (Amazing Kong), Barbie Crusher (Nikki Roxx), CB4 Driver (Wesna Busic), Curse of Curves (Lane & Nevaeh), Desecrator (MsChif), Fisherman's Buster (Mercedes Martinez), Heart Punch/Yakuza Kick (Daizee Haze), Mind Trip (Daizee Haze), Natural Disaster (Miss Natural), Sit-out Powerbomb (Amazing Kong), Spear (Serena Deeb), Spinning Backfist (Amazing Kong), Stranglehold Lungblower/Clutch (Jetta), Tiger Driver (Sarah Stock)

LOL Moment of the Year (48 Points)


Responding the new "catty" persona of Cat Power during their match, Daffney introduced an interesting foreign object into wrestling vernacular: the ball of yarn.  When she tossed it into the ring, Cat went ballistic, trying to bat at the ball of yarn with her cla... uh, hands, and allowing Daffney to get the upper hand in the match.

1st Runner Up:  Volume 20 - LuFisto's Backstage Promo (42 Points)

LuFisto was perhaps a bit too excited to return to SHIMMER.  In an interview, LuFisto broke down completely, freaking out Becky Bayless with a hug while delivering a promo that was more energy than coherence.

2nd Runner Up:  Volume 22 - MsChif acquires assistance from a "rowdy" fan (23 Points)

What to do if you need to scream and your throat's sore?  MsChif's screaming has long given her a psychological edge in her matches, but she found herself unable to do so in her title defense against Ariel.  So she tied up her opponent in the ropes and a fan at ringside was more than happy to assist the champ by screaming in Ariel's face.

3rd Runner Up:  Volume 17 - Nicole Matthews denies any pulling of the fin (16 Points)

The deliberate pulling of appendages is of course a no-no in wrestling, but a fan jumped the gun, or the shark in this case, by accusing Nicole Matthews of pulling Shark Girl's fin.  Nicole simply responded:  "LIES!" 

Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 -  Lacey tears up an Age of the Fall sign.
Volume 18 - Nicole Matthews:  "1, 2, 3, winner!"
Volume 18 - Allison Danger tells off a fan.
Volume 18 - Mercedes Martinez mocks Cindy Rogers.
Volume 18 - Lacey, Rain and Jetta taunt an allegedly ugly fan.
Volume 19 - Jetta wins the battle royale.
Volume 19 - Nicole Matthews accidentally trips herself.
Volume 19 - Portia Perez comes out eating a cookie.
Volume 19 - Fans sing "C is for Cookie" at Portia Perez.
Volume 19 - Portia Perez's promo on Allison Danger.
Volume 19 - Rain's "Where's Lacey?" entrance.
Volume 19 - LuFisto and Rain's biting contest.
Volume 19 - Jetta's superplex on MsChif:  "That was my best move!"
Volume 20 - The look on Danyah's face when Kong's music hits.
Volume 20 - Portia Perez's Bodyslam Challenge.
Volume 21 - Amber O'Neal's reaction to Wesna Busic's music.
Volume 22 - USA chant at Malia Hosaka.
Volume 22 - Allison Danger:  "The things we wrestles do to pass the time when we're out with an injury."
Volume 22 -  Nikki... ROXX!  Jetta... SUCKS!  WWE... BOO!
Volume 22 - Jetta refuses to wrestle until the fans acknowledge that she too rocks.
Volume 22 - Mercedes Martinez mocks Amber O'Neal.

Shocker of the Year (43 Points)


Shocker of the Year (43 Points)
Volume 22 - Serena Deeb pins Sara Del Rey

It was easy to see that Serena Deeb was a star on the rise in 2008.  It was not easy to see that she would get her big victory over an athlete she had lost to twice previously, Sara Del Rey.  After getting beat on for most of the match, Serena was able to rally back and take down Sara out of nowhere with the Spear to get the pin in a shocking upset.

1st Runner Up:  Volume 18 - MsChif wins SHIMMER Title (35 Points)

With a surefire money match against Mercedes Martinez seemingly on the horizon, few had reason to believe that Sara Del Rey would lose the title before then.  There was even a little bit of ambiguity behind MsChif getting a title shot, since she didn't pin Del Rey in the tag match.  But win the title she did, and it came as such a shock that there was a even a little delay in reaction amongst the fans in attendance as they had to let what just happened sink in.

2nd Runner Up:  Volume 22 - Larry Sweeney appears in SHIMMER (34 Points)

It was always emphatically stated that there would be no males in SHIMMER, aside from support roles like ring announcers and referees.  That all changed on Volume 22 when "Sweet 'n Sour" Larry Sweeney walked through the curtain to comfort his client Sara Del Rey in the ring.  It remains to be seen if Sweeney's appearance was a one-time deal or if he'll be back in the future.

3rd Runner Up:  Volume 17 - Amazing Kong powerbombs referee Laura Mattano (29 Points)

After going toe to toe with Sara Del Rey and beating Cheerleader Melissa, many expected Ariel to be easy pickings for Amazing Kong.  When the plucky crowd favorite showed more fight than perhaps was wise, Kong started to take out her frustrations on referee Laura Mattano.  That wasn't too out of the ordinary, but what was out of the ordinary was Kong picking up Mattano and driving her down with her sitout powerbomb, giving Ariel the win by DQ.

Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Shark Girl debuts.
Volume 17 - Amber O'Neal shows her aggressive side.
Volume 17 - Allison Danger fractures her collarbone.
Volume 18 - Lane & Nevaeh beat Lacey & Rain.
Volume 18 - Lacey wrestles her last match.
Volume 18 - Sara Del Rey gets booed.
Volume 19 - Jetta wins the battle royale.
Volume 19 - Amazing Kong dislocates Lorelei Lee's jaw.
Volume 19 - Jennifer Blake has a breakout  night.
Volume 19 - LuFisto returns to action.
Volume 20 - Mercedes Martinez fails to win the SHIMMER Title.
Volume 21 - Madison Eagles's mad skillz.
Volume 21 - The Experience lose for only the second time.
Volume 21 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh win the Tag Titles.
Volume 21 - Amazing Kong is able to work despite injuries.
Volume 21 - Ariel wins Four Corner Survival.
Volume 21 - Daizee Haze fails to win the SHIMMER Title.
Volume 22 - Allison Danger reveals that she is pregnant.
Volume 22 - Portia Perez vows to "end something else" on a pregnant Allison Danger.
Volume 22 - Referee Bryce Remsburg is easily able to take down Portia Perez.
Volume 22 - The Canadian Ninjas fail to win the tag titles.
Volume 22 - Sara Del Rey thrown over guardrail and nails a fan who puts his hands on her.

Overall Show of the Year (58 Points)


Volume 20 featured the Match of the Year in Cheerleader Melissa vs. LuFisto, and had a strong undercard as well.  There was angle advancement with the Danger/Perez feud escalating.  All this was done without many of SHIMMER's top names, who were absent for the night.

1st Runner Up:  Volume 22 (54 Points)

SHIMMER's season finale, which may have overtaken the top spot if fans had more time to acquire it before the voting period ended.  The show featured quite a few Match of the Year Candidates, an appearance by Larry Sweeney, a controversial angle involving Allison Danger and Portia Perez and a star being born in Serena Deeb.

2nd Runners Up:  Volumes 17 & 18 (TIE - 48 Points)

April 26 was apparently a good night, as both shows accumulated the same amount of votes.  Both had Match of the Year Candidate main events, and the historic first SHIMMER title change occurred on Volume 18.  They also featured the debuts of some notable names such as Jennifer Blake, Wesna Busic, Cat Power and Nevaeh.

3rd Runners Up:  Volumes 19 & 21 (TIE - 37 Points)

Though not as strong as SHIMMER's other 2008 offerings, there is still plenty of quality to be found.  The historic first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions were crowned on Volume 21, as well as quite a few Match of the Year Candidates.  Volume 19 featured a unique main event, as well as an entertaining battle royale to open the show, plus a Match of the Year Candidate in Melissa vs. Mercedes.

http://www.shimmerathletes.com/

**SHIMMER WRESTLING COURSE**

New Class forming NOW!!

The SHIMMER School will be starting its SECOND class during the week of March 2nd, 2009 with trainer, Daizee Haze. The school is located at the Ring of Honor Academy in Bristol, PA (about 20 minutes from Philadelphia- close to I-95 and the PA turnpike). The facility includes a full size ring, weight lifting equipment, a video library, and countless other resources.

This 6 month course is for women with previous wrestling experience to no experience at all and will help you to learn what you need to know in order to start your wrestling career. The school is open to wrestlers, referees, managers, and valets.

Please be aware there are NO GUARANTEES as each student is different and learns at their own pace.

Training will include:
-Emphasis on the fundamentals
-Drills
-Conditioning and weight training
-Ring psychology
-Development of timing and positioning
-Continuous evaluation
-Advice on character development
-Assistance with promos
-Etiquette
-SAFETY

The cost for the SHIMMER Wrestling Course:   

 **$2250  for the 6 month course:     
                                             
     --$750 down payment on the first day of class
     --$300 per month (starting the second month)

     -OR-   

**$2000 if paid in full the first day.


Once you have graduated you are allowed and encouraged to continue training at no extra charge.

You must be 18 years of age to enroll in the SHIMMER Course, however, with the consent of a parent/legal guardian you may enroll at the age of 17.

To enroll please send this basic information to Daizee Haze at shimmerschool@hotmail.com...
 

NAME:

HOMETOWN:

AGE:

HEIGHT:

WEIGHT:

E-MAIL:

PREVIOUS PRO WRESTLING EXPERIENCE (if any):


For more information or questions please email Daizee at shimmerschool@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your interest and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

http://www.shimmerathletes.com/

Thanks to Nick Andrews for cutting this trailer promoting the release of SHIMMER Vols. 21 & 22 on DVD. Look for both DVD titles to be available at http://www.ROHwrestling.com/ during the last week of January.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/o0ncnb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qG_x9EHZvI