Here is your fight size update for Saturday, April 8, 2023.
- Chris Sabin celebrates 20 years since his first match in IMPACT Wrestling on April 9, 2003.
From IMPACT:
Chris Sabin Celebrates 20-Years in IMPACT Wrestling
Chris Sabin, one of the most decorated stars in IMPACT Wrestling history, celebrates the 20th anniversary of his first-ever match in company history.
On April 9, 2003, Sabin teamed with Johnny Storm for a multi-team match – against Jerry Lynn and Amazing Red, Jason Cross and Shark Boy, and Triple X.
Sabin admits, decades later, that the match was “surreal,” and he was “nervous, yet excited.”
His team ultimately lost, but Sabin’s career in IMPACT Wrestling has been Hall of Fame worthy. Just consider:
• Was the IMPACT World Champion in 2013.
• Is a 3-time IMPACT World Tag Team Champion as half of the Motor City Machine Guns with Alex Shelley.
• Is a record 8-time X-Division Champion, and his combined 432-days as X-Division Champion also is the most-ever.
• Was the sixth IMPACT Triple Crown Champion.
• Is a 5-time IMPACT Year-End Award-winner, including Match of the Year, Moment of the Year and Men’s Tag Team of the Year.
“When I reflect on starting with TNA/IMPACT 20 years ago, it brings gratitude,” Sabin said. “This company has allowed me to make a living pursuing my passion and for many years has given me a platform for self-expression. This company has believed in me enough to always want me around, and though there were a few years between 2014-2019 I explored pro wrestling (in) other places, I was able to return home and continue the journey.
“I’m very proud of my time with TNA/IMPACT, as it has given me an opportunity to inspire others. Hearing and seeing how I have influenced other wrestlers throughout the years I see as a gift.”
Sabin said his memories from year one include road-tripping from Detroit to Nashville with Scott D’Amore and Zach Gowen for his first match and, naturally, winning the X Division Championship for the first time – on May 14, 2003. “With it being my third match with TNA, I remember feeling pressure to step up and prove to the company that I was deserving of such an accomplishment,” he said.
At the time, Sabin also worked as a sandwich artist at a local Subway. He soon quit the popular restaurant chain to focus on wrestling.
Sabin also spotlighted early matches against Frankie Kazarian, winning the Super X Cup in 2003 and participating in his first-ever Ultimate X match on August 20, 2003.
“Winning the X Division Championship more times than anyone in history contributes to my unique legacy,” Sabin said. “There’s no doubt the X Division changed wrestling forever. To be remembered as one of the greatest champions is an honor.”
Sabin vacated the X Division Championship in 2013 for a World Championship match – and, on July 18, 2013, he left the arena as the World Champion after defeating Bully Ray.
“The moment of the 1-2-3 and the sound of the crowd as I defeated Bully Ray for the World Championship is a cherished memory and something I will never forget. The reaction felt genuine,” Sabin said.
Sabin and Shelley formed the Motor City Machine Guns in 2006 while on tour for ZERO-1 MAX in Japan. They battled Ikudo Hidaka and Minoru Fujita.
“I think what makes the Motor City Machine Guns so successful is not only our shared passion for wrestling, but our ability to work as one. Our teamwork is unmatched,” Sabin said.
So, what’s next for the legendary Sabin?
“I just want to continue to create an unforgettable legacy for Chris Sabin and the Motor City Machine Guns, while at the same time giving back to the business that has given me so much,” he said.
“It would be impossible for me to pick one all-time favorite match throughout my time at IMPACT Wrestling. If I wanted to show someone who wasn’t a hardcore wrestling fan a series of matches that would be a good representation of my work in IMPACT, it would be the Motor City Machine Guns’ first tag title win along with the proceeding best-of-5 series against Beer Money.”
- New SmackDown Women's Champion Rhea Ripley joins "Ring the Belle" to do part two of our viral thirst tweet reaction, reacts to Liv Morgan climbing up on Raquel Rodriguez, and talk about how to properly call her "Mami."
- Here's RJ City reacting to SOAP intros
- C*4 Wrestling has issued a statement on Kobe Durst
We would like to firstly apologize in the delay on getting the following statement in order. For a variety of reasons, addressing this situation publicly prior to this moment, wasn't possible on our end.
Given some of his recent public activity on social media, and his refusal to accept responsibility for the hurt he is causing as a result - Kobe Durst will not be appearing on future C*4 events.
The opinions shared by Durst go against everything we strive to build within our C*4 community. We believe a welcoming and safe environment to all fans, especially those within marginalized groups. We believe in punching up. We strive to have a welcoming locker room to all people, regardless of their race, gender, or orientation. The opinions shared by Kobe are not supported or in line with anything about C*4 or the people behind it.
We have told Kobe that until he recognizes the his behaviour is hurtful and dangerous, he will not be welcomed back. And, if he wishes to ever return he must make public and meaningful acknowledgement of the pain he has caused people and why the rhetoric he using is dangerous and causes incredible harm.
While some may question why we don't completely write him off, I believe that if there is no path to redemption, consequences mean very little and will only lead to hardening beliefs within individuals. Radicalization happens far too frequently and easily in this day and age of social media echochambers. Ignoring that people can hopefully change for the better undoubtedly pushes people further down the path of dangerous ideologies.
We expected more out of Kobe, and are disappointed in his behaviour beyond words can express. And if our platform in anyway amplified his reach in offending people, we are extremely sorry.
Thank you for reading.
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- Top 10 Friday Night SmackDown moments: WWE Top 10, April 7, 2023.
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- Make sure you are subscribed to Fightful Select. A subscription grants you early access to interviews, Q&A opportunities, early looks at breaking news, and more. Also, make sure to check us out on YouTube and Twitch.
- Imperium are laser-focused on their vision: SmackDown LowDown, April 7, 2023
