Project: Diverge Operation New Wave Review

Welcome everyone to the return of the Bank Statement! For the first time in two years, I have decided to get back on social media and be me again, a fan who loves wrestling and isn’t afraid to show it!

Sadly, I decided to stop watching American Championship Entertainment by the time 2018 rolled around. Whenever I would go to a lot of shows, a lot of the wrestlers really detested me, especially Adam Payne, that no good, dastardly, vile, evil, disgusting excuse for a wrestler. Never forget. I won’t. ACE is always great, but not for me anymore.

With that said, I can say that I fell in love with a brand new wrestling product. Project: Diverge won my heart over back in April 2018.

A mix of ACE, Beyond, and other local independent talents, Diverge was something that took my heart, starting with all the promos leading up to the event to the Old Bridge Elks on 4.21.18. I did not go to the event, because I had a prior commitment on that date. I decided to just wait for the footage to be released, especially with all the hype Diverge had on Facebook and Twitter inside the Jersey wrestling scene.

However, when the footage didn’t come out right away, I figured that it was just another pipe dream and the footage would never be released. Same old, same old on the independent circuit.

Then, thanks to a trailer released in early December, it was legit. Project: Diverge Operation New Wave would be released during a 5 Day Special Release starting on 12.21.18 and ending on Christmas Day. Since I don’t really have much family and don’t celebrate that materialistic crap, I knew I’d have the time to watch. And I did.

And Oh Boy, what an event! For a first time event, save a few things I, as a fan, would have done differently, Project: Diverge was a success! An intimate venue, mixed with great production, led to an exciting story told through 5 different episodes.

Most of all...the story. The infamous “New Wave 8” really brought their A-game...well, 7 of the New Wave 8 did. I’ll get to that later. Even the Styles Clash participants had their time to shine.

I absolutely dug it on so many different realms. Here’s why.

BANKIE’S OPERATION NEW WAVE REVIEW

Positives:

THE RISE OF O’MALLEY - Tom O’Malley, a man who has only wrestled a handful of matches over the past few years, mainly in American Championship Entertainment, came out of the woodwork and absolutely showcased his heart. Personally, overcoming the shoulder injury and finding a way to use the STR so efficiently to win all 3 matches were incredible. There is no one other than O’Malley to be the face of Diverge. A serious wrestler who stands up and fights in the name of honor and the sport is at the forefront of the New Wave.

MIKEY D AND ED SCANLON A FUTURE “CLASSIC” COMMENTARY TEAM - Classic Mikey D and Big Ed Scanlon held their own in their first time together as play-by-play and color commentators for Diverge. As each episode went on, the better they were. Ed got more confident. Classic, the former sidekick in the commentary booth for ACE, became a credible lead announcer and showcased his true wrestling knowledge when it came to holds and maneuvers. If Diverge ever continues post Operation New Wave, it will be a joy to hear these two together.

PRODUCTION - This show felt different as it came to a televised product. Instead of it being just a normal two camera shoot, there were two ring cams, a “follow Jon Harder” cam, and an Osmo as a hard cam. Also, there was a ton of microphones around, picking up every noise. There were awesome replays and innovative lower thirds for the talent. Most of all, there was just a lot of care put into the project in post-production. And you can tell.

PRINCE AKKANATAN - Because why not? The failed fireball just made me laugh and love “the Vile from the Nile”.

VINCE STEELE MEETS KTB - The ending of Episode 3 saved Vince Steele and was incredibly compelling internet TV. What would happen? Did Steele ruin the night for everyone? Thankfully, Kyle the Beast, out of left field, entered the arena to start Episode 4 and went toe-to-toe with the big man. The pure strength from the Beast alone was incredible. There was so much left on the bone...and I want more. Juggernaut vs Beast? Bring me more!

Negatives:

TOO MUCH JON HARDER - No disrespect to the Diverge founder, but he was on the show WAY too much. I know it helped with the story of the show, but less is more for the Commish. Ironically, I still want to know why Jon didn’t enter the ring and hand O’Malley the New Wave Cup when he tapped out Giovanni Marranca to win. That was when he was needed most. Regardless, good for Jon to see his dream happen. I just don’t want to see his ass all the time.

KONGO IN THE STYLES CLASH - Wildman (not MadMan, Ed) Kongo was a complete wrecking force inside the Styles Clash four-way. However, he completely had the odds stacked against him and was eliminated early from the match. I felt he was a strong enough performer to last longer and was a real brain fart from the braintrust at Diverge. It was a misfire. However, the running glutes to Gabby Ortiz’s face was pure brutal to watch. I thought she died.

MC MONTY MAX - I didn’t like him. Never...again.

GIOVANNI MARRANCA’S RUN - As much as I didn’t like Monty Max, I absolutely HATE Giovanni Marranca. “The Magnificent”, or whatever he wants to call himself, showed me NOTHING. He was bland. His posture was annoying and awkward. Most of all, his video that had his arrival into the Operation New Wave Tournament was just too whiny. No wonder why ACE never gave him an opportunity. He used everyone else as his issues instead of just addressing his own shortcomings. I mean, his lack of drive lead to multiple people in the locker room to call him out back in the day. How do I know this? Let’s say I’m people that know people that know Marranca. If he is truly is leaving wrestling, good riddance. For this writer, he’s blander than the pizza box that Black Zemis killed him with in 2008. Arrivederci, asshat.

Overall, despite my negatives, I absolutely LOVED Operation New Wave. I hope Diverge returns, sans Marranca. 2019 is do-or-die for the vision. I sincerely hope it returns. And if doesn’t, at least there is this. What an excellent effort. This show felt alive.

And in turn, for the first time in forever, the Bank Statement has returned. Hopefully, this isn’t just a one-time thing.

Bank On It that it won’t be.

Bankie Bruce

BankieBruce@gmail.com

STYLE AND FINESSE COMING FOR THE MIKE MORGAN JR CUP

There is nothing like seeing old school American Championship Entertainment infiltrated into current ACE events.

This Saturday at the Morgan Jr Arena in Wallington, NJ, “A Hero’s Celebration” will have a true vibe of the glory days of ACE, as Style and Finesse will reunite for ONE NIGHT ONLY for an opportunity to win the Mike Morgan Jr Memorial Tournament.

Seeing Rob Vegas and Mike Donovan come back together for one night to attempt to run the gamut in honor of the late, great Mike Morgan Jr makes me happy as a loyal member of the ACE Nation. I mean, it’s STYLE AND FINESSE!

Back in 2008, I was there in the second ACE Arena at 725 Sip St. in Union City, NJ when the multiple-time ACE Tag Team Champions split up during an episode of Action Zone. It was a very impactful split, as not only Donovan left the tag team, but the entire Hollywood Incorporated as a whole. Inside of ACE, Donovan and Vegas never interacted again.

I choose not to remember that. I remember the reigns Vegas and Donovan had as ACE Tag Team champions. I remember the ladder matches they had with Team Yea in 2007. I remember at Crossroads IV at the Soccer Depot in Montclair when Vegas and Donovan faced the Garden State Gods in a tables match. I remember their title defenses throughout Action Zone episodes.  I even remember the “No More Sorrow” from Linkin Park entrance theme they had.

Although “the Chessmaster” Vegas has become an ACE Heavyweight champion and “the Brooklyn Outlaw” Donovan won the Diamond Division and Fight for Flight titles, it hasn’t been the same since they split. Now, on February 4, for the first time since the summer of 2008, Style and Finesse is back for one night only.

For the memory of the incredible spirit Mike Morgan Jr brought to the world, Style and Finesse are looking to bring that to the table for “A Hero’s Celebration”. No disrespect to the Tag Team champions, Golden Shower, the New York Wrecking Crew, and Bad Company, while ALL the disrespect towards Jamal Jackson and the Black Diamond, Vegas and Donovan are coming.

Quite frankly, ACE is in trouble. No More Sorrow.

#MakeACEGreatAgain

Bankie Bruce
@BankieBruce on Twitter

FNB NEEDS TO DERAIL THE PAYNE TRAIN

I’ve been quiet for the past month as it has come to anything American Championship Entertainment. ACE had blacklisted me from their website after only two articles. Seems as if I hit hard when I speak the truth.

In truth from my truth, I actually blame Adam Payne.

That bearded goof has had his people contact ACE management after I had written a piece on how he’s basically the mayor of Wallington and that the people that follow him are idiots.

Well, I’m here on the Bank Statement and I’m proud to say that the Payne Train is terrible. Garbage. BUSH LEAGUE. A ZERO. I’m praying for someone to kill him.

Anthony “FNB” Ramirez is that guy.

FNB has been screwed over TWICE by Adam. At Worlds Collide in December 2016, he knew he couldn’t beat Ramirez, so he caused a double countout. THEN, in a complete miscarriage of justice at Redemption a few weeks ago, Payne used a steel chair and faked being hit with it, causing FNB to be disqualified! What type of degenerate does that??

Adam Payne does.

Adam Payne does not realize what he has done? He has awoken the Fat Nasty Bastard. FNB has gone to war time and time again. Ramirez destroyed Vince Steele at Crossroads 9 in a “no holds barred” match. He has brutalized Jamal Jackson on several occasions. He is a former Diamond Division champion.

The Payne Train is prepping to be derailed. Anthony “FNB” Ramirez, in my mind, is the man to do it. I can’t wait to go to Hero’s Celebration on February 4 to see this. Adam, you are going down.

THE FAT NASTY BASTARD WILL #MakeACEGreatAgain! Bank on it.

Bankie Bruce

http://twitter.com/bankiebruce

HEY TJ MARCONI! Change, Don't Conform

Ever since I’ve made my blog about the #MakeACEGreatAgain movement last week, I’ve gotten some praise publicly and privately from ACE fans, staff, and performers. Believe it or not, your secret is safe with me. However, I’m going to tell it like it is, in spite of your positive words or your negative ones, WHICH I DEFINITELY GOT.

I want to see this company get the press and props it deserves. What’s old is new again, or as the old president of TNA has said, “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning”.

What I DON’T LIKE TO SEE is tweets by certain members of the ACE roster looking for self gratification and sympathy. In particular, tweets from a former TWO-TIME ACE Heavyweight champion.

How is it I never was pinned for MY @acewrestling championship & not granted a rematch? AND not even advertised for the show Saturday! Hmmmm

— TJ Marconi (@TJMarconi) December 1, 2016

Yes, TJ Marconi, I’m talking to you.

I see a lot that you post on social media. A lot of what you preach is about the word CHANGE. Yet for some reason, instead of providing a way to CHANGE wrestling or the perception of ACE, you’re acting like everyone else.

You feel entitled. There is obviously a reason you are not on the poster, the card, and with NO rematch for your championship, which is now possessed by the Boricua Beast.

That reason, TJ, is conformity.

You are NOT a leader. You are a follower. Don’t get me wrong, you are VERY talented. You are the best big man in the Northeast. But you do not ACT like it. You go to social media and whine. That’s not the personality of someone that wants to institute CHANGE.

You know how you get back in the ACE title picture? You take no prisoners. You EARN your way back. You make ACE your #1 priority and RUN THE DAMN GAUNTLET!

I believe in you TJ Marconi, but the more things CHANGE, the more they stay the same. EARN IT. Fight the Power THAT WAY, not by griping on Twitter.

Bank on that.

-Bankie Bruce

@BankieBruce

#MakeACEGreatAgain

“MAKE ACE GREAT AGAIN!”

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Bankie Bruce. I am a fan of American Championship Entertainment and have been since the company formed in 2003.

I’ve always been around. I’ve seen everything from the formation of the NBC to Hollywood taking over before the company was rechristened ACE in 2007. I even remember going to Newark in 2008 for the outdoor events! I’ve always been around. Through ups and downs, good times and bad, I have been truly a true believer in the ACE Nation.

However, when I saw ACE start this NEXT era around August 2016, I knew I, as a fan, had to come on board and be a part of this new wave. I just didn’t know how to do it. Suddenly, with the ACE website coming back to full form, I decided I wanted to write for it. I wanted to provide my feelings on things going on in ACE.

Thankfully, ACE management allowed it. And in November, right after Crossroads 12, I wrote two pieces on the website. One on not understanding the hype behind Adam Payne, and the other on how Stockade went soft since he changed his ways from being a vile competitor. I didn’t think I was too offensive with my words.

Well, after only two pieces, I’VE BEEN SILENCED! Apparently, according to a direct message on Twitter I received from the ACE staff, I was too negative in my pieces towards the competitors, and in turn, offended most of the ACE locker room. Therefore, due to the overwhelming feedback, I could not write for the ACE website, unless it was positive in nature.

I respect ACE management for being honest and open, but how can I change my views as it comes to personal opinion? I believed in my words and believed them to be true. Therefore, I respectfully thanked ACE staff for allowing me to write for the website at all; however I would not change my strong opinions on the matter and I would be done writing there.

I don’t blame the crew that help day-in and day-out at ACE: I blame the wrestlers. I blame the performers. I blame the ACE locker room. Who would have ever thought that one fan’s opinion would have upset them so much? I surely didn’t. I guess everything has to be rainbows and sunshines nowadays, even in pro wrestling.

But what happened to the days where men were men in wrestling? What happened to the days where negativity not only fueled the fire of ACE Pro Wrestling performers, but drove them to be the best? I truly cannot believe it has come down to this.

So, with being silenced, I decided to open myself up and start a new blog here on Blogspot. This is the Bank Statement. This is a PC-free zone where I will not be quieted. I truly want this to be a place where ACE fans can come and speak freely about ACE. Whether it’s the old days or the NEXT era of this amazing company, I want the truth to flow free.

Most of all, I want this blog to be the start of something special. I want this blog to be the place where a movement begins. I believe in American Championship Entertainment, and if a few of the guys can’t handle a little bit of criticism, then so be it. The wrestling is top notch and I want to be the Voice of those that don’t have one. The voice I want to be is one of those that long for the days of Union City, NJ and 725 Sip Street. I want to embody the days of the Pinkheads, the “Vegas sucks” chants, the ACE Sign Guy, and the “KENNEDY” chants! These are the days I long for, as do others.

Thus, I am planning to start a grassroots movement. I am ready to help restore the old days from a fan’s perspective. I am ready to help spread HONEST word to the fans of independent wrestling about this company I hold near-and-dear to my heart.

I want to help MAKE ACE GREAT AGAIN.

Who’s with me? I won’t be silenced. I WON’T BE…ANYMORE. ACE Nation, it’s time to spread our wings. What’s old is new again and CHANGE only mucks things up. It’s time to restore some love to what ACE was, is, and forever will be: great professional wrestling. And if a few performers don’t like it, well suck it up and get better. We will MAKE ACE GREAT AGAIN! And it starts right here, on this blog…with me.

#MakeACEGreatAgain

By the way, I still don’t get the Payne Train and Stockade needs to fire up. It needs to be done.

Bankie Bruce
bankiebruce@gmail.com
@BankieBruce