Wrestling Retribution Project

Wrestling Retribution Project was a planned professional wrestling television program developed by Jeff Katz. Founded in 2011, the promotion was based on a 13-week serial schedule.[1] Upon completion of production, the program was to be distributed by Image Entertainment, and available via streaming media and DVD.[2]

Wrestling Retribution Project
GenreSports entertainment
Professional wrestling
Created byJeff Katz
Country of originUnited States
Production
Production locationsHenson Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Release
Original networkJustin.tv
Original releaseMarch 2020 (2020-03)

History

In early 2011, Former VP of Production at 20th Century Fox and New Line Cinema, Jeff Katz, began venting frustrations via his Twitter page with the current wrestling product broadcast worldwide by companies such as WWE and TNA.[2] In May 2011, he began a fundraising drive via the crowdfunding website Kickstarter with a goal to raise $100,000 for an alternative wrestling venture.[3] By June 21, 2011, the goal was achieved through 187 pledges.[4] Shortly thereafter, casting and pre-production of the series began. A thirteen-week first season was taped from October 10 to 12, 2011, at the Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. Fergal Devitt and Shawn Spears, who were both announced for the tapings, could not make it due to visa issues.[5]

The project name was changed from Wrestling Revolution Project to Wrestling Retribution Project on November 21, 2011.

The project has faced numerous criticisms from donors, frustrated by the lack of information about whether the project is still forthcoming and what their money was spent on.

In June 2013 an update was posted to the Kickstarter page, with a link to the video of their Champion's Grail battle royal.[6]

To date, the Kickstarter backers of the project have not received the end product which they funded, as Katz has not released the promised episodic footage.

On the Talk is Jericho podcast with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho revealed that he helped fund the project but never saw the footage, and Omega told a story about how he broke a chandelier during filming when he performed an outside springboard moonsault to Karl Anderson and then was forced to work for free the rest of the tapings to pay for the damage.[7]

In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Katz decided to upload the footage in YouTube.[8]

Cast

The cast of WRP was unveiled via Geekweek.com, and includes wrestlers with experience with both major promotions, as well as the independent circuit.[9]

Ring name[5]Real nameIn other promotions/previous experience
AphroditeTrisha LaFacheActress.
B.B.C.Timothy ThatcherLongest reigning Evolve Champion of all time.
Bobby HollywoodKevin McDonaldBetter known as KM. Former WWE developmental wrestler Kevin Matthews. Best known for his time in Impact Wrestling.
Brick ShithouseBen MuthFormer left tackle with the Stanford Cardinal, retired from football due to injury. Trained in wrestling under Lance Storm.
Chase WalkerJoseph MeehanBetter known as Joey Ryan. One of the co-founders of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, a former PWG World Champion and NWA World Tag Team Champion. Has also competed in Ring of Honor and appeared as an extra on WWE programming.
Chris HydeChris SpradlinBetter known as Chris Hero, also known for his WWE tenure under the name Kassius Ohno. Former CZW World Heavyweight Champion and PWG World Champion. One half of The Kings of Wrestling with Claudio Castagnoli, who are the former Chikara Campeones de Parejas, CZW World Tag Team Champions and ROH World Tag Team Champions.
ConcreteChristopher MordetzkyPreviously known in WWE as Chris Masters.
Das Nihilist[10]Emil SitociEuropean grappler from the Netherlands.[11]
Dios DoradoJonathan FigueroaBetter known as Amazing Red. Former three-time TNA X Division Champion, NWA Tag Team Champion and ROH Tag Team Champion.
Father Dante[10]Len OlsonKnown as "Dr. Luther." Currently signed to All Elite Wrestling.
Faris GotchDara DaivariPreviously known in WWE and TNA as Daivari. Former TNA X Division Champion.
John CageBrian ButtonBetter known as Brian Cage. Previously in Lucha Underground, PWG, Impact Wrestling, and AAA. He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling.
John RickerShaun RickerCurrently signed to the WWE as LA Knight.
Johnny 99Drew HankinsonPreviously known in the WWE as Festus and Luke Gallows. Also a former member of the Straight Edge Society stable and in Impact Wrestling as DOC.
KillshotChad AllegraBetter known as "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson. Former WWE Raw Tag Team Champion, four-time IWGP Tag Team Champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and GHC Tag Team Champion.
The Lord of WarHassan AssadAlso known as MVP. Former WWE United States Champion and the first ever IWGP Intercontinental Champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Muncie MageePatrick BuckridgeKnown as Pat Buck, current owner of the Wrestlepro organization. Former co-owner of the Pro Wrestling Syndicate school. Competed in OVW and FCW.
Master Murder[10]Michael ObereggerWorks on the Canadian independent circuit as "Psycho" Mike Rollins. Trained by Johnny Devine, Scott D'Amore and Harley Race.
ProfitableAlex ZikosAlso known as "Alex Reynolds." From Bethpage, New York. Trained by former ECW star Mikey Whipwreck.[12] Currently with AEW.
PunchlineScott ColtonAlso known as Colt Cabana in the independent circuit, and Scotty Goldman in WWE. Former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champion with partner CM Punk. Former NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Currently with AEW.
SatanicSam JohnstonBetter known as Sami Callihan. Wrestled in WWE as Solomon Crowe. Also featured in Combat Zone Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and other independent companies. Currently signed to Impact Wrestling.
Scott "The Cornerstone" CarpenterTyson SmithAlso known as Kenny Omega. Held the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, headlined Wrestle Kingdom 11 after winning the 26th G1 Climax, held the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship twice, and co-held the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Kota Ibushi in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Currently signed to AEW as an executive vice president and an in-ring talent.
Stan ShooterKen DoanePreviously known in WWE as Kenny Dykstra. Held the WWE World Tag Team Championship as a member of the Spirit Squad.
Tommy Lee RidgewayAdam PearceFive-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Currently working as a trainer in the WWE Performance Center.

References
  1. "Wrestling Revolution Project homepage". Wrestling Revolution Project. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  2. "Katz Grapples with Wrestling Venture". Variety.com. 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  3. "WRP Kickstarter Page". Kickstarter.com. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  4. "Kickstarter: Update #1: Wrestling Revolution Is Funded!". Kickstarter.com. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  5. Meltzer, Dave (October 24, 2011). "October 24 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2011 Hall of Fame issue, GSP down, Bound for Glory and Bobby Roode, Hogan vs. Sting, giant issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA: 37. ISSN 1083-9593.
  6. Johnston, Kike (2013-06-26). "Big Update on Jeff Katz's Wrestling Revolution Project". pwinsider.com. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  7. Wrestling Talk (2017-01-16), Kenny Omega on shattering a 10,000$ chandelier, retrieved 2018-05-06
  8. "Jeff Katz Apologizes For 'Betraying' Wrestling Fans, Begins Uploading Complete Wrestling Retribution Project Online For Free". PWInsider.com. 2020-03-20. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
  9. "Wrestling Revolution Project Cast Reveal". Geekweek.com. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  10. "Wrestling Revolution Project: Emil Sitoci as "Das Nihilist". First look revealed". Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  11. "Online World of Wrestling Profile of Emil Sitoci". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  12. "Casting a WRESTLING REVOLUTION - Day 4". Geekweek.com. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
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