Updated: "EL P is acting like a little punk." Artemis Spencer on declining EL P's challenge
EL P crashed DEFANCE FOREVER | West Smith
"He's almost like a little brother to me, ya know? And, right now, I think he's acting like a little punk."
- Artemis Spencer on El P
Last month in Tacoma, the capacity crowd had their fill of shocking moments during DEFYANCE FOREVER. Not least of which was the stunning DEFY Championship match, which saw Schaff dethrone reigning kingpin and indie stand-out Artemis Spencer.
During his time as DEFY Champ, Artie represented DEFY around the world, defending his title a crushing 10 times and by this Fall will have competed in some of the most prestigious tournaments in all of Wrestling, Progress' Super Strong Style 16, the DEFY SUPER 8XGP (which he won), and PWG's BOLA.
The 2019 SUPER 8XGP Semi-Final victory over Matt Cross | West Smith
During his reign in DEFY, Artemis' rising star hadn't gone unnoticed, and earlier in the card, on the very same night as his defeat, the Temple Theatre was granted witness to a run-in, mugging (of Jordan Oasis and Kevin Cook during their match) and open challenge by Bullet Club stand-out and fellow Canadian, Artie's old friend...El Phantasmo.
EL P challenges Artemis Spencer to a match in DEFY after trashing Tacoma | West Smith
The Masked Dudes Of Doom | 2008
"We literally grew up together, Riley (El P) and me, I mean I kinda even used to pick on him...I even got him into Wrestling, and it just so happens he has become one of the best, one of the best in the world, but I see the stuff he's tweeting and how he's acting out and I don't like it at all. It's not okay."
- Artemis Spencer
ECCW Clash of The Titans | 2015
In 2017, paths diverged. Artemis, suffered a debilitating workplace injury when his foot was crushed by heavy machinery, leaving him on the injured list and convincing him at the time he'd never return to Wrestling again. While El P, frustrated by lack of opportunity and restless, broke out of the Canadian scene to start a new life in the UK, wrestling extensively for companies like Progress, and Rev Pro, he'd find success and big matches quick to come.
Just about two years later, Artemis is one of North America's biggest stars and DEFY Champion, El P attracts attention from the brass of NJPW and becomes one of Wrestling's brightest stars and controversial personality. Then enter DEFYANCE FOREVER, where their paths converge once again as El P comes home to the Northwest with a significant chip on his shoulder. Looking for showcase matches to cement his belief he's the best in the Northwest. Aiming first for his old friend Artemis Spencer.
"When he challenged me, I thought, that's just not right. You don't run into a company (DEFY) that's like my home, attack a couple of young Wrestlers while they're getting their showcase moment on a big show, and then tell me what to do, to challenge me. He's totally forgotten where he's come from and he's forgotten who he's talking to. I don't accept his challenge. Win a match in DEFY first then talk to me. El P, I don't accept your challenge." - Artemis Spencer
Despite the unknowns accompanied by El P's eventual return to the Northwest, former champion Artemis Spencer, will not be facing him at DOOMSAYER on September 27th in Seattle. He will instead take a short break from competition in DEFY after BOLA to rest and heal after completing a stunning DEFY record of 15 wins 2 losses.
UPDATED Sept. 18, 2019
Announced via Twitter; EL P is no longer accepting any match at DOOMSAYER and has dropped the booking completely.
WATCH Pentagón JR VS. Chris Ridgeway On New DEFY NOW
On this week’s DEFYNOW watch Pentagón JR vs Chris Ridgeway plus, Brian Cage vs Jack Evans. SUBSCRIBE NOW and watch below
Pentagón JR vs. Chris Ridgeway
plus, Brian Cage vs. Jack Evans
Brought to you from DEFY ON EDGE at the Historic Washington Hall
Hosted by Steve Migs / Commentary by Rich Bocchini
Chris Ridgeway Mini Doc by BEYOND GORILLA | Robyn Goding
Opening Music by Goddamned Animals | www.facebook.com/goddamnedanimals/
Additional Music by Vigil Wolves | www.vigilwolves.com
Poster Art Photography by West Smith / Edited by Nick Gattman / Opener by Luke Knecht
WATCH SWERVE VS. ARTEMIS On New DEFY NOW
On this week’s DEFYNOW watch Shane SWERVE Strickland vs ARTEMIS SPENCER in an historic DEFY Championship match, plus, Cody Chhun teams with Randy Myers to take on The Pride. SUBSCRIBE NOW and watch below
DEFY CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Shane Strickland (C) vs. Artemis Spencer
plus, Randy Myers & Cody Chhun vs. The Pride (King Khash & Carl Randers)
Brought to you from DEFY ON EDGE at the Historic Washington Hall
Hosted by Steve Migs / Commentary by Rich Bocchini
Opening Music by Goddamned Animals | www.facebook.com/goddamnedanimals/
Additional Music by Vigil Wolves | www.vigilwolves.com
Poster Art Photography by West Smith / Edited by Nick Gattman / Opener by Luke Knecht
WATCH SWERVE VS. SCHAFF AND MORE ON NEW DEFYNOW
On this week’s DEFYNOW watch Shane SWERVE Strickland vs SCHAFF in an explosive DEFY Championship match, Artemis vs. Fenix, and Cobb vs. Brody King! It’s a super sized episode of DEFY NOW!
Jeff Cobb vs. Brody King
Artemis Spencer vs. Rey Fenix
DEFY Championship | Shane Strickland (C) vs. Schaff
Brought to you from DEFY Dia De Los Muertos at the Historic Washington Hall in Seattle
Hosted by Steve Migs / Commentary by Rich Bocchini
Opening Music by Goddamned Animals | www.facebook.com/goddamnedanimals/
Additional Music by Vigil Wolves | www.vigilwolves.com
Poster Art Photography by West Smith / Edited by Nick Gattman / Opener by Luke Knecht
Full SLAMTOWN Card revealed!
The full reveal of Saturday, February 9th’s SLAMTOWN card has been revealed!
Rain, Snow or Shine - we will be bringing one of wrestling's biggest stars as John Hennigan, also known from his recent appearance on the hit CBS SURVIVOR: David vs Goliath show. Or his years exciting fans while working for WWE as John Morrison, or more recently as Johnny Mundo from El Rey Network's Lucha Underground, Johnny Impact or even Johnny DEFY! John will be going one-on-one with wrestling's anti-superstar, Darby Allin. Darby has been tearing up the independent scene for months now and was highly impressive during his fight that spilled out all across the Hawthorne Theatre when he fought Shane Strickland last year.
The DEFY World Champion, Artemis Spencer will be making his Portland debut as he puts his championship on the line against Maxwell Jacob Friedman. Friedman who goes by the name MJF had a very impressive 2018, and he has started 2019 with a bang by signing a contract with the newly formed All Elite Wrestling. These two men met last year during a six man tag team match in Seattle and since that moment have been urgently awaiting a singles match.
Also announced for February 9th may be the most anticipated match of the night. It's a match where both men have been extremely vocal about their dislike for one another. On one side of the ring we have "the Baddest Man in Wrestling," SCHAFF. On the other side we have veteran wrestler Hammerstone! Both of these men are heavy hitters, so if you're a fan of seeing heavyweights beat each other up this is the match for you!
A limited number of general admission tickets are still available at ticket link below!
Don't hesitate as our last four events have sold out!
SLAMTOWN COMES TO PORTLAND ON FEBRUARY 9TH!
DEFY WRESTLING RETURNS TO PORTLAND ON FEBRUARY 9TH!
Mark your calendars as Saturday, February 9th will be DEFY Wrestling’s return to the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, Oregon with DEFY SLAMTOWN.
We will be bringing one of wrestling's biggest stars as John Morrison, also known from his recent appearance on the hit CBS SURVIVOR: David vs Goliath show. John will be going one-on-one with wrestling's anti-superstar, Darby Allin. Darby has been tearing up the independent scene for months now and was highly impressive during his fight that spilled out all across the Hawthorne Theatre when he fought Shane Strickland last year.
The DEFY World Champion, Artemis Spencer will be making his Portland debut as he puts his championship on the line against Maxwell Jacob Friedman. Friedman who goes by the name MJF had a very impressive 2018, and he has started 2019 with a bang by signing a contract with the newly formed All Elite Wrestling. These two men met last year during a six-man tag team match in Seattle and since that moment have been urgently awaiting a singles match.
Also announced for February 9th may be the most anticipated match of the night. It's a match where both men have been extremely vocal about their dislike for one another. On one side of the ring, we have "the Baddest Man in Wrestling," SCHAFF. On the other side, we have veteran wrestler Hammerstone! Both of these men are heavy hitters, so if you're a fan of seeing heavyweights beat each other up this is the match for you!
One of Portland's favorite wrestlers, the Weirdo Hero from Kalamazoo Ravenous Randy Myers will be in action as well!
A limited number of general admission tickets are still available at the link below! Don't hesitate as our last four events have sold out!
Feature Photo by Amber Knecht | Use #SlamtownDEFY on social
VIDEO: WATCH DEFYANCE UNITED on new DEFY NOW
On this week’s DEFYNOW watch when DEFY joined forces with the UK’s PROGRESS Wrestling for DEFYANCE UNITED
In a brand new DEFYNOW relive the summer spectacle that was DEFYANCE UNITED at The Historic Washington Hall in Seattle Washington.
Walter (C) vs. Schaff | Progress Championship Match
Shane Strickland (C) vs. Brian Cage | DEFY World Championship Match
Randy Myers vs. Jimmy Havoc
Artemis Spencer vs. King Khash
Brought to you from DEFYANCE UNITED at the Historic Washington Hall in Seattle
Hosted by Melissa Santos / Commentary by Rich Bocchini
Opening Music by Goddamned Animals | www.facebook.com/goddamnedanimals/
Additional Music by Vigil Wolves | www.vigilwolves.com
Poster Art Photography by West Smith & Mark Johnston / Edited by Nick Gattman / Opener by Luke Knecht
RESULTS: DEFY On Edge 12/14/18
West Smith
West Smith
…AND NEW, DEFY WORLD CHAMPION - ARTEMIS SPENCER
December 14th DEFY Wrestling crowned a NEW World Champion in the form of one Artemis Spencer. Artemis defeated longtime champion Shane Strickland in and amazing match. The end came after 20 minutes of back and forth action, when referee Aubrey Edwards slapped the mat for the third time. The crowd erupted in one of the loudest and longest ovations you will hear at a wrestling event!
The night was filled with emotional moments. Brody King, who has been competing with DEFY Wrestling for over a year said his farewell after losing to the man known simply as SCHAFF. These two men each had a win over the other, and this match. Brody's final appearance for DEFY for the foreseeable future saw both men battle through out Washington Hall. This match and Brody leaving was very emotional for fans who saw Brody as one of their own, so much so 30 to 40 fans who sit in the front two rows brought ski masks that resemble the one worn by Brody as he enters the ring.
PENTAGON Jr also made his triumphant return to DEFY Wrestling as he battled Chris Ridgeway, who made his United States debut. This was an awesome match, and shows the true potential of Chris Ridgeway as he went toe-to-toe with one of the best in the world. Travel delay's had Chris arriving a mere few hours before stepping in the ring. And while he did not win the match, he won over fans in the United States. Chris Ridgeway is a guy to keep your eyes on.
Other matches saw King Khash and Carl Randers defeat the team of Ravenous Randy Myers and Cody Chhun. DEFY Tag Team Champions the Amerikan Gunz, Mike Santiago and Ethan HD retain their tag gold as they beat Doctor Kliever and Drexl in a wild match that left Drexl getting stitched up by EMT's in the locker room.
One of the most exciting matches of the night, Prince of Parkland Jack Evans. Accompanied by his mentor Bryan Alvarez of F4Wonline.com squared off with "The Machine" and IMPACT Wrestling X-Division Champion Brian Cage. Evans was competing in front of family and friend, but was not shy about letting fans know he was happy with them. In the end the power of Cage was just too much and he left still champion!
We also saw the young Guilermo Rosas come out with an impressive win over Kaimana who is one of Hawaii's top wrestlers.
One of the highlights was announcer Steve Migs introducing WWE Hall of Fame inductee Ivory to the live crowd. Ivory came to support DEFY Wrestling and all of the amazing wrestlers!
DEFY Wrestling returns January 19th to Seattle WA and February 9th to Portland OR. Ticket information will be at www.DefyWrestling.com
Photos: West Smith | Social Video: Kevin Diers
LISTEN: The "most underrated wrestler" Artemis Spencer on MIGS vs TWOW
This week Migs chats with Artemis Spencer!
Arty is wrestling Shane Strickland this Friday at DEFY Wrestling ON EDGE for the Defy Championship. Migs chats with Arty about jumping off of balconies, working with Progress, being called the most underrated wrestler in the eyes of Jim Smallman, and how Arty helped pick up Migs spirits after an injury. Buy Tickets
Arty on Twitter: @ArtySpence
Follow Migs: @ImSteveMigs
West Smith
Battling Rey Fenix | West Smith
Spencer at DEFY Dia De Los Muertos | West Smith