2002.03.05
This weekend kicks off a long string of events. This Saturday, the IWA will be at Body Fit on Industrial Mile Road in Columbus, Ohio. The IWA has been to Body Fit twice in the past year. I can honestly say that I am happy with the effort I have put forth at both events. I started working events for the IWA about 1 year ago. The event at Body Fit in May of 2001 was my first real chance to shine. It was my first real chance to show people the heights I capable of achieving. Don't get me wrong, the match wasn't "match of the year" caliber. It was a solid effort with decent psychology and work.

Now that I think of it, I wrestled as Mark Mattis for the very first time at Body Fit. In my first year and a half in the business I wrestled as Antonio Rizzo, Merth, Travis Wayne, and Travis Chance. I think that during the first part of my career I was too concerned with being something I wasn't. It was at Body Fit that I cast aside those other personas to square off against Carlton Kaz.

We returned to Body Fit in August of 2001. I captured the Internet Title from The Holyman in July. The Holyman received a rematch at Body Fit. It was another solid effort. This match solidified my reign as champion and proved that I was neither a fluke nor a "one hit wonder".

I continued on as the Internet Champion for several more months. In late November, Al B. Damm pinned "Bad" Brad Shultz in a match where 3 titles were on the line. Al B. Damm walked out of the match as the Cruiserweight, Internet, and U.S. Champion. The titles were unified.

We now prepare for our third trip to Body Fit. Al B. Damm is scheduled to defend the U.S. Championship against (of all people) The Holyman. I have not received a rematch from Al B. Damm. Al B. Damm has accepted challenges from anyone and everyone... except me. It has been nearly 5 months since Damm won the titles. Isn't it odd that a former champion does not get a rematch? Brad Shultz has received a rematch. Why haven't I?

I can't say with any amount of certainty who I will face at Body Fit. But, I can assure you that Al B. Damm will get a reminder of why I am "The Omega".