• Look Back In History
• Pmessages
• Quiz
• Stump The Staff
• Top Fifty
• Close

Marvelous Management Leads To Victories At OKC Pop Con

Posted: Jul 7th 2022 By: Michael Hunt

It always seems like every time there is a hot new talent that enters a wrestling federation, someone jumps right in to try and influence their path. And while that is not the origin of the association between Mike Andrews and Leo Fox, one cannot deny that Fox's success has brought Andrews' attention even further in his direction.

Fox and Andrews first met when they were doing commentary for ASP. At the time, Andrews was happy to follow the rules and did not seem to share any sort of mindset with Fox. And even back then, their association provided some small benefits as they were co-holders of the ASP All-Time Title for a brief period.

After ASP went on hiatus, it seemed like the association between Fox and Andrews fell to the wayside. Andrews continued to work for companies like UWO and EPW in Oklahoma while Fox venture out to other places and eventually connected with EC3, joining the Control Your Narrative movement. The surprise occurred at an EPW event last year when Andrews joined with The Entitled, serving as their official voice on commentary. But even more surprising was his joining Leo Fox at some of his wrestling events as a managerial talent.

So when Fox and Curt Gannon were announced as the Wrestlers of Mass Destruction for the IWW event at the OKC Pop Con, it was no surprise to see Andrews at their side. And what an amazing opportunity for them as they were put into a Triple Threat Match against two teams who collectively held 3 Tag Team championships. On one side was Mr. Nasty & Killbane, who held the WCR Tag Team titles as Murder, Inc. On the other side were Luke Richmond and Malik Mayfield, along with their manager Olivier Vegos. Collectively they are known as Chosen Influence. While none of these tag team titles were on the line in this match, obviously bragging rights were there if one of the champion teams could walk away victorious. But even more important would be if the WMDs could pick up a victory, as it would propel them to the #1 contendership for the titles of whichever team they pinned.

All 3 teams knew what was at stake in a showcase at this level and even Mike Andrews, who had displayed a rather arrogant side since joining the Entitled and had become obsessed with photo-documenting everything, was worse than normal as he had acquired a selfie-stick prior to this event. Andrews' loud proclamations, combined with his flailing that stick around any chance he got, elicited huge choruses of boos from the crowd present to watch. And for unknown reasons, Andrews decided to target Olivier Vegos with some of those taunts. Vegos had already been the target of some unkind words from Mr. Nasty regarding his plans for her but Andrews' words simply pushed things too far and at one point, Vegos because to chase Andrews around the ring. He even attempted to hide behind the broadcast table where Walker Stewart and Nigel Rabid were trying to do their job while seeking refuge from the enraged valet of Chosen Influence. But Andrews' distraction provided some assistance as the WMDs were able to take charge during that time. Richmond rallied up and began to fight off first the WMDs and then Murder, Inc. and appeared to be on the path to picking up the victory when Murder, Inc. turned the tables and connected with their finisher, a combination Alabama Slam/Pimp Slap from the top rope. But while getting in position to execute the pimp slap, Nasty was blind tagged by Fox, so when they hit the finisher, Fox and Gannon threw both men from the ring and Fox pinned Luke for the win.

One victory is nice, but Andrews wanted more and to their credit, the FTE matchmakers recognised Fox's natural talent. So Fox was booked in a one-on-one encounter the next day at the FTE event against Wayne Black. Black possessed a definite experience edge but the size and power were obviously in Fox's favour. And yet, despite that advantage, Andrews and his selfie-stick once again became involved. At one point, Andrews hopped up on the ring apron and reached in the ring to physically involve himself with Black and that was the point at which the referee turned and saw what was going on and had had enough! Andrews was summarily ejected, much to the joy of the crowd, and this allowed Black to begin to take over in the match. Thinking he had the advantage and knowing he needed to press it before it was too late, Black went to clothesline Fox out of the ring, but Fox ducked that, came back off the opposite ropes and connected with a devastating spear to gain the win. Andrews might not have been able to stay at ringside, but his influence once again helped him guide Fox to victory.

How far Fox and Andrews can go is anyone's guess. But Fox's knowledge is quite high, having had the opportunity to scout much of the top talent in the state while doing commentary for ASP and EPW. Communicating all that to Fox in their training sessions is no hard task. At this point, Andrews appears to be on edge of beginning a marvelous career which could easily lead to more championship gold under his control.