Chinlock 5 was a joint venture between House of Hardcore and Chinlock Wrestling. The card took over Leon’s Centre in Kingston, Ontario on June 15th, 2019. It had an undeniably fun atmosphere with people of all walks of life coming out to enjoy the beauty of pro wrestling. There was a tangible buzz permeating from the venue throughout the day and Dylan Bowker was there to represent LM2 at Chinlock 5.
Bowks Talking Bouts
A Legend’s Convention took place earlier in the day and featured a myriad of big names. Stars like Bret Hart, Mark Henry, and Jimmy Hart were all taking pictures and signing autographs as they met fans. This brought out some long-time fans but pro wrestling junkies of all stripes came out. Hornswoggle stated “It’s every generation of wrestling fans…Our parent’s parents to our parents to myself and my son’s age. So it’s really cool that it crosses so many generations”.
Hornswoggle Interview Audio HERE
Jimmy Korderas said “I’m watching grandfathers, mothers, and fathers, their kids…It’s funny because…there’s people who know me from the Aftermath show who’ve never seen me referee. Then there’s others who say I remember when you used to referee which makes me feel like the old guy now.”
Jimmy Korderas Interview Audio HERE
The House of Hardcore component of the show also brought modern fans who appreciate the diversity of the HOH product. Hornswoggle stated “Tommy has always done a great job in doing generations and the different fans….(different) styles of wrestling he always incorporates on these shows and tonight will be no different”
There’s such a strong kinship in professional wrestling that has so many different tendrils to it. The way that wrestlers interact among themselves as a fraternity, how fans can get so close to the performers, and the connections to special guests on shows. All of these aspects came to the forefront at Chinlock 5. Jimmy Korderas said “I’m looking at some old friends and legends. This is too cool….. There are others you haven’t seen for a long time and when you run into them it’s like old times. It’s still pretty much a fraternity so that brotherhood is still there”.
Spenny stated “There’s a camaraderie that I can be a part of even from an outsider position. It’s just a lot of fun for me.”
Shockmaster added “This is a family reunion. We get to see guys we don’t get to see often…..It’s the best part other than being with the fans. Without the fans, there’s no wrestlers”.
Shockmaster (ft Tully Blanchard) Interview Audio HERE
Everybody has their own introduction to wrestling and distinctly recall which facets drew them in. Spenny said “I’m 56 years old and from 7 years old on I used to go to Maple Leaf Gardens…..Frank Tunney cards….We’d go to Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and see The Butcher……I’ve been a fan my whole life but I do love the old school”. The Showcase star also said “I’m in wrestling heaven right now….This is my happy place”.
Spenny Interview Audio HERE
Chinlock 5 also raised money for several local charities and the figures are looking favorable. The venue was filled out and the crowd was raucous and unwavering in their enthusiasm. The show itself was electric but you could tell many involved most appreciated the charitable contribution and communal impact Chinlock Wrestling and House of Hardcore made.
Jimmy Korderas said “It’s awesome when you’re able to give back to the community….Like I’ve been doing the Chinlock stuff for a couple years now and Jan Murphy does a wonderful job. He puts a lot of work into this. You can’t help but be affected by how much effort he puts in…..you want to do your part. Giving back to the community, I think, is the best part of this entire thing. It’s what wrestling can do. It’s an interesting vehicle because it touches so many people in different ways.”
Spencer also articulated “It’s show business. I know there’s the athletic part of it….What gets me is the entertainment. The spectacle of it…..You get older, you get married, you have kids, you have less time……Being a part of these live shows. I’ve done a House of Hardcore in Toronto. I’ve done four of these Chinlock shows. It’s just a lot of fun…..It’s a real thrill and I love it.” The wrestlers that tour internationally appreciate the local Kingston audience in a big way as well.
Willie Mack said “Enjoying the view here at this nice arena…I was here a year ago and I didn’t think I was going to have a good response. But they were down for everything I gave them. So yeah, Canada’s been pretty good to me. I love coming up here and hopefully, I get to come back more”
As much as he was reveling in his own wrestling fandom/ nerdiness, Willie was focused on the task at hand as he was discussing who’d be standing opposite him in the ring for Chinlock 5’s main event. Willie Mack said “Sami Callihan….nasty dude, rough, intense. But I can be just as rough and intense. And I’m the House of Hardcore Television Champion.” He also stated, “I’m the dude to look out for and this is the company I’m representing.”
Willie Mack had a poignant parting thought that I think wraps things up nicely.
The HOH titlist stated “If you enjoy wrestling, don’t be afraid to show it. It’s 2019 and wrestling is booming again. It ain’t been this way since the attitude era where people aren’t afraid to be wrestling fans. You can actually show up with wrestling shirts and people don’t make fun of you.”
Willie Mack Interview Audio HERE
Bowks Talking Bouts/ Dylan James Bowker is available on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play Music, and Podbean.
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