Beefcakes of Wrestling

Walters vs. Papadon (Part 1)

2012-02-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

Here are pics of a match between Steven Walters and The Greek God Papadon which was held in New York several weeks ago. There are a lot of great shots of this hard-fought battle, so I split them into two batches for your viewing pleasure.

Jim "Shoots" Jessie Godderz

2012-02-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Regular contributor Jim from Chicago emailed to tell me he spent the previous week attending five Ohio Valley Wrestling shows (okay, I'm officially jealous). Jim wrote: "Here are some shots of Jessie Godderz I took on Tuesday Feb 21st at the Davis Arena in Louisville KY. His opponent that evening was Elvis Pridemore. Jessie quickly won the match and Elvis left the building, defeated." Jim's work is fantastic, isn't it? It's like he takes us into the ring and makes us feel like we are part of the action. In the close-ups of Jessie, you can see every muscle definition. Awesome! Thanks, Jim! Looking forward to the next batch of OVW pics!

TMZ photographed Jessie topless at La Guardia airport. Click here.

A Message from Tristan Baldwin

2012-02-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, adult video wrestler Tristan Baldwin (BG East and Thunder's Arena's Aryx Quinn) left a message on the comments section in the recent post devoted to him. Tristan says: "Hey hey! Just wanted to drop in and say 'Thank You' for the exposure and support of both Beefcakes of Wrestling(BoW), and to all the fans as well. My 'end goal' so to speak, is to start trying to influence the adult movie wrestling industry in a manner that is more geared to reflect what the FANS what to see...not merely what the studios are serving up. Where have all the storylines gone? Why all the cliche matches? Time to mix things up a bit!" Tristan's new website is coming soon so watch out for it!

Johnny Be Good

2012-02-27T07:01:00.001-08:00

Regular contributor David emailed me these photos he took of Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)'s "classic wrestler," Johnny Curtis. I don't think Johnny has ever taken a bad picture, do you? Thanks for the awesome pics, David! Keep 'em coming!

Uh-oh, Johnny's in trouble.

Screen cap courtesy of WWE.com

Who Is Tyler Garceau?

2012-02-26T16:08:00.002-08:00

Tyler Garceau is a former Abercrombie & Fitch model turned natural bodybuilder turned pro wrestler. As a model, he maintained a lean and ripped physique but he gradually bulked up so he could fulfill his dream of becoming a wrestler (he says his role model is John Cena). He started training in 2010 and had his first pro match in October of that year. You can watch his debut match on the Beefcakes of Wrestling channel on YouTube. 6 ' 1", 240 pound Tyler turns 25 on March 2.

Tyler now

Tyler in his modeling days

From Tyler's first ever match

With Jessie Godderz and an unidentified friend

Tyler in his modeling days

Picture Of The Week

2012-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Beef-upside-down-cake.

Anthony Nese

Big Squash Jobs

2012-02-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

"Tribute to a throw back era of low budget wrestling where wrestlers had thick gym bodies and the matches were slower and more methodical with lots of sweat." If that description of this video offering from OldSchoolBrawlers on YouTube doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will.

Dutch Treat

2012-02-23T23:50:00.000-08:00

Here's Dutch pro wrestler Emil Sitoci posing, flexing, and working out (so that's how you get a body like his). See more of Emil in this music video featuring highlights from his European matches.

What A Difference 5 Years Makes

2012-02-22T21:51:00.001-08:00

Recognize this guy?

With Greg Marasciulo (now WWE's Trent Baretta)

It's Anthony Nese from 2007, the year he probably started wrestling professionally. And here are more recent pics of Nese taken during a match in New York. Some things just get better with age.

With Alex Zikos

Jim "Shoots" Steven Walters

2012-02-22T07:02:00.000-08:00

Regular contributor Jim from Chicago emailed me the newest set of photos he took of young indie wrestler Steven Walters. Here's Jim's message: "I went to a Pro Resistance show on Friday (feb. 17) and got these shots of Steven Walters. Before the match began the Sheik and his manager came out into the ring and got the crowd riled up. While the crowd's chants began drowning out whatever the manager had to say, Steven Walters came out, grabbed a mic and challenged the Sheik to a match. Steven took a pretty good beating from his opponent during the match. At one point he pulled a 2x4 out from under the ring and did a great "Hacksaw" impression. In the end the Sheik was disqualified for using a barricade outside and in the ring against Walters. During the show I think my camera was smacked about three times from wrestlers being throw out of the ring and into the crowd."Good thing Jim's camera didn't smash into a hundred pieces or we wouldn't be able to see these incredible photos. Thanks as always, Jim!

The ring announcer helps an almost-undressed Walters backstage.

Where's NXT?

2012-02-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here in Manila, there's a cable channel that airs WWE Raw, WWE Smackdown and WWE events such as Wrestlemania, Hell In A Cell, and TLC (Tables, Ladders, Chairs). But wait, something's missing. Where is WWE NXT? Is the show being broadcast in the US at all? Here's what I'm missing out on. (Photos courtesy of wwe.com)

Papadon Preach

2012-02-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here's Greek God Papadon (wearing the blue trunks) in a match against Azrieal held last October 2011 in New York.

Beefcakes In Action

2012-02-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Pro wrestling...it's a rough and tumble game.

A Man And His Belt

2012-02-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here's TNA Impact champion Robert Roode proudly showing off his title belt in various photos taken during his tour of the UK last month. Roode battled Samoa Joe to retain his title. Judging from his match pics, it must be hard staying on top.

Bullish

2012-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Blog follower Fox sent me to a link to an EXW Adrenaline Rush tag team match from October 2011 featuring Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli. Does this mean Stamboli has dropped his demonic "Relic" persona? Watch the match here. Thanks, Fox!

Coming Soon...Tristan Baldwin's Website

2012-02-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

I don't feature a lot of BG East/Thunder's Arena/Can-Am beefcake in my blog (my friends who maintain the Ringside At Skull Island and Neverland blogs are already doing an excellent job at it), but I'm making an exception today because I just received news that Aryx Quinn, a name many homoerotic-wrestling fans may be familiar with, is launching his own website soon. Aryx is now called Tristan Baldwin and the good people behind his website tell me that there'll be lots of good wrestling action featuring Tristan coming soon and that "as you can see, Tristan is bigger and stronger than ever and ready to entertain!" For those who want to stay up to date as they get closer to launch, you can follow Tristan on Twitter @https://twitter.com/#!/TristanBaldwin. Or follow his personal YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TheTristanbaldwin. I'll keep you posted on when Tristan's site launches. In the meantime, enjoy these beefcake shots of Tristan courtesy of his production team.

Is It Alex Koslov or Peter Orlov?

2012-02-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

You know how when someone gets famous and then for some reason, they decide to change their name, but the new name doesn't stick and you still refer to that person by their original name (like Prince becoming The Artist Formerly Called Prince and then going back to Prince again)? That's how I feel about FCW's Peter Orlov. To me, he'll always be Alex Koslov (the same way FCW's Antonio Cesaro will always be Claudio Castagnoli to me), which is the name he was using when I first heard about him a few years ago. So anyway, Orlov's contract with the WWE developmental company has not been renewed. Does that mean he'll use the name Alex Koslov again? Let's wait and see. In the meantime, here are some shots of Koslov/Orlov that regular contributor David took while attending several FCW shows. Aren't these photos awesome? Thanks, David!

Watch that hand!

Flexing With Mark Jindrak

2012-02-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some file photos of Mark Jindrak, wrestling in Mexico as Marco Corleone, doing what he does really well -- flexing! (Oh, and there are some non-flexing pics here as well.)

The Brothers Daivari (Round One)

2012-02-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

Regular contributor Jim from Chicago emailed this set of amazing photos he took of brothers and tag team partners Shawn and Arya Daivari who now call themselves P-Dogg Millionaires at Resistance Pro on January 13. In his email, Jim included a report of the match which was originally featured on the Chicago Pro Wrestling Website and reads as follows: "Resistance Pro World Tag Team Tournament - First Round Match: The P-Dogg Millionares (Arya & Shawn Daivari) defeated Robert Anthony and Mr. 450 with a top rope splash/leg drop combo on Mr. 450. P-Dogg Millionares advance to round two in a very good hard fought contest." No word yet on when Round Two will be held, but Jim promises to be there. Thanks, Jim!

Beefcakes In Black

2012-02-14T02:20:00.000-08:00

Here are more beefcakes in black ring gear and sportswear. Got a favorite?

Gunner (aka Phil Shatter)

Rob Terry

Triple H

Blake Warning (UK)

Matt Morgan

Unidentified TNA wrestler

Chase Stevens

Baby-faced Pitbull (UK)

Joel Redman (UK)

Jason Wayne

Robert Roode

Lovers' Day

2012-02-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

Because it's Valentine's Day, here's a bunch of file photos of Mexican luchador Latin Lover. When last I checked, he's been busy trying to get his acting career off the ground and is one of the featured performers in an all-male burlesque show. Happy Valentine's Day!

Bad Behavior

2012-02-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Over at Ohio Valley Wrestling, manager Christian Mascagni and his stable of heel-wrestlers (Jessie Godderz, Rob Terry, Mohamad Ali Vaez and Rudy Switchblade) showed up to "call out the interference of Michael Hayes at the Saturday Night Special." Although they weren't on the Feb. 8 card, Godderz, Terry and company came to the ring in their gear, flexed their muscles, and made trouble (as usual) for some of the other wrestlers. It's fun to be a heel! (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

Picture Of The Week

2012-02-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

One of Beefcakes of Wrestling's regular contributors, David, took this shot of Peter Orlov (aka Alex Koslov) adjusting his tight white ring gear when he attended an FCW match recently. How'd you like to have this happen right in front of you? Lucky David! (I read somewhere that Orlov/Koslov's contract with FCW was not renewed. Well, it's their loss.)

REPOST: Across The Pond With TNA Impact

2012-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

I'm reposting this set of photos because most of them didn't upload successfully the first time around. These pics are of two TNA Impact matches which were recently held in Manchester, UK. The first match is between Gunner (formerly Phil Shatter) and A.J. Styles; the second one is a three-way bout between Austin Aries, Alex Shelley and Mark Haskins. (Photos by Tony Knox)

Gunner

A.J.'s ass is insane!

Your winner...AJ Styles!

Your winner...Austin Aries!

Even More Pics From WWFX in Manila

2012-02-11T01:40:00.000-08:00

Here are more pics from WWFX : Champions Showcase 2012 which I attended last week. These photos are from the Facebook page of Araneta Center, the venue for the event. Read a recap of what transpired at the show here. Missed the first two posts about this event? Catch up here and here.

Chris Masters vs. MVP

Sheik Daivari (aka Shawn Daivari)

Hurricane Helms vs. Sheik Daivari

John Hennigan (aka John Morrison)

Title Bout: John Hennigan vs. Shelton Benjamin

Your winner!

A shirtless Chris Masters at the press conference before the match.

Ronnie The Wrestler

2012-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

I don't watch Jersey Shore, but I have seen promo spots for the reality show on one of the cable channels we have here in Manila. Of all the guidos on the show, the one who always catches my attention in the promo spots is beefy bodybuilder Ronnie. He may not get as much attention as The Situation or those two other guys, but Ronnie looks like he's the strongest one in the group. To my surprise, I came across a YouTube video posted on November 2011 of Ronnie and tag team partner Eric Young stepping into the ring to wrestle Robbie E and Rob Terry. Well, maybe the word "wrestle" is a bit of an overstatement. Anyway, see for yourself how he fared on the Beefcakes of Wrestling channel on YouTube.

Moonlighting

2012-02-09T15:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of British indie wrestler Blake Warning in a match against Noam Dar held last year. One of this blog's readers, Chris, wrote to tell me that aside from being a wrestler, Blake moonlights as a Buff Naked Butler in his native UK, serving drinks at parties in nothing but a bowtie and apron. Hmmm, maybe American wrestlers can do the same thing in between matches. Who would you like to see working as a Buff Naked Butler in the US?

Blake as a Buff Naked Butler

Photo from the Buff Naked Butlers website

Fellow wrestler Kris Travis

Hussein And Feudin'

2012-02-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Here are more pics of Australia's Mad Turk Hussein/Big Huss (known as Mark Hussein in Japan) posing, flexing, and doing what he does best...showing off those impressive muscles and ripped physique.

With rival Iron Jay Coles

Pac and Petey and Matt

2012-02-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

Here are more pics that regular contributor Jim from Chicago took of indie wrestler Pac in a recently held match. As if one beefcake wasn't enough, Jim also shot muscle-heels Petey Williams (inexplicably wearing a mask along with his gladiator gear) and Matt Cross attacking the young high-flier after he won his match. Thanks for the great shots, Jim!

Pac

Petey Williams

Matt Cross

Hey, no fair! Matt joins Petey in attacking Pac.

Pac gets a little help from his defeated opponent.

Petey gets his just desserts.

Jessie The Outlaw

2012-02-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some new photos of Mr. PEC-tacular, Jessie Godderz, in tag team action at Ohio Valley Wrestling's Feb. 4 show. (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

More Pics From WWFX in Manila

2012-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pics I found online of the WWFX Champions Showcase held in Manila on Feb. 4. This set includes pics of the wrestlers' arrival at the airport on Feb. 3.

Melina with John after the latter won the WWFX title.

John Morrison/John Hennigan

Chris Masters (that's promoter Colt Cabana/Mr. Colt in the background)

Shelton Benjamin

Shawn Daivari/Sheik Daivari

Rhino

Carlito/Carlitos

MVP

Saturday Night Fever

2012-02-05T00:49:00.001-08:00

Last night's WWFX Champions Showcase held in Manila was awesome! There were seven bouts in all including a title match between John Morrison (now billed as John Hennigan) and Shelton Benjamin. The other matches were as follows (the asterisk denotes who won): Billy Gun vs. Jimmy Yang*, Hurricane Helms* vs. Sheik Daivari, a Divas match between Jillian Hall and Melina*, Rhino* (surprisingly handsome up close) vs. Luke Gallow, Carlitos* vs. Snisky, Chris Masters vs. MVP* (now that these wrestlers are no longer with WWE, those who didn't "own" their ring names had to make subtle changes to their monikers, i.e. Billy Gunn is now Billy Gun, Carlito is now Carlitos, and so on). I would have to say that the biggest surprise for me was Billy Gun who, at 48 years old, looks amazing! The 275 pound man is built like a brick wall. Solid, massive, and not an ounce of fat on him. Of course, Chris Masters didn't disappoint. What a physique! Pictures don't do him justice...to see him in the flesh would make your jaw drop. It looks like there were rocks and boulders underneath his skin. Even though he lost to MVP, he flexed throughout the match and after the event, was one of two wrestlers who went shirtless at the"meet-and-greet" with the fans (John Morrison was the other one). And speaking of Morrison aka John Hennigan, he won the WWFX Belt after defeating Shelton Benjamin (making a surprise turn as a heel) and the fans soaked it up. It was great to watch Morrison/Hennigan, the leanest wrestler on the show, do what he does best, that is, his trademark high-flying moves. All in all, it was a Saturday night I won't forget. Hurrah, WWFX!

MVP vs. Chris Masters

John Morrison vs. Shelton Benjamin

John Morrison at the press conference.

Chris Masters - shirtless at the press conference.

Trust me, he looks a lot better in person.

File photo of Rhino.

Looking Back

2012-02-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

One of this blog's contributors, Bob.Seven, emailed me these image scans of two very popular wrestlers in the 1980s - Tom Zenk (aka Z-Man) and Sting. I was a huge fan of Zenk, but not so much of Sting. Maybe it was because of Sting's face paint...

Wreaking Havoc

2012-02-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Over at Ohio Valley Wrestling, manager Christian Mascagni and his stable of muscle heels are making trouble for the federation and its wrestlers. OVW reports that "Christian Mascagni has started collecting power from the OVW Board of Directors. Meeting and doing business in their off-site offices, Christian acts as the voice of the Board. With this voice, Christian has placed each member of the Mascagni Family into matches as examples to the rest of the roster about the cost of disobedience." Here are photos of what went down on February 1. You can watch the show here. (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

Jessie Godderz

Godderz vs Shiloh Jonze

Rob Terry

Rob Terry vs Paredyse

Marcus Anthony

Marcus Anthony vs Johnny Spade (Loser Leaves OVW match)

Uh-oh...is Marcus really leaving OVW?

Has It Been Two Years Already?

2012-02-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Holy cow! I just realized that this blog is now two years old. I started Beefcakes of Wrestling on a whim in February 2010 and I didn't think it was going to last this long, but thanks to all of you, it has. One of the best things about maintaining this blog is all the wonderful friends I've made especially fellow bloggers like StayPuft of Inner Jobber, Joe of Ringside A Skull Island, Bard of Neverland, Bodyslammer of Bodyslam Fan, and the webmaster of Wrestling Arsenal. And where would this blog be today without the fantastic photos contributed by Jim from Chicago and David? Thanks also to Bob.Seven for his image scans. And to all the people who email me and leave comments on the blog...thanks for your support! To mark this blog's 2nd anniversary, I'm reposting some of the images from the very first month of Beefcakes of Wrestling. I hope you like them.

Chris Masters

Mark Jindrak

Anthony Bravado (this blog's first ever Beefcake)

Daniel Rodimer

Alex Koslov (now FCW's Peter Orlov)

Sylvain Grenier

Shawn Spears

Ah One and Ahtu...

2012-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

On Evolve 10 held last January 14 in Philadelphia, PA, former WWE star Low'Ki demolished Ahtu, the beast you see in the pictures below. Based on the photos, it was a total squash match with the smaller but more agile Low'Ki being in complete control over his bigger and much heavier opponent. Interesting twist on the squash concept, don't you think? (Photos by Scott Finkelstein)

Goldilocks

2012-02-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

One of this blog's regular contributors, David, emailed me this set of photos he took of Florida Championship Wrestling's Mike Dalton (6 ft. 1 in., 189 lbs.). David wrote, "here's a mix of the familiar with something new -- Mike Dalton. Not the biggest of wrestlers, but his dyed blonde hair seems a throwback to the wrestlers of the '60s, and makes for some interesting photographs." I agree with David; Dalton's dyed blonde job recalls the likes of Gorgeous George, but the length keeps it up-to-date. Look at how Dalton's hair almost seems to come to life in these shots. Thanks for the cool pics, David!

Is Corey Graves about to take a bite out of Mike's abs?

Antonio Cesaro is looking good here!

From Dustin Starr's Scrapbook

2012-01-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

If indie wrestler Dustin Starr had a scrapbook, these would probably be some of the photos you'd find in it. If you're a fan of Dustin's, you might want to subscribe to his YouTube channel, The Five Starr Showcase.

Hey, Champ

2012-01-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Lane Vasser and his tag team partner Se7en for winning the NWA Anarchy Tag Team Championship belts from previous champs Slim J and Brian Casanova. Looks like Lane has gone from babyface to heel!

Se7en and Lane Vasser

Carry On, Karouani

2012-01-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

The name Johan Karouani (or Fehd Karouani as he's sometimes called) may not ring a bell with wrestling fans, but perhaps the name Jo Atlas would. That's the name the French bodybuilder goes by when he wrestles in Europe. Here are some beefcake shots of Jo/Johann; click on the label at the bottom of this post to see more pictures.

With fellow bodybuilder Iana Ionut

With Domino, Tom La Ruffa and other French wrestlers

With Domino, Emil Sitoci and other European wrestlers

With Tom La Ruffa

Mascagni's Muscle Family

2012-01-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

Things are heating up at Ohio Valley Wrestling! The OVW website reports that on their January 25 show, "Christian Mascagni not only managed to secure Rob Terry to his Family, but has managed to seize power over OVW via the Board of Trustees. To begin his reign, he ordered Mr. PEC-Tacular (Jessie Godderz) to face opponent Nick Dumeyer and then interjected himself into official business (as the referee) in the main event (a match between fan fave Jason Wayne and Rob Terry)." After that match, The Mascagni Family, with Marcus Anthony in tow, started making trouble until Mike Mondo came out to teach the cocky heels a lesson. Looks like my wish of seeing Mike and Jessie in a feud is going to come true! (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

Jessie Godderz

Marcus Anthony

Rob Terry

The Mascagni Family

Robe Terry vs. Jason Wayne

Mike Mondo is not impressed.

The French Stallion

2012-01-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

French wrestler Tom La Ruffa joined the cast of reality show World of Hurt in 2011 as The French Stallion. Although he had the looks and ring skills to make it big in the business, it seemed that LaRuffa's only shortcoming was his ego. Watch a short clip of The French Stallion from the show on the Beefcakes of Wrestling channel on YouTube.

Mr. Pac-tastic (Part 1)

2012-01-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

Regular contributor Jim from Chicago emailed me a set of amazing new photos he took of indie wrestler Pac. Jim writes: "We've got a new promotion here in Chicago called Resistance Pro*. I attended their show held Friday January the 13th and I have to say the list of talent was impressive. In this match PAC faced El Generico at the start but the Canadian Destroyer, Petey Williams and Matt Cross joined in the match.Talk about action! El Generico won the match pinning the Canadian Destroyer with a top rope brainbuster. I had never seen PAC before and was amazed at his agility and skills in the ring. He must have been a gymnast or diver before he got the itch to wrestle." Thanks for the pics, Jim! Looking forward to the next batch with Petey and Matt. (*You won't believe who Resistance Pro's Creative Director is...Billy Corgan, the frontman of the rock band Smashing Pumpkins. Read about it here.)

Manila Mania

2012-01-28T05:47:00.000-08:00

FHM (Philippine edition) reports that "several former WWE superstars will be making a pitstop in Manila as part of the WWFX: World Wrestling Fan Experience Champion Showcase Tour. Former WWE United States Champion Ken Anderson, former WWE Tag Team Champion MVP, former WWE Intercontinental Champions Carlito, John Morrison, and Shelton Benjamin, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Hurricane Helms, and former ECW World Champion Rhyno will headline the event, to be held on Saturday, February 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Joining them on tour are Jimmy Wang Yang, Chris Masters, Snitsky, Luke Gallows, Daivari, Jillian Hall, April Hunter, Melina, and the legendary Billy Gunn." I've got my ticket, but I don't have a fancy camera so I won't be able to take good shots. However, I will do a little write-up about it the week after. Stay tuned!

Mike Bennett, Man of Action

2012-01-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Here's blue-eyed Mike Bennett going up against not one, not two, but three opponents in Ring Of Honor's "The Homecoming 2012" event held in Philadelphia, PA on January 20. Mike got in the ring with Grizzly Redwood, Andy Ridge, and Tomasso Ciampa for a Four Corner Survival match which Ciampa won. (Photos by Scott Finkelstein)

Up, Up and Conway

2012-01-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of former WWE star Rob Conway appearing in an Ohio Valley Wrestling event last year. Check out those guns! Rob needs to get back in the ring ASAP! (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

If I Had A Hammer

2012-01-25T15:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots of UK wrestler Shaun "The Hammer" Davis in action. Watch The Hammer in a match against hunky Zack Gibson in the Beefcakes of Wrestling channel on YouTube.

Beefcakes In Action

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Pro wrestling...it's not for the weak nor faint-of-heart.

Oh, Oh, Jericho!

2012-01-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

So Chris Jericho is back with WWE...yesss! I've always liked Jericho. He's handsome, charismatic, and quite a good wrestler. These photos, taken recently at a WWE show in Manitoba, Winnipeg, show Chris looking better than he did in his old Y2J days. And did you know Jericho has a heavy metal band called Fozzy? Check it out here.

Pictures Of The Week

2012-01-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

I love black-and-white photos of wrestling matches. They remind me of the pictures I used to see in magazines like Pro Wrestling Illustrated when I was a kid in the 1960s. These photos of a 2009 match between British wrestlers Johnny Moss and Martin Stone have the same quality those vintage pictures had -- the graininess, the stark contrast between light and shade, the dramatic shadows. Fantastic! (Photos by Tony Knox)

The Year Of The Dragon

2012-01-22T02:38:00.000-08:00

January 23 is the day the Chinese celebrate their Lunar New Year and 2012 is the Year of The Dragon. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Who better to mark this special occasion than 1980s fan favorite Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat? Here are some photos I found online of Ricky (real name Richard Henry Blood). If you're young and have no idea who he is, read his Wikipedia entry here.

Being inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame

British Invasion

2012-01-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

Look who interfered in Jason Wayne's match against uber-heel Rudy Switchblade in OVW's January 18 show. Big Rob Terry, that's who! Is the British bodybuilder/wrestler no longer with TNA Impact? Has he joined The Mascagni Family (the same team that Jessie Godderz and Marcus Anthony are in) and Ohio Valley Wrestling as well? Is the start of a feud with good-looking fan favorite Jason Wayne? Stay tuned! (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

We Are The Champions...No More

2012-01-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

Well that was quick. One week after wresting the OVW Southern Tag Team title from OMG, Jessie Godderz and Marcus Anthony lost the belts to the former champions on January 18. Deja vu? That's what I thought when I saw some of these photos. Compare some of these images to the ones in the previous post. Except for the color of OMG's pants, you'd think it was the same match. (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

When are these two two going to face each other?

We Are The Champions

2012-01-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

On Jan. 11, two members of The Mascagni Family, Jessie Godderz and Marcus Anthony, won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship belts from OMG. That same night, Mike Mondo sported a new hairstyle and look (a scary one I might add). You can watch the episode (you'd have to buy it first) on the Ohio Valley Wrestling website. (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

Claudio With A Chance Of Meatballs

2012-01-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

Regular contributor David emailed me these photos he took of an FCW match between Antonio Cesaro (formerly Claudio Castagnoli) and Richie Steamboat. I still haven't adjusted to the name change; even though I used to have trouble with the name Castagnoli, I still prefer it to "Antonio Cesaro." Admittedly, Cesaro is an easier name to remember, but it doesn't have as much character or flair. To me, he'll always be Claudio Castagnoli. (Thanks for the great shots, David!)

Mr. Sentimental

2012-01-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

I was watching that daytime program The Talk the other day and one of the guests featured that day was singer/actress Jennifer Hudson otherwise known to us fans of wrestling beefcake as the soon-to-be-Mrs.-David-Otunga. Hudson was talking about her upcoming wedding to her hunky wrestler fiancee and admitted that between the two of them, he was the sentimental one. Awww, it's nice to know that such a big, strong, tough man has a soft side. Anyway, here's David Otunga being not-so-sentimental in a recent WWE match against the clownish Santino Marella. (What happened to David's tight briefs? Why the modest shorts? Is it because he's going to be a married man soon? Noooo!)

Joshing Around

2012-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

I added a couple of Josh Daniels matches to the Beefcakes of Wrestling channel on YouTube. Check them out!

A Man's Man

2012-01-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

He's tough, he's rugged. He's just what I imagine "a man's man" to look like whenever I hear the phrase. Fans of Beefcake, I give you TNA's Robert Roode.

From Jim's Archives - Max McGuirk

2012-01-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Regular contributor Jim from Chicago emailed me a set of photos he took in 2009 of a match between Max McGuirk (6 ft. 2 in., 225 lbs. from Oklahoma) and Eric Escobar at the FCW arena in Tampa, Florida. Jim recalls that the match was a total squash job; "the fresh-faced newbie McGuirk was thrown in the ring with seasoned veteran Escobar and suffered through two long bearhugs and a number of hot holds." McGuirk was released from his FCW/WWE contract in 2010, but continues to wrestle in the indie circuit. Awesome shots, Jim, thanks as always!

You've Come A Long Way, Justin

2012-01-16T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here's Justin Gabriel in a recent WWE match against his former tag team partner Heath Slater. Justin has come a long way from his modeling days in South Africa to his indie days as wrestler P.J. Black (click on the label below to see older pics). Check out a fan's video tribute to Justin in the Beefcakes of Wrestling channel on YouTube.

P.J. Black

Pre-Wrestling Days

Come Sailer Away

2012-01-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's 27 year old indie wrestler Benjamin Sailer (5 ft. 10. in., 210 lbs.) based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The beefcake photos are from his portfolio on the Model Mayhem website (circa 2008-2009) and you can watch Benjamin in action here.

Picture Of The Week

2012-01-15T00:21:00.000-08:00

Drew McIntyre gets tossed out of the ring.

Beefcake. It's What's For Dinner.

2012-01-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

If you speak Spanish or Italian, then you know that the word cena ( the Spanish pronounce it like this, the Italians like this ) means dinner. And speaking of cena, one of this blog's readers and contributors, Bob.Seven, scanned pics from the November 2011 issue of Flex magazine featuring cover boy John Cena. Still looking good, John! (Thanks to Bob. Seven for the scans.)

Beefcakes In Action (WWE in The UK Edition)

2012-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Last November, several WWE superstars appeared in shows held in The UK. Beefcakes like Alex Riley, Mason Ryan, Zack Ryder, John Morrison, David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, and John Cena, just to name a few, entertained thousands of fans all over Great Britain. Here are some images from those shows.

TNA Strikes A Pose

2012-01-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize there was so much posing and flexing in TNA Impact's shows. Check out these beefcakes doing their thing.

Rob Terry and Robbie E. (aka Rob Eckos)

Alex Shelley

A. J. Styles

Kazarian

Magnus (aka Brutus Magnus)

Austin Aries

Double Trouble

2012-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

In last week's Ohio Valley Wrestling event, uber-heels "Mr. PEC-tacular" Jessie Godderz and Marcus Anthony joined Rudy Switchblade (not pictured here) in a match against Team Jason Wayne (Jason and two other wrestlers I haven't been able to identify). This feud between Godderz/Anthony/Switchblade and Wayne is heating up! I can't wait to see what happens next. (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

Whatever Happened To Matt Walsh? (UPDATED)

2012-01-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Matt Walsh (6 ft., 200 lbs.) was signed to Florida Championship Wrestling (where he wrestled as Joseph Canterbury), WWE's developmental territory in March 2008, but one year later, the former model and bodybuilder was released from his contract. In late 2009, he had a few matches for Pro Wrestling Unplugged, but I haven't been able to find anything on him since. I wonder what he's up to these days.

UPDATE: Regular contributor Joe from Chicago dug into his archives and found this photo he took of Matt back in 2009. Joe says he attended an FCW show outside Tampa when he saw a shirtless Matt putting up posters for the event outside the arena. Unfortunately, Matt didn't wrestle that night; he only did ring crew duty whilst sporting a black eye from a previous match. Thanks for the pic, Joe!

Mike Mondo - The Early Years (Part 2)

2012-01-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

Here's the second and last installment of regular contributor Jim from Chicago's photos of former WWE star Mike Mondo circa 2007. In this match which took place in Louisville, Kentucky, Mike lost to a monster named Jacob Duncan (billed at 7 ft., 305 lbs.) Thanks for the pics, Jim!

Mike's opponent, Jacob Duncan.

Jacob Duncan sans shirt and mask.

Jessie vs. Jason

2012-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Jessie Godderz made an appearance in Ohio Valley Wrestling's January 4, 2012 event where and tag team partner Rudy Switchblade faced good guys Jason Wayne and Christopher Silvio. I haven't seen any results for this bout yet, but my guess is it was a double disqualification. (Photos by Pamela Barnett)

Jason Wayne carries Jessie like a sack of potatoes.

Jessie interferes in an early match.

The Bee's Nese

2012-01-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

Do I need a reason to post pics of Anthony Nese? These are from the TNA Stars website where they apparently haven't learned to correctly spell his name. It's Nese not Neese, guys.

That's Zema Ion (aka Shiima Xion) getting clotheslined.

The ref looks hot, too.