Pride: Reawakening

First off, I would like to thank all of you for being patient. I know that the majority of you expected this announcement a little earlier in the day, but we ran into an unfortunate snag. After making the announcement that Pride would be returning, we were immediately hit with a cease and desist letter. Apparently another company has decided to reopen its doors for a few shows, or at least what I expect will only be a few shows, and had already announced their relaunch event under the same name. Now, while it was not an entirely original concept to begin with, we decided it would be best to go about getting things changed around so that we didn't ruffle any feathers. We wish the company that defies definition all of the best in this, their thirtieth time opening their doors. Our event, scheduled for October 2nd, has been retitled as Pride: Reawakening, and I think that suits us even better than the original name. 

Now, for the information that you all actually came here for. Exactly what is this Lion's Pride Event that is going to be taking place at Reawakening. I, for one, am so glad that so many of you have been asking. I had dreamed that the relaunch of Pride would garner this much interest, but to be honest, I expected to be let down. The majority of you have been overwhelmingly supportive though, and it looks like our roster may even fill up faster than I could have ever hoped. 

Let me be clear, while many people are going to call this event a tournament of sorts, I am not exactly certain that is the best definition for it. The Lion's Pride Event will feature two rounds, one of qualifiers, and one final match. That can hardly be classified as a real tournament. On the other hand, to avoid any confusion about the matches, we do have an official bracket for the event, which does give the impression of a tournament. I know, confusing right? Let me clear that up. 




- The first round of the event will feature five triple threat match-ups.

- These matches will not function under typical triple threat rules. For instance, using a weapon, or any other disqualifying circumstance, will see the responsible party eliminated from the remainder of the match.

- Unless there is a disqualification, the matches will be single elimination. The first person to score a pinfall or submission will be named the winner and move on to the finals.

- The finals of the Lion's Pride Event will be held under Pride's King of the Mountain Rules.
- All five competitors will start the match as active participants in the ring.
- Pinfalls or submissions will result in an individual "controlling" the ring.
- Control of the ring changes hands every time a new pin fall or submission is recorded.
- In addition to typical falls, being tossed outside of the ring while in "control", will cause "control" to revert
back to the individual who scored the previous pin or submission.
- There are no disqualifications.
- The match will end after a 30 minute time limit.
- The individual in control of the match at the time limit will be named the winner of the Lion's Pride Event.





I know some of you have to be reading this, and wondering why Pride would host an event like this. Why not do something more like a regular tournament? Why not award the Pride Championship to the winner? What is the point of all of this? These are all reasonable questions to ask, and they all have easy answers.

After discussing it, the staff of Pride Pro Wrestling has decided that tournaments are reductive. As mentioned in our relaunch announcement, this event is meant to function as a way for our fans to reconnect with Pride, and for everyone in management to become familiar with the talent that walks through our doors. In a regular tournament, the majority of that talent never makes it to the finals. In a regular elimination match, that talent might not get to shine in the finals due to a single mistake, or miscalculation. Setting up the event this way gives everyone behind the scenes a chance to really see what our roster is made of, and gives the fans a chance to see what the five individuals in the finals can do with a time limit to play with instead of having to focus on being absolutely flawless throughout. We will see individuals take falls. I expect we will also see those individuals fight their way back into control. This match is about standing your ground, and not letting any kind of misstep stop you from succeeding.

Given Pride's history, we felt the sentiment was easy to get behind.

As the roster fills up, we will have more information on the event, the match, and the participants.

Until then, I want to thank all of you for how truly amazing you have made the last few hours with your support. We won't let you down.