For Whom The Bell Tolled (My Night as Timekeeper at Resistance Pro's "Power Play"

In my 5+ years with Resistance Pro Wrestling, I have experienced a lot. Aside from my many interviews with the stars of RPro, I have taken a turn at the “Gorilla” position, as a backstage agent, as part of RPro security and more. Last Saturday, I added “Timekeeper” to my RPro resume.

As I sat at the announce table ready to ring the bell, the significance of the date was not lost on me. I was about to step into the shoes of the legendary Sam Thompson, the original RPro Timekeeper, who passed away shortly after RPro debuted. Just a few days ago, family and friends were remembering Sam on his heavenly birthday.

As I was getting lost in the nostalgia, I heard the ref call for the bell to start the first bout. I gave that bell three good whacks and the match was on. Okay, actually, I misfired a bit and the bell rang flat.

Ever the cagey veteran, RPro broadcaster Zach Thompson leaned over and gave me one quick lesson on the bell and I was eager for my next shot at the end of the match. The savvy, sassy RPro broadcaster Sarah Shockey did her part to welcome me. She called a “Johngy’s Beatdown” and gave me a “thumb’s up” early in the match. Thanks to these two broadcaster friends, I was relaxed and ready to enjoy my night of action.

After about ten minutes of hard-fought action, Cody Jones hit a brain-buster on newcomer Daniel Winchester and got the win. The ref signaled for the bell and I gave it three solid shots. The rings were mighty and they echoed throughout the venue (at least in my mind).

Buoyed by my newfound confidence, I gave that bell three more knocks to start the match between RPro veteran Paloma Starr and Rudy. A shot of hairspray to Starr’s eyes allowed Rudy to get a cheap pin. Once again, I was ready with three clangs of the bell.

RPro Heavyweight champ Cobra and Willie Richardson took over the announce table. Other than warning me not to touch Cobra’s title belt, they pretty much left me alone. Wrestler Daniel Eads was not so lucky though. While trying to wrestle newcomer Jungle Boy, Eads also had to deal with the taunts from the duo outside of the ring. Despite the distractions, Eads still picked up the win.

After a short intermission, the team of Mojo McQueen and Yabo the Clown took on Hot Fire and Holy Water. With Mojo seemingly controlling Yabo’s mind, the unlikely team took the win and immediately challenged Mean Street Youth (current RPro tag champs) for the titles.

A “Street fight” followed the tag match, when Hardcore Heather Owens challenged “The Amazing” Maria. The women battled all over the arena, using everything that wasn’t nailed down to pound each other. In the end, Owens hit a stunner for the win.

The last match of the night saw Cobra and Richardson taking on “The Irish Car Bomb” Sean Mulligan and Eads, who volunteered his services after Suge D “had an accident” and couldn’t wrestle. This was smashmouth wrestling at its’ best.

The match also featured Eads flying over the top rope (and me) to nail Cobra and Richardson. Few things get your heart racing more than a 250 pound man launching himself overhead to crash land on opponents just inches away from you. Equal parts fear and amazement (and the call of duty, of course), kept me glued in my chair.

Mulligan and Eads seemed to have the upper hand until Eads accidentally kicked the ref, knocking him out. Taking that opportunity, Richardson brought the title belt into the ring, but was cut off by Tommy Else. Just when it looked like order was restored, Else clobbered Eads with the belt, thus joining the Cobra Dynasty. I rang the bell a few times, signaling the end of the match (and the end of the night).

It was an especially fun night for me. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that no match reached the time limit. I wanted the power to end the match with my bell-ringing.

Despite this being a first-hand account of my night as Timekeeper, I have no false illusions. The real stars are the wrestlers. Once again, these men and women gave the fans a fantastic night of entertainment. You don't have to be the Timekeeper to enjoy an RPro show. If you're in the crowd, you will go home happy.