#the rumblebees

The Rumblebees were on a roll at the beginning of 2018, coming into the year with a win over Sonny Defarge and Cornelius Crummels and shortly after qualifying for the Tag World Grand Prix tournament. At the same time, Travis Huckabee was having a tough time finding his footing in singles competition, and Icarus’ words about the newest batch of Wrestle Factory graduates being “soft” and “weak” were getting to his head. Travis issued an ultimatum for himself and Solo as a tag team: win the Tag World Grand Prix, or split for good. The Rumblebees failed to win the tournament and to Solo’s dismay, Travis kept his word and terminated the team. To put a finer point on it, Travis would eliminate Solo from the Infinite Gauntlet himself, and give her a Backfist during a ten person tag at “Aniversario” when Travis felt she stole his victory over Rory Gulak during the contest. This act convinced Icarus that Travis practiced what he preached: he was willing to do what others won’t. Along with Tony Deppen, Icarus welcomed Travis Huckabee into the re-incarnated F.I.S.T., and Huckabee would go on to win the 2018 Johnny Kidd Invitational tournament.

Two recent events saw Darling and Huckabee across the ring from each other. Both times Huckabee actively avoided Darling, but in the latest match, he stepped in when she was worn down and made her pass out in her own Sharp Stinger submission hold. Huckabee has been on a victory lap since. On December 8th, at the Season 19 finale, there will be no avoiding Solo where Travis and her finally square off in one-on-one competition. 

“Let’s Get Invisible” - Philadelphia, PA - Saturday, December 8th - 3:00 PM EST

1. Solo Darling (2 Points) vs. Travis Huckabee (1 Point) 

2. Penelope Ford (0 Points) vs. BLANK (1 Point)

I have never been one to accept not being good enough...but lately I haven't been able to escape it. Since losing the Campeonatos de Parejas in somewhat embarrassing fashion, Solo Darling and myself have been unable to maintain a certain level of success. We've yet to even earn 3 points, and unlike many of the other people of my graduating class from the Wrestle Factory, I was never a challenger for the Young Lions Cup. The main goal I had upon entering the Wrestle Factory was put off, for other pursuits that, so far, have been pretty unsuccessful. While I couldn't ask for a better partner, it may not be in the cards for us and after a lot of thought I had to make a choice. That's why I said what I said back at "Young Lions Cup XIV - 2nd Stage." If The Rumblebees do not win this Saturday at the Tag World Grand Prix, we must separate to pursue other opportunities. I don't plan on entering Tag World expecting to lose, and no bee ever goes down without a fight.

As I studied the footage from our last match, I heard something disturbing on commentary; once again it seems like I am being accused of being "soft." This sentiment rings loudly, as it reflects those recent realizations I’ve had about my current tag team efforts. These comments weren’t an act of hazing from someone like Rory Gulak, they came from someone I’ve looked up to for years. Icarus wasn't just the type of wrestler I admired as a fan, he set the standard for success - a former Grand Champion, King of Trios winner, and Campeon de Parejas as part of F.I.S.T. Even if I had not been such a fan of his for years before entering training at the Wrestle Factory, I would be thrilled to have a mentor such as him in The Furies. Before the implosion of The Furies at the end of last year, he was a veteran who was supposed to help support the rookies such as myself. That was one of the goals of the group.

But where is that support now? No matter the changes I make, the number of days at the Factory, or the work I put in outside the ring...it is still not good enough. The harder I try, the less respect I get. Maybe instead of just earning respect, I've got to go out and grab it by the horns. I know I can do it. Either by conquering the Tag World Grand Prix with Solo Darling, or maybe as your next Grand Champion.

The Casa Dorada triumvirate of Grand Champion Juan Francisco de Coronado and former Campeones de Parejas Sonny Defarge and Cornelius Crummels will reform in Haverhill, MA! The team showed great teamwork on all three nights and made it as far to the semi-finals of the tournament. Opposing them are Dasher Hatfield, who is just one point away from challenging Juan for his championship, and The Rumblebees of Solo Darling and Travis Huckabee, who are just one point from a chance to win the Campeones de Parejas once more! Which team of three will show their supremacy in New England?

“Dark Water” - Haverhill, MA - Saturday, November 18th (3:00 PM)

1. Mike Quackenbush (0 Points) vs. Max Smashmaster (0 Points)

2. Dasher Hatfield & The Rumblebees (Solo Darling & Travis Huckabee) vs. Juan Francisco de Coronado, Sonny Defarge & Cornelius Crummels

Last time CHIKARA was in Chicago, Solo Darling achieved what many felt was impossible: defeating Max Smashmaster. When CHIKARA returns to Chicago on October 28th, the odds are even less in her favor as she goes one-on-one with the only 2 time CHIKARA Grand Champion, Hallowicked. Hallowicked did suffer an upset loss to Rory Gulak last weekend, which not only shows he is able to be defeated by what some would deem implausible opponents, but likely angered the Nightmare Warrior as it cost him a chance to regain the Grand Championship. Darling immediately tweeted she would be doing extra lifting before this encounter, but will be enough? Can the Woodland Sugar Creature best the Broadsword of Nazmaldun?

“A Good Man Goes To War” - Saturday, October 28th (7:00 PM) - Chicago, IL

1. Grand Championship: Juan Francisco de Coronado (Champion) vs. Fire Ant

2. Hype Rockwell (1 Point) vs. Race Jaxon (2 Points)

4 Corner Elimination Tag team action will take place a “Tooth and Claw” on September 30th! One team will walk away with at least one point, if not three, while the other three teams are knocked off the leaderboard. Competing in the match are Chuck Taylor™ & DUSTIN, Hermit Crab & Cajun Crawdad, the Xyberhawx 2000 duo of Sylverhawk & Razerhawk, and former Campeones de Parejas the Rumblebees (Travis Huckabee & Solo Darling). The only team entering the match with any points are Xyberhawx 2000, who are just one pinfall away from a title opportunity. Who will leave Philadelphia with at least one point in tow?

“Tooth and Claw” - Saturday, September 30th - Philadelphia, PA

1. Grand Championship: Juan Francisco de Coronado (Champion) vs. “Mr. Touchdown” Mark Angelosetti

2. Elimination Match:  Chuck Taylor™ & DUSTIN (0 Points) vs. Hermit Crab & Cajun Crawdad (0 Points) vs. Xyberhawk 2000 (Sylverhawk & Razerhawk) (2 Points) vs. The Rumblebees (Solo Darling & Travis Huckabee) (0 Points)

3. Ashley Vox (0 Points) vs. Merlok (1 Point)

4.  The Furies (Delmi Exo, Icarus & Obariyon) vs. Bike Cops (Officer Warren Barksdale & Dez Peloton (Jasper Tippins & Donald Kluger))

Before mixing it up with Hallowicked in Chicago, Solo Darling will face Sonny Defarge in singles competition this Sunday on the Hour of Power! Darling submitted Defarge’s partner in the second fall of their Campeonatos de Parejas title victory. Can she do the same on Sunday?

“Hour of Power” - Philadelphia, PA - Sunday, October 15th - 3:00 PM EST

1. Young Lions Cup: Razerhawk (Champion) vs. Ophidian

2. Obariron (0 Points) vs. Merlok (3 Points)