From Dusty Finnish:
I have been waiting to get back into writing but something has been lacking or missing for me. I took up show reviews but for the life of me it was too much. Kudos to my peers at Georgia Wrestling History that consistently review multiple shows write, edit, and post without delay. That’s not for me. What is for me are my “Love Letters”. This one was brought upon me by a recent post claiming Aaron Dallas was GWH wrestler of the year so far for 2024. While I do the AAD is talented and even underrated in some regards I think that’s a bit of a reach. For my money the best wrestler so far in 2024 (as it relates to the confines of the state) has been the Hoochie Daddy Najasism.
With 6 months elapsed in the year there is a lot to discuss however I want to keep my argument short for Najasism. Najasism was an electrifying babyface all around the state. His high energy and face paint was reminiscent of surfer Sting or Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior. He was easy to cheer for as he would constantly throw his smaller frame all around the ring with one of the more unique offenses in Georgia today. However there just always seemed like there was something missing when it came to Najasism. Turning heel in PCW late last year and again at Southern Fried this spring he introduced two of his most consistent audiences to the Hoochie Daddy. Now some people may not be a fan of the gyrating or the size 0 shorts but something about the new character has opened Najasism up to a new level of star. Don’t get me wrong he’s still not spectacular on the mike and would be considered average amongst his Georgia peers but his character hasn’t been hindered by it. He has some much confidence inside and outside the ring it makes him feel a lot more big time. Outside of PCW he has a murderers row of matches that could be in contention for match of the year. He put on a clinic against Spiral at Deep South, his match against Rico Gonzalez was must see, he and Sean Legacy burned the house down at the 40 watt, and his match with Marcus Kross nearly stole the show at Southern Fried’s Shindig 2024. There’s voting to be done and a selection committee to be created but there is a legitimate chance all match of the year candidates involve the Hoochie Daddy. There’s a lot of big time performers in the state but when at the peak of his powers Najasism like Ty Cobb rarely misses.
I don’t believe this should contribute to Najasism’s case as wrestler of the year however I do believe everyone should know the success that was Change. I will keep this short as I was not in attendance nor have I seen any full matches from the show however I have read Goodman’s report. Najasism helped create from all reports the first all Black show in the state. I think we all know not just how minorities are treated in wrestling but the history of the Deep South and Georgia's struggles with equality. I’m not the person to give a history lesson or champion anything but the fact he was willing to put his neck out there and be the change everyone speaks of speaks volume of his person. I’m not a fan of the owner bringing in stars to wrestle them instead of other top performers on their show but considering this was his first outing that’s an easy fix at future shows.Lastly, it’s Najasism’s work at PCW that I think goes under the radar and unnoticed. Pro South and PCW are comparable as their both Friday shows that run multiple times a month so a Dallas to Najasism comparison is perfect for this particular spot. Dallas has been a dominant champion and has had great matches with a lot of those on the upper half of Pro South’s ladder. Najasism has had great matches with everyone on the roster that they have put him against. He has elevated the roster around him which is probably the best thing any champion could do. He told a great Sami Zayn like story with Edward Draven that somehow elevated the assless chaps cowboy to the main event and the journey there came from a lot of solid segments and performances.On one of the Youtube episodes of PCW he recently had a really good match against Georgia Women’s
Wrestler of the Year Rose Gold. It’s probably the first time since Awesome Kong that the woman was much larger than the man in the match but it added on to the sympathy as he kept chopping down the tree and dashing her hopes as a doubles champion. Lastly and most importantly he has elevated the ENT. ENT is what the Ronin should’ve been the entire time,
A competent hierarchical team used to elevate different members of the roster at different stages of their careers. They’re a group
any baby face can battle with.You have Nate Mansions near the lower card, DJ Smoke in the middle, H Town Hitters in the tag team division, and Najasism at the top conducting it all. It hasn’t all been pretty and sometimes it was outright too much however all the men have benefited in great ways from this alliance. A lot of factions have great formations but lose steam in the middle but ENT has gone from strength to strength and if they were involved in more places they would be a likely nominee for Stable of the Year.
I think ultimately what has led to Najasism being the top wrestler so far this year is the number of contributors he’s made to Georgia wrestling. He is a trainer, a producer (I don’t know the exact term for the person in charge of the whole show), and all on top of putting in multiple show stealing performances with a variety of wrestlers. Sure there’s a lot of people that could go toe to toe with him. I feel the entire top 10 wrestlers at any given point are interchangeable but right now at halftime Najasism has the lead.
Quotes from Wrestlers.
“I’ve been on a lot of shows with him and he never ceases to amaze me with how far he’s willing to go to put in a show.”
“He’s like the filthy animals Rey Mysterio if WCW actually knew what they were doing.”
“He’s a great leader and mentor who truly cares about those he’s teaching and is an inspiration.”
“I’m not sure if he gets the credit he deserves but most great artist never do in their times.”