First LOok: King of Maryland 1st Round: Sicend vs Amaydo

In 2013, Sicend was entered into the very 1st King of Maryland tournament and to say he was an underdog is an understatement. In a tournament featuring the likes of Princeton Pike (better known as Mr Touchdown), Maryland Wrestling legends Christian York and Adam Flash, Ruckus and Blk Jeez, the likelihood of the leader of Riot City coming out on top seemed impossible. Through heart, determination, and tenacity, Sicend shocked the #ACWFaithful and won the tournament by defeating Christian York in the finals. Now, the very first King of Maryland is a favorite to win this years tournament much like York was in 2013, and will be facing a man considered by many as the underdog in Michaels Amaydo.

After not being entered in last years tournament due to obligations surrounding the ACW Championship, Sicend makes his return to King of Maryland after competing in back to back finals in 2013 and 2014 (winning in '13, losing to Prodigy in the finals in '14.) After losing the ACW Championship to Ruckus in November at GoldRush, the leader has a lot to prove going into this years tournament. After losing his rematch inside a steel cage in early February, a tournament win would go a long way in stating his case for another ACW Heavyweight Championship opportunity in the future.

Sicend has the experience and has proven that he can win in a situation like this. After all, in 2013, he battled through the tournament and beat TNA Superstar Christian York in the finals despite suffering numerous injuries in the previous rounds. In 2014, he found himself in the finals yet again, ultimately losing to Prodigy. His high-risk aerial offense has paid off for him in years past. In 2013 and 2014, all of his opponents were either high flyers or brawlers. This year, the first opponent he faces, utilizes a much different offense than opponents in previous years.

For those not familiar with Michael's Amaydo, lets just say that he is a man of many "personalities. " One is Michaels's, a very talented former amateur wrestling who is considered by some to be the best kept secret in professional wrestling. the other is apparently his "manager" Lars Madison, a manipulative alcoholic who seems to be in control of the other "personality." If you have ever seen Michael's perform, you can immediately notice how skilled this up and coming competitor is in the ring. Unfortunately, his win-loss record currently does not reflect how talented he is, which some point point to the influence of Lars over Michael's Amaydo.

Regardless of the influence or the win-loss record, Amaydo has put together a string of very impressive performances over the last several months. At Twas the Cage Fight before Valentines Day, he controled most of his contest with PJ Parker, until the "Lars" Factor reared its ugly head, resulting in a loss once again. Make no mistake, Michaels Amaydo has the talent and ability to become King of Maryland. However, he will need to devote 100% of himself to winning this tournament. It more than likely is easier said than done in his case. After all, some of the greatest battles a man will ever face, come from within.

Who will advance in this first round matchup? The only way to find out is to be there, April 1st, when ACW Presents: The 2016 Reggie Rivers King of Maryland Tournament.

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