Missouri Wrestling Revival

LWA Arena Report
By Kari Williams

The atmosphere at the Knight of Columbus Hall in House Springs, MO was buzzing—and not just in the alcoholic sense—on June 28 as 100 LWA fans prepared for an intense night of full-throttled action.

“Thee” Brandon Espinosa with Brandon Aarons vs. Gary the Barn Owl

Despite the fans showing their full-fledged support for Gary the Barn Owl, Espinosa had all the support and encouragement he needed in his best friend, Brandon Aarons. Gary and the fans appeared to get to Espinosa with their snide remarks. As a result, the resident Barn Owl dominated. However, Aarons’ presence at ringside proved to be the deciding factor.

“Thee” Brandon Espinosa def. Gary the Barn Owl with interference by Brandon Aarons

In a precursor to the main event of the evening, Jordan Lacey attempted to make the champion, “Future” Donovan Ruddick lighten up by singing the Garth Brooks tune, “Friends in Low Places,” as well choice selections from a few other genres. When that failed to lift Future’s spirits, Lacey turned to dance—specifically, Soulja Boy. Ruddick walked to the back, disgusted, and it appeared as though Lacey had only angered the champ.

Dorian Victor vs. Rick Stone

The Money Mogul Dorian Victor prepared to put a beating on Rick Stone in the second match of the night. Stone attempted to make Victor put his money where his mouth was, but came up a few dollars short. Victor capitalized and succeeded in delivering the Bankbuster to ensure a three count and another check in the “win” column.

Dorian Victor def. Rick Stone

Dingo vs. Steven Kennedy

In a bout filled with as much technical prowess as one can find, Dingo and Kennedy had, arguably, one of the best matches of the night. Trading holds relentlessly, neither man held back one ounce of aggression in this fast-paced, high-impact showdown. When it came down to the final moments, Dingo’s wherewithal proved to be most influential on his performance.

Dingo def. Steven Kennedy with his feet on the ropes for leverage

“The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt vs. Mark Sterling

Coming off of his victory last month, Wyatt looked to retain his newly won Medallion against Sterling. In a technically sound match, both competitors showcased their strengths in unique fashion. Despite Sterling’s best efforts and stellar performance, it was shown on this night why Wyatt holds the Medallion.

“The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt def. Mark Sterling

Pierre Abernathy & Johnny Vinyl vs. Evan Gelistico & K.C. Karrington

The Submission Squad, as well as Gelistico and Karrington, were primed and ready for this battle. The crowd got into this match from the get-go, firmly on the side of Gelistico and Karrington. An all-out war was being waged, setting the stage, so to speak, for Circus Maximus. Each competitor was on top of his game, going above and beyond to prove that they deserve to win. However, Karrington and Gelistico proved to be the more cohesive unit.

Evan Gelistico & K.C. Karrington def. Pierre Abernathy & Johnny Vinyl

Presidential Elimination

Moving the presidential race one-step closer to its end, Jacob Dangle was eliminated from the competition. Then, it was brought to everyone’s attention by Steve Miller that Bavarian Boy cannot run in the election because he is not old enough. With two candidates gone, and only two remaining, fans will have to wait until July 12 to see who the newly crowned president will be—Luke Roberts or Steve Miller.

Brandon Aarons with Brandon Espinosa vs. Mike Serious

Serious sought to gain a measure of retribution on Aarons after the tag team loss Serious and A.J. Williams suffered last month. With Espinosa in his corner, Aarons had the fate of his match secured. Whenever it appeared as though Aarons was in trouble, Espinosa came to the rescue. Nonetheless, Serious’ performance should not be looked upon in shame, as he capitalized at every possible opportunity.

Brandon Aarons def. Mike Serious

“Future” Donovan Ruddick vs. XXX Jordan Lacey in a Last Man Standing Match

After the encounter earlier in the evening, Ruddick was in no mood to be messed with. Even so, Lacey was prepared for battle, as he brought a ladder and a sledgehammer into the mixture, among other objects. The match ended in pure, unbridled havoc, as Ruddick slammed ferociously into a pile of metal chairs.

“Future” Donovan Ruddick def. XXX Jordan Lacey to retain the Heavyweight Championship

Overall Analysis:

The fans were in rare form on this night, giving the show that extra ounce of adrenaline it needed. Every match was a stellar performance, and all of the competitors came across as more determined than ever to succeed. A safe assumption of the night is that every, single fan walked away pleased to have chosen LWA as their entertainment for a Saturday night.