Missouri Wrestling Revival

MMWA-SICW Recap (July 19, 2008)

By Kari Williams
When a bonafide legend meets a of couple up-and-coming, loud-mouths, all hell is sure to break loose. With Rocky Johnson on hand to accept his induction into the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame, one witnessed just that—along with multiple other events—at the East Carondelet Community Center on July 19.

As advertised, the main event pitted Jeremy Lightfoot against his most recent nemesis, Jeff Hawkins, in a cage match. Both competitors embodied hatred and detestation throughout the bout. However, Hawkins, who tried to end the fight quickly by attempting to climb out of the ring after delivering a handful of headbutts and a devastating clothesline, showed traces of cowardice. Lightfoot quickly capitalized on the ill-advised Hawkins and trapped him in the camel clutch, weakening the opponent. The remainder of the hellacious battle became a back and forth contest, with no man gaining a clear advantage over the other. Nonetheless, Lightfoot made his intentions crystal clear as he delivered a powerful Michinoku Driver to score the pinfall. Despite Lightfoot’s victory, his night ended in utter brutality, as Hawkins and his cohorts (Jerome Cody and Waco) attacked Lightfoot and even went so far as to handcuff him to the cage.

Previously, Tommy Riggs took on The Connection Member Jerome Cody in a rugged battle. Cody began the match the only way he knows how—with a cheap shot while Riggs’s back was turned. Regardless of Riggs’s efforts, Cody’s devilish deeds paid dividends as he connected with a powerful belly-to-belly suplex from the turnbuckles securing another win for The Connection.

The Big Texan made an effort to put Moondog Rover back in the dogpound during their bout. In only 4:40, a winner was determined, but not without controversy. Rover nailed Texan square in the head with his signature bone, causing a disqualification victory for Texan. Although the referee had done his job, fans were disgruntled nonetheless.

The prior match-up pitted “Night Train” Gary Jackson against Phil E. Blunt with the stipulation that if Jackson were to win, he was guaranteed five minutes in the ring with Travis Cook. Jackson fought an uphill battle this night—and not for lack of ability. He had to contend with Cook’s interference, which allowed Blunt to take control of the match-up on occasion. Luck was on Jackson’s side—along with the multitude of fans on hand—which allowed him to connect with his patented elbow drop and fierce punches. Blunt then attempted to score a quick pinfall on Jackson, but Jackson was able to get one over on Blunt as he caught Blunt with small package.

As per the stipulation, Jackson was given his promised time with Cook. However, moments after the match ended, Cody and Blunt attacked Jackson, leaving him vulnerable for an attack by Cook. During the assault, the recently inducted St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame member Rocky Johnson got involved in a successful attempt to aid Jackson.

Before that action got underway, “Wild Child” Billy Diamond took on the fan favorite, Shaft. Although both men had their shining moments in the bout, Shaft had a slight advantage throughout. It was Shaft’s tenacity and determination to succeed that forced him to target Diamond’s ankle sporadically. This proved to be Diamond’s demise, as Shaft forced the wild one to tap to the ankle lock at just over 11 minutes.

Jaysin Static proved himself as a worthy competitor once again in his battle with Bobby D. D controlled the opening moments, but Static used his natural athleticism to connect with a Harley Race-like high knee to turn the tide. Unfortunately for Static, D was able to quickly regain the advantage. Despite Static’s heart and desire—and his ability to lock D in the sharpshooter—D’s experience proved to be too much for, arguably, the hardest working athlete in MMWA-SICW.

What made this night special was the fact that legends were on hand to accept their rightful place in the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame. Former Wrestling at the Chase commentator Larry Matysik had the honor of inducting Buddy Rogers, Dory Funk, Jr., Jack Briscoe, Lee Warren, Joe Garagiola and Rocky Johnson into the hallowed hall. On hand for the occasion were Warren and Johsnon, as well as Mickey Garagiola accepting for his brother who was broadcasting an Arizona Diamondbacks game.

As Johnson was in the process of receiving his plaque, The Connection felt the need to interrupt the ceremony, proclaiming that no one cares about the “has-beens” of professional wrestling. This prompted Jackson to defend Johnson, which resulted in the match against Blunt.

The wild night began with A.J. Williams’ Junior Heavyweight Title on the line against Johnny Courageous. Though exhibiting tremendous athletic prowess, neither man had a clear advantage throughout the bout. Courageous and Williams exemplified what it takes to be champion, showing their never-say-die attitudes. However, in the end, Williams emerged victorious after a swift superkick at 11:46.