Announcement: Stepping Down
Posted by Admin on September 10, 2009
Announcement:
Stepping Down
by Josh Ray
Those of you out there that know me understand that I am very passionate about professional wrestling, yet respectful of what it and all involved represent. Missouri Wrestling Revival was created to give back to Midwest pro wrestling, and I can honestly look back and say that for nearly two years as the owner and editor of MWR I have done just that.
What was meant to focus my talents has quickly grown into something that is difficult for me to manage with the many responsibilities to school, work, and my family, however, and it is with a heavy heart that I must announce the sale of my beloved business and website.
I have received many offers for the site over the last few months, but have decided that the best thing to do in the interests of my good friends Brian Kelley and Kari Williams was to allow them to continue mission with MWR right here at this website.
Therefore, as of today I am stepping down as the owner and editor of Missouri Wrestling Revival. Brian Kelley will assume this position permanently, with Kari Williams continuing work as a staff writer for the site. Brian has had previous experience taking over day-to-day operations of the site when I departed for Iraq late last year until March of this year, and I have no doubt that he will continue to be as unbiased in his pursuit of giving back to Midwest pro wrestling! Expect to hear from him soon on the site, as he transitions into his new role and begins implementing positive changes to the site.
I will be taking over as a partner with High Voltage Wrestling, furthering my pursuit of dreams in wrestling. This allows me a much more flexible schedule and does not tie me down with the ongoing projects of over 20 promotions in the area! I will also continue taking bookings as a ring announcer and other similar work as my schedule permits. The key for me was flexibility in my schedule and the ability to focus on things that further my career.
My last official duty with MWR will be November 14, 2009 in Granite City, IL when I will execute what I hope will be the pro wrestling show of the year. MWR Presents Pro Wrestling Showcase will be a great event for the entire family, so come join me in celebrating good wrestling action at the River’s Edge Reception Center.
I will retain the use of the Wrestling Revival Cup in my capacity with HVW. It’s my hope to create a tournament in the near future that rivals any other across the country, with the Cup as the centerpiece.
Thank you all for your support during this transition. Continue to support MWR and your local indy wrestling as long as they support you with good shows!
Special thanks to many along the way that have helped me get to where I wanted to be in pro wrestling through great advice and other opportunities:
Ed Chuman
Martin T
Evil Jim and Crystal
Skylar Pierce
Todd Countryman
KL Snow
Dan Gier
“TNT” Keny G
Tobi Hope
George the Third
Sean Chambers
Brian Kelley
Kari Williams
Brandon Schmidt
Matt Murphy
Mark Bland
Bubba
… and countless others! I can’t forget some of the people I have had the opportunity to write about since MWR started, including Mark Sterling, Bao Nguyen, Mephisto, and more. Thank you to everybody!
Make no mistake about it, the stars of tomorrow are in the Midwest today! I am proud to be a part of Midwest pro wrestling!
Missouri Wrestling Revival 
Tim Miller said
On behalf of MMWA-SICW and Tim Miller Productions, I want to give a sincere show of respect and appreciation for all that you have done for the independent professional wrestling scene here in the Midwest and for our league in particular. I have spoken with many of the new faces in our crowds in recent months and many of the fans have told me directly that they came to our events after seeing us on Missouri Wrestling Revival! That alone merits a big thank you, however, you and your staff do more than just announce dates – you cover events and report with a style that is positive, informative, entertaining and beneficial for wrestling as a whole in the region without biases and influences from anyone and for that I consider you to be of the highest levels of professionalism. You have earned my respect and, as our good friend Mr. Brian Kelley would say, IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO HELP YOU JUST LET ME KNOW! I hope that your future explorations lead to prosperous success!
TIM MILLER
Executive Producer, Wild World of Wrestling
"Magic Man" Jack Sinn said
Thank you for all you have done for pro wrestling in the mid-west! I look forward to working with you in future endeavors (including but not limited to High Voltage Wrestling). Mr. Miller’s comments about Brian Kelly’s willingness to help out are exactly right. Brian is one of the nicest and most helpful people I have met in the business. Good luck to ALL! See YOU soon at a mid-west area event! —Magic Man マジック 人
Dan Gier said
Josh,
From all the guys a World League and myself.
We wish your and your family the best, and most of all THANK YOU and the Crew of MWR from bring the Indy scene back into focus.
“With dreams there is no hope and with out hope the amazing cannot happen”
Hope you can still make the 10th anniversary show in Eldon.
Best Wishes and Regards,
DAN GIER
Ring Announcer, Time Keeper and The Voice of WLW
Jacob Sherrill AKA WLW fan said
I really love what you have done on this website sir, and I can’t give you all the thanks you deserve. All I can give you is this comment. Still thank you so much sir this is a great website.
Sean Chambers said
Josh,
All of us at AAPW would like to thank you and your staff for all the work you have done these past two years. You and your staff have shown so much dedication and support to independent wrestling in the midwest. The articles and photographs are top notch. MWR is something you can always be proud of! Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
George 3 said
Josh,
All I can say is good luck! Take care of family first, but you knew that or this wouldn’t be happening. You started a great thing for indy pro wrestling with this site. I have no doubts that Brian will keep it going and make you proud. I’ll be seeing you on November 14 and we’ll share some “infantry times” together, even though you are a dirty leg! :)
Darin Davis said
Josh,
Good luck with whatever you pursue in the future.