Missouri Wrestling Revival

Giving Back to Midwest Pro Wrestling!

  • Post With Us

  • Follow Us

  • Recent Posts

  • Archives

  • 2015 MWR Yearbook on Sale

  • Pro Wrestling Tees

  • CAC

  • Rob Schamberger Art

  • Rings and Cages

  • Windy Wine Company

  • Wrestle Talk Podcast

  • Galaxy Wrestling All Stars Comics

  • Piekutowski Sausage

Archive for 2009

The Hooligans put a bounty on the Submission Squad.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 29, 2009

When the Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter)  contacted MWR to send out a message, little did we know that we what we got ourselves involved in. The Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter) and the Submission Squad (Pierre Abernathy and Evan Gelistico) have battled each other throughout the Midwest at Independent Hardcore Wrestling, Lethal Wrestling Alliance, Great American Wrestling and High Voltage Wrestling. The Submission Squad had the early advantage by defeating the Hooligans at IHW on  June 13th then again at their home turf LWA.

Things got ugly at Pro Wrestling Next when The Hooligans shocked the Submission Squad by not only by beating them but taking home the LWA Tag team titles. Since then, the two have been split in non title defenses, once at GAW in the first round for their Tag team titles, then again at IHW.

What team, if any, will take the Hooligans up on their offer to win the Hooligans’ money by taking out the Submission Squad?  While we were video taping, little did we realize that the misfit of the family Neil Diamond Cutter was making his presence known in the background.

 This feud is quickly turning into a 2009 feud of the year candidate. You will not want to miss the next installment in this battle for tag team supremacy. On Oct. 10, The Hooligans return home to High Voltage Wrestling in Granite City, IL to face their rivals, Abernathy and Gelistico, to determine the first ever HVW Tag team Champions.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Professional Wrestler in the World of Sports Entertainment By Matt Murphy: Introduction

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 28, 2009

securedownload 6

Dedicated to Derek Stone, James Grizzle, and Dave Marquez, for taking a chance on me.

By Matt Murphy

After four years of diligent work, Tony Willis finally created the perfect barbecue sauce. It was delicious, the perfect blend of ingredients and preparation, and it left an aftertaste you’d hate to waste with a stick of gum after dinner. Tony never felt so confident in his life. His sauce was better than anything on the shelves, so there was no way he was leaving Kansas City without a life-changing victory.

Tony quit his job, emptied his savings account, and bought a classy suit and a briefcase. After his plane landed at Kansas City International, he drove his rented luxury sedan to Kemper Arena, where he entered his creation into the Great American Barbecue contest. He was certain that the grand prize, $100,000 cash and licensing deal with a major condiment company, was waiting for him.

Tony imagined his sauce flying off the shelves in every grocery store in the world and thought about how the $100,000 prize would change his life.

There was no doubt among GAB attendees that Tony’s sauce was the tastiest. Even his competitors were certain that Tony’s sauce would best theirs when the judges announced their decision. When one of the judges stepped up to the podium, Tony straightened his tie.

“The winner of the $100,000 Great American Barbecue contest … Elmer Billings,” the judge announced. Tony went numb. He risked everything he had and didn’t know why his sauce wasn’t chosen. Elmer’s sauce tasted like pancake syrup and mustard. Tony did his best to maintain his composure while Elmer posed with the winning sauce and an oversized $100,000 check for Condiments Illustrated.

Angus Larue, the sauce master for the leading condiment maker in the United States, tapped Tony on the shoulder. “Come with me for a minute,” Angus said.

In a corner of the room, Angus sympathetically handed Tony a beer. “Listen, son,” Angus began, “your sauce was outstanding. If this was a contest to decide whose sauce was the tastiest, you surely would have won, but your sauce didn’t have a name or a slogan. For Chrissake, it was in a Mason jar. How do I sell that?”

“On its flavor!” Tony snapped. “I thought this contest was about quality barbecue sauce, not gimmicks.”

“This contest was about creating a barbecue sauce we can sell,” Angus said. “It’s about marketing. Elmer brought us a barbecue sauce we can market and sell. His label has an American flag and fireworks on it. His slogan, ‘Make Every Day the Fourth of July’, man, that makes people think of barbecues and good times! I can sell that. You’ve gotta draw the customer’s attention, make him buy it in the first place, or he’ll never know how great your sauce is.”

Tony seethed in his rental car on the way to the airport. Damned idiot, he thought of Angus. He doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about.

After a couple of years, Tony gave up his dream of finding riches in the barbecue sauce industry. He sold his great recipe to an upstart burger joint and never made another jar of sauce again. Bitter, he boycotted condiments altogether.

For many professional wrestlers, this story may sound familiar. I’ve heard countless wrestlers tell me how much better they are than most of the guys in WWE today, and a few of them have actually been right. I’ve seen great workers who could do incredible things and had the right physique, but who never got a WWE contract for a variety of reasons. Some had attitude problems, others got married and decided to leave the business, some just never got the exposure to be seen by anybody who could get them signed. In most of those cases, however, the wrestler was seen but did not catch the attention of somebody within WWE who said, “Wow! We could make some money off this guy.”

At a seminar in 2004, I heard WWE’s Tom Pritchard speak to a group of guys about a wrestler named John Walters, an excellent worker best known for his time with Ring of Honor. “He’s very good,” Pritchard said. “I wish we could offer him a contract right now, but there isn’t a spot for him. John’s a great talent, but other than that there’s nothing about him that makes him different from anybody else.”

Too many guys don’t understand that there was only one Dean Malenko for a reason. Malenko was great, but there was only room in this business for one of him. Technically, maybe nobody was his equal, but a major company needs many different flavors to appeal to the masses. How successful would Baskin Robbins be if they only offered one flavor of ice cream?

Does it suck? Probably. Will it change? Not a chance.

Welcome to the age of sports-entertainment.

UP NEXT…CHAPTER 1: WELCOME TO WRESTLING

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: | 3 Comments »

Meet Former World Champions Bret Hart, Terry Funk, Ricky Steamboat and Harley Race at WLW’S 10 Year Anniversary show October 3rd in Eldon Mo

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 27, 2009

World League Wrestling 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!

Saturday October 3rd
ELDON HIGH SCHOOL GYM
101 S PINE ST ELDON MO 65026

Ticket Outlets
WLW HEADQUARTERS

EAGER BEAVER

ELDON CITY HALL
SWEAT GYM

Legends Of Wrestling Appearing
BretHart1994

Bret “The Hitman” Hart

asato1

AKIO SAITO

geigel9

BOB GEIGEL

kersten13

BILL KERSTEN

mgeorge4

MIKE GEORGE

niccoli

BETTY NICOLI

rkirby2

ROGER KIRBY

WLW POSTER

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

GAW Photo Recap- Dingo vs. Matt Cage vs. Ian Rotten

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 25, 2009

 

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

On August 30th Missouri Wresting Revival was invited to check out Great American Wrestling in Lincoln Illinois. A Sunday show with a main event set to be GAW Champion Matt Cage taking on Dingo. That match alone made me want to go but when we got there more excitement was added when Hardcore Legend Ian Rotten was thrown in the mix.

GAW with a reputation of not being one of the top promotions around, put on a fun show that was highlighted by an exciting 5 way scramble match with two wrestlers in the MWR coverage area Gary Jay and Davey Vega as they went up against a very impressive Markus Crane as well as Johnathan Napier and Christian Rose. All five men put on an exciting match and I hope see them again.

The LWA Tag Team Champions The Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter) was in action as they took on their rivals The Submission Squad in a battle that went all around the building. (Pierre Abernathy and Evan Gelistico).

I would like to thank GAW for inviting us to check out them out and we hope to be back in the future. Now without further ado is the photo recap of that show.
l_de83e32348c64e3094a732a6702da233
Buzz Rodgers d. Chuck Ray

The fans do not like the tag team of Gavin Alexander and Big Cody  (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The fans do not like the tag team of Gavin Alexander and Big Cody (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gavin Alexander delivers a big splash on JJ Bullock. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gavin Alexander delivers a big splash on JJ Bullock. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Big Cody stalks the very entertaining Dexter Schwartz on way to victory. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Big Cody stalks the very entertaining Dexter Schwartz on way to victory. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gavin Alexander & Big Cody d. JJ Bullock & Dexter Schwartz

Dragon Verde slugs it out with Conner Riley.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dragon Verde slugs it out with Conner Riley.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dragon Verde  thinks that it is over but Connor Riley took home the win.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dragon Verde thinks that it is over but Connor Riley took home the win.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Connor Riley pinned Dragon Verde

Jaxson Pride pulled out all the nasty moves to defeat Rex Gill. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Jaxson Pride pulled out all the nasty moves to defeat Rex Gill. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

JC Michaels and Jaxson Pride double team Rex Gill after the match.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

JC Michaels and Jaxson Pride double team Rex Gill after the match.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Jaxson Pride pinned Rex Gill

Bloody Harker Dirge lets GAW CS Champ Kenny O' Brien know that he is in for a fight. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Bloody Harker Dirge lets GAW CS Champ Kenny O' Brien know that he is in for a fight. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

O’Brien trys to slow down the more experience Dirge.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

O’Brien trys to slow down the more experience Dirge.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Kenny O' Brien finds himself in a bad spot.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Kenny O' Brien finds himself in a bad spot.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dirge continued to bring the pressure.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dirge continued to bring the pressure.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gavin Alexander & Big Cody  entered the ring to put the boots to both Dirge and O’Brien.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gavin Alexander & Big Cody entered the ring to put the boots to both Dirge and O’Brien.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Bloody Harker Dirge d. GAW CS Champ Kenny O’ Brien by DQ

The Hooligans targeted Evan Gelistico throughout the match. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The Hooligans targeted Evan Gelistico throughout the match. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The Hooligans can hurt you in many ways. Just ask Evan Gelistico. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The Hooligans can hurt you in many ways. Just ask Evan Gelistico. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Pierre Abernathy scores the big win in there on going feud. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Pierre Abernathy scores the big win in there on going feud. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Evan Gelistico  knows that the momentum has swung towards the side of the Submission Squad. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Evan Gelistico knows that the momentum has swung towards the side of the Submission Squad. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

GAW August 2009 101

Pierre Abernathy & Evan Gelistico d. LWA Tag Champs The Hooligans (non-title)

Gary J and Davey Vega know each other very well. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gary J and Davey Vega know each other very well. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Christian Rose rocks Johnathan Napier in the middle of the ring.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Christian Rose rocks Johnathan Napier in the middle of the ring.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gary J has Johnathan Napier where he wants him.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gary J has Marcus Crane where he wants him.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Vega puts the boots to Crane.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Vega puts the boots to Crane.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

GAW August 2009 151

Johnathan Napier d. Gary Jay, Davey Vega, Markus Crane & Christan Rose (five-way)
Scramble

The GAW Champ Matt Cage comes to ring to take on Dingo and Ian Rotten.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The GAW Champ Matt Cage comes to ring to take on Dingo and Ian Rotten.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dingo and Ian Rotten plays catch with Cages head.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dingo and Ian Rotten plays catch with Cages head.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Ian Rotten attempts puts to stretch Dingo into submission.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Ian Rotten attempts puts to stretch Dingo into submission.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

GAW August 2009 201

Ian Rotten gets dirty outside  of the ring.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Ian Rotten gets dirty outside of the ring.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

More outside mayhem !(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

More outside mayhem !(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Rotten hits a big move but Dingo is ready to strike.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Rotten hits a big move but Dingo is ready to strike.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Not a good day for Rotten. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Not a good day for Rotten. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Cage finds himself in another bad spot. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Cage finds himself in another bad spot. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Somehow  Matt Cage remains GAW Champion.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Somehow Matt Cage remains GAW Champion.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

GAW Champ Matt Cage d. Ian Rotten and Dingo (GAW title on the line)

For more info on GAW Checked out there site here.

Do not miss GAW This Sunday

GAW Photo

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Golden Circle: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 25, 2009

By The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony

When anything becomes mainstream it is almost an automatic that it eventually becomes watered down. When Nirvana hit the scene and changed rock music forever we were exposed to some really great, raw, awe inspiring music. By the same token we were also exposed to vomit enducing garage bands that thought flannel was their only way to rock n roll history. The phenomenon of pro wrestling in the late 90s gave us an edgy, anti-hero wrestling that with all the stars in perfect alignment began a new era of pro wrestling. The downside to this revolutionary era combined with the internet was the complete lack or preparation and talent for incoming wrestlers. So that is where we are today a business where wrestlers fall into one of three categories: The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

In today’s wrestling when you’re good, you’re very good. The creativity that these guys put into their matches and their characters is sometimes astonishing. They truly love the history of our business. I say that because I am and will always be foremost a wrestling fan. Before CM Punk was WWE bound I heard him cut a promo right before a match with Samoa Joe in his hometown, Chicago Illinois, that gave me goosebumps. The emotion, the passion, and the story it was all there. Wrestling is about standing alone, you can do the same moves, have the same name but if you have “it”.. then you are going to stand apart from anyone else. Its just not guys like CM Punk, there are guys all over the country that make me feel that when I watch them work. Makes me proud to be apart of the business. These are The Good!

Now for the bad. The bad are the under prepared. The guys that love the business but have no reliable guidance. They don’t have a firm grasp on psychology. Its not that they can’t learn the things that would make them successful or at least a viable part of the business, its they don’t have a mentor that can lead the way. They may be able to perform any moves with crisp precision but it’s not how many moves you know, it knowing when to use them and if they fit you and your gimmick.

Then there are the ugly! The ones that absolutely have no business in the business. They don’t get it, they don’t want to get it and they never will. Ironically these are also usually the ones who pronounce as loud as they can to anyone and everyone that will lesson that they are a “pro wrestler”! Making it even harder for “The Good” to gain respect from a casual fan.

Maybe its time for all of us to look in the mirror. Look with an honest eye and determine which category we fall in to. Are we the good? Are we the bad? Or are we the ugly that stains the very business we claim to love? I promise if we do that then maybe the next article will be The Golden Circle: The Great and when “The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony makes a promise it’s as good as gold.

Check out Greg Anthony at our friends site rasslinriotonline.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

HVW One Year Anniversary Show: –Fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 24, 2009

3 High Voltage Wrestling October 10th

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

High Voltage Wrestling returns on Oct. 10 with “Encore” in Granite City, IL to celebrate their one year anniversary. HVW will be giving back to the community by donating $2.00 from each ticket sold to the American Diabetes Association. ADA is hoping to invite a family to enjoy exciting wrestling action as well to receive the check from the proceeds of this event. ADA is a cause that TNT Keny G feels strongly about supporting because he fights with the disease himself every day. Also in attendance will be the wonderful people at The Fan Shop. The Fan Shop will be giving 20% of all sales at the show towards the fundraiser.

For only $10.00 you can watch the most exciting wrestling action in the Midwest and help a good cause as well.

HVW Poster oct 10

The main event could very well be THE must see of the year. HVW Champion Kahagas will once again go one on one against Dingo, this time with the title on the line.

These two warriors went blow for blow this past January with the ultra talented Dingo getting bragging rights in his hometown. As one of the most booked wrestlers in the Midwest, Dingo dominated as he reigned throughout the year as the IWA-Midsouth Champion and NWA Missouri Champion. Dingo returned to HVW last month at “You got another thing Coming” against Tony Kozina in a back and forth war. Dingo got his hand raised and as soon as Kahagas had defeated Donovan Ruddick for the championship, Dingo let the fans know that he had his eyes set on the belt.

Dingo may have the 1-0 lead in the series, but he should beware. Since their classic match, Kahagas has been on a roll facing some of the toughest competition around the world and HVW. Kahagas teamed up with “Big” Rick Fuller to take on HVW Livewire Champion Brandon Espinosa and HVW Champion Donovan Ruddick with the stipulation being that if either Kahagas or Fuller got the pin, they would be crowned the champion of the respective belt. Kahagas became the Livewire Champion after pinning Espinosa. In August, Kahagas got even with his former manager The Magic Man by defeating his protégé Ruddick in a Falls count anywhere match.

There will be no turning back when two of the best wrestlers in the Midwest meet once again to determine just who the best is.
RuddickBlandpostercopy

The summer of 2009 will always be remembered as the feud of HVW and Mark Bland. Bland hosts Absolute Wrestling Radio, and maybe he thought no one was listening when he made the mistake of calling out champions throughout the Midwest. Weeks went by and Bland felt good about himself as no one stepped up to the plate. That changed with one phone call—not from a wrestler but HVW Promoter TNT Keny G called in to let Bland know he had an invite to May’s HVWPeace and Blood” show. Bland claimed he was busy that night and sent AWR’S Matt Krueger in his place. The aftermath saw Krueger hitting Donovan Ruddick with a chair and paying for it dearly. TNT Keny G added insult to injury when he kicked Krueger out of the building.

Mark Bland immediately went to the airwaves to let Ruddick know that he was going to “Knock him out.” Bland stated that he was a superstar in the making and if not for an injury that sidetracked him he would be in the WWE today. TNT Keny G made a move that sent Bland to the edge, with prior knowledge that Bland was not going to be at an AWR broadcast, TNT Keny G and Ruddick took over the AWR show to make fun of Bland and what he claimed as the popular wrestling drinking game “The Randy Orton Game.”

Bland was not amused and with his spy’s around the city, he got word that the controversial promoter was making a visit at The Fan Shop. With a camera man on hand, he videotaped a vicious assault on TNT that shocked the wrestling scene.


Later the two had words at Six Flags as Keny and Ruddick sent an invite for Bland to show up at HVW’S “You got another thing coming” on August 15.

The night started out with fireworks as the two had to be separated when Bland took the offer to wrestle Donovan Ruddick at the next show. Bland promised that Ruddick would be knocked out.

Little did anyone know that it would be THAT night he would make good on that promise. In the main event, Bland changed the course of HVW when he sent The Magic Man reeling with a punch then delivered a chair shot that KNOCKED Ruddick out and set him on a table. Kahagas then went to the top of the balcony and delivered body splash to be crowned the new HVW Kingpin.

In less than one month, all the talking will be in the past. Can Mark Bland show the wrestling world that he is indeed an untapped wrestling talent and one to be reckoned with? Or will the former HVW Champion and 6 foot 9 monster Donovan Ruddick get revenge for his title loss?

Want more??

Tag team action does not get any better than this one. HVW will crown their first ever Tag team Champions, and the two teams going for this coveted prize do not like each other at all.

Devin and Mason Cutter, The Hooligans, have been dominating wrestling throughout the Midwest. Don’t let their actions fool you; what appears to be total chaos in the ring is text book tag teaming. From the moment that they signed the contract at HVW these two have been itching to prove that they are the team to beat in the Midwest.

The Bandana Mafia (Pierre Abernathy and Evan Gelistico) are 2/3 of the 6 man cup. Always entertaining, these two have earned the respect of the fans with their own unorthodox style. They go into this match with bragging rights of defeating the Cutters younger brother Neil “Diamond” Cutter and his tag team partner, The Blackheart, in the first round.

MWR was able to catch up with both teams after the August 15th HVW show.

A main event match anywhere in the Midwest you will not want to miss The Hooligans and The Bandana Mafia battle to become the first ever HVW Tag Team Champions.

Fans of women wrestling will not want to miss Santana G’s one on one wrestling debut, as she takes on the St Louis debut of Mia Martinez. Santana has already won the hearts of wrestling fans with her sweet personality and work ethic. Santana has been getting proper training at the NWA Dynamo Gym as the veteran Mia Martinez looks to make a name for herself in the Midwest.
Mia Martinez
Mia, trained by Ace Steele, Danny Dominion, is dubbed La Chica Diamante…”The Diamond Girl”. Mia battled with one of PWI’s top 50 female wrestlers in the world, Malia Hosaka, this past year in the Midwest.

HVW continues to bring fresh talent to the area when the one and only Curly makes his way to Granite City. You will not forget the three stooge fanatic once you see him. One of my favorites and after October 10th he will be one of yours as well.
HVW Oct 10 Curly 2

On August 15th at “You got another thing Coming” Jeremy Wyatt was offended that he had no one to wrestle and he let MWR’s Josh Ray know about it. Josh responded that he would personally have a challenge set for “The Rebel” when HVW returns on October 10th. Who has Josh signed to be Wyatt’s opponent? He won’t say but he advises Wyatt to be ready. Wyatt promises to make an example of his said opponent as he gets closer to defending his HVW Cup on November 14th at the MWR Showcase Show in Granite City against Dingo.

Also appearing HVW will be Mark Sterling, Brandon Aarons, Davey Vega Gary Jay, Eric Allen, Alexandre Rudolph, Mississippi Madman, Brandon Espinosa, Cabal, and The Magic Man.

High Voltage Wrestling continues to mix the best in St Louis with elite in the Midwest. No where else can you get this much action for the measly price of $10.00 a ticket with kids 7 and under FREE.

Be a part of history as HVW celebrates their ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY with “ENCORE” on October 10th in Granite City.

For all your High Voltage Wrestling news check out the Brand new website here

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

“World League Wrestling original Matt Murphy remembers 10 years of WLW”

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 23, 2009

{Missouri Wrestling Revival would like to thank World League Wrestling original Matt Murphy for taking the time to reminisce on the early days of WLW to honor their 10 years of greatness. MWR is proud to announce that Matt Murphy will have his own feature article on the site every Monday starting next week. }

With World League Wrestling’s 10th anniversary event just a couple weeks away, I’m sure I’m not the only old-timer whose mind keeps wandering back to the beginning a decade ago.

In July 1999, the Harley Race Wrestling Academy began holding tryouts and classes at Lewis Boxing Gym. It was a small space crammed in along a line of old brick buildings in a bad neighborhood in Springfield, Mo. There was no air conditioning and it reeked of weed, the severity dependent upon which Lewis brother was in the office. The boxing ring was manufactured in the depths of hell and sent to Springfield to punish me for my future transgressions.

There were six of us then: I was the first full-time student; Trevor Rhodes (Murdoch) came a week later along with his brother, independent veteran Johnny D; and the trainers were Derek Stone, Griz, and referee Skippy Johnson. We lived together in a small two-bedroom house and trained between six and eight hours every day.

Meanwhile, Harley and Dave Marquez built World League Wrestling from the ashes of World Legion Wrestling, a promotion I watched on syndicated television that had featured Sid Vicious, Big Sky (Tyler Mane, who played Sabertooth in X-Men, Michael Myers in the new Halloween, and the oil driller who beat up the lead character and then caught fire in Joe Dirt), “Atomic Dogg” Steve Sharp, Luminous Warrior, and the champ, “Sheik” Derek Stone.

After Marquez and the trainers traveled to Lake of the Ozarks to meet with Harley, Derek announced that the school was moving to Eldon. “Where?” I asked, still half-asleep on the couch.

Eldon, for those who’ve never been there, is not much different from every other small town in Missouri: a little backward at times, a little boring at times, but really not a bad place to live. Its population is between 4,000 and 5,000 and rent is cheap enough.

We were local celebrities when we first moved to Eldon, making personal appearances and doing radio and newspaper interviews regularly. And we were all with Harley Race, so if a half-dozen gorillas walking into a restaurant didn’t get their attention then Harley’s presence did.

I’ll never forget the first World League Wrestling event, held during a middle-school assembly Sept. 24, 1999 in Caledonia, Mo. Griz and I squared off in the main event and, due to ring announcer Steve Murphy’s claim that I was a “19-year-old rookie sensation making his professional wrestling debut” (I was 20 and I’d had three matches for East Coast promotions prior to training with Harley, so it was just a small fib), the crowd loved me. The three-match afternoon event was held during school hours with hopes that the kids would go home and beg their parents to bring them back for the full evening show. It was a flop: we had a crowd of about 60 that night.

We had some solid guys back then. Derek Stone was one of the best workers who never had a contract with a national promotion. Griz and “Tiger” Treach Phillips, Jr. were two solid veterans and great assets to their young opponents like me and Trevor. We really didn’t have a weak link on the card. We had other veterans like Johnny Jett, the Drill Instructor, Nasty Bill, Blade Boudreaux, Lance Jade (that’s not a typo, and Jade also had a contract with WWE for a year or two), Malia Hosaka, Brandy Alexander, T.S. Aggressor, Mr. Destiny, Johnny D, and Luminous Warrior.

I always wanted to do two things with my life: become a professional wrestler and make a positive impact on others. Within seven months of our first show, we were wrestling every weekend, usually doing two or three fundraising events. I was living my dream as a professional wrestler and I was part of a group that helped countless non-profit organizations raise funds to make the world a better place. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked for more, but I did.

Like every wrestler, I dreamed of becoming a WWE Superstar. I didn’t make it because I made stupid choices and didn’t earn it. I spent too much time dreaming and not enough time working. But when Trevor Murdoch, who I grew up in the business beside, called me to tell me he signed with WWE, I felt the same inexplainable feeling of pride that I imagined when I used to sit around dreaming about getting a contract with WWE myself. When his first vignette aired on Monday Night Raw, I was thrilled. I sat on the edge of my seat during his debut match. While my dream, as I envisioned it, never came to fruition, I got to go along for the ride while one of the best friends I’ve ever known lived out our dream. That was all the satisfaction I needed.

Times have certainly changed in the past 10 years. WLW talent, other promotions, and crowds have come and gone. Trevor and I were two boys in a locker room full of men, both living our dreams. Now, we’re two old-timers, sitting on the porch talking marriage and fatherhood and barbecue grills. Still, the olden days seem to find their way into most of our conversations.

In the earlier years, there seemed to be more children in the crowd. Many of the kids who were my biggest fans a decade ago have become adults. Some of them still remember me and others seem to have forgotten me. Some still smile when they see me and others seem to resent me. I’d guess it’s because I was somebody they saw as larger-than-life—as a star—when they were kids and now they feel duped when they see me grocery-shopping with my family.

The last time we performed at the Eldon High School gymnasium was one of our greatest events. It was in late-April 2000, with WCW stars Meng and Disco Inferno as the special guests. Disco Inferno pinned me that night in a singles match and then my team beat his in an eight-man tag match later that night. In the main event, Meng lost the WLW Heavyweight Championship to Trevor (with an assist from me). It was our first great event and still one of the best WLW events ever. It’s appropriate that WLW will celebrate its 10th anniversary by returning to the gym. I wish I had the desire, if not physical ability, to get back into the ring one last time for the anniversary event, but I’m proud the worker I became and I wouldn’t dream of getting into the ring at a level below that.

Since my in-ring career ended, I’ve worked with WLW off-and-on in various roles. While I’ve had my ups and downs with WLW, they will always be family.

Congratulations, World League Wrestling, on ten years of bringing exciting, family-friendly entertainment to Small Town, Missouri for good causes. Thank you for giving dreamers a place to learn and practice their chosen trade as they pursue stardom.

Matt Murphy

—————————————————————————————————————–

You will not want to miss the opportunity to support 10 years anniversary on October 3rd. Along with the current Superstars of WLW, fans will be able to meet former greats Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Akio Saito, Bob Geigel, Betty Nicoli, Bill Kersten, Mike George, Roger Kirby and of course the greatest of them all Harley Race.

Show at
ELDON HIGH SCHOOL GYM
101 S PINE ST ELDON MO 65026

Ticket Outlets
WLW HEADQUARTERS
EAGER BEAVER
ELDON CITY HALL
SWEAT GYM

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Pro Wrestling Entertainment photo Recap 8-29-2009 Keith Walker, Ian Rotten, Mark Sterling, The Hooligans and much more.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 22, 2009

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

Professional Wrestling Entertainment returned on August 29th with a free show at the 2009 Annual Balloon Festival in Lincoln ILL mixed with some of the top talent in the Midwest. The STL Community reported that there was over 500 to 750 that enjoyed exciting wrestling that showcased a many different types of wrestling for everyone. Lincoln Il was able to see wrestling perfection from Mark Sterling, tag team expertise of The Hooligans, the death defying moves of Neil Diamond Cutter, the fan favorite Curly brought his one of a kind moves to the ring

Young studs such as Mike Sydal, Jimmy Karryt, Johnathan Gresham, Nick Brubaker and Blake Steel electrifing the crowd. The Powerful and popular Mississippi Madman took on one of the hottest wrestlers in the Midwest Matt Cage. Keith Walker went to war with the Hardcore Legend Ian Rotten with Mickie Knuckles rounded off a card that left the fans with an emotional roller coaster.

Thanks to PWE management MWR was able to share with you some of the sights of these hard hitting matches. One of the highlights for me was during the Curly and Cabal match and the main event between Keith Walker and Ian Rotten was the balloon liftoff that you will be able to see in the background of those two respected matches.

Enjoy the sights of this excellent card.

 

*PWE US Champ Mark Sterling beat Mike Sydal by submission

Mike Sydal works the arm of Mark Sterling (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mike Sydal works the arm of Mark Sterling (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mark Sterling methodically takes his opponents apart.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mark Sterling methodically takes his opponents apart.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mike Sydal looks to get out of the way of Sterling.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mike Sydal looks to get out of the way of Sterling.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

This pictures shows you that Mike Sydal is one of the most exciting young wrestler in the Midwest in action (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

This pictures shows you that Mike Sydal is one of the most exciting young wrestler in the Midwest today. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Once you’r in the Markshooter, your day is done. Sydal fought with all his might but in the end Sterling proved too much on this day. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Once you’r in the Markshooter, your day is done. Sydal fought with all his might but in the end Sterling proved too much on this day. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*Mephisto pinned Neil Diamond Cutter

Neil Diamond Cutter retreats after Mephisto gets the early advantage.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Neil Diamond Cutter retreats after Mephisto gets the early advantage.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Always unorthodox, Neil brings Mephisto down to his size by taking out his legs. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Always unorthodox, Neil brings Mephisto down to his size by taking out his legs. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mephisto was able to use his power to get the edge on Neil Diamond Cutter for the victory .(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mephisto was able to use his power to get the edge on Neil Diamond Cutter for the victory .(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*Nick Brubaker pinned Johnathan Gresham
PWE August 2009 066

Nick Brubaker is talented but can back it up. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Nick Brubaker is cocky but he can back it up. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gresham looks for inspiration from the PWE fans.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gresham looks for inspiration from the PWE fans.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Nick Brubaker picks up a big win.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Nick Brubaker picks up a big win.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*PWE Tag Champs Brett Gakiya & CJ Esparza pinned LWA Tag Champs The Hooligans

PWE August 2009 097

The Hooligans cut the ring in half better than anyone in the Midwest. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The Hooligans cut the ring in half better than anyone in the Midwest. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Brett Gakiya looks for get breathing room from The Hooligans(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley

Brett Gakiya looks for get breathing room from The Hooligans(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley

The Hooligans had things going their way throughout the match. They had their eyes on the PWE Tag Team Championship. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The Hooligans had things going their way throughout the match. They had their eyes on the PWE Tag Team Championship. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Zero Gravity is able to strike quickly to turn things around. On this day they retained the titles. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Zero Gravity is able to strike quickly to turn things around. On this day they retained the titles. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*Mississippi Madman pinned  Matt Cage

Matt Cage has made an impact in the Midwest but has he ever too on someone as powerful as the Mississippi Madman? (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Matt Cage has made an impact in the Midwest but has he ever too on someone as powerful as the Mississippi Madman? (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

With the Madman down Cage delivers some vicious blows. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

With the Madman down Cage delivers some vicious blows. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

One way to beat a big man is too keep him grounded. Cage leans on him with a smirk on his face. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

One way to beat a big man is too keep him grounded. Cage leans on him with a smirk on his face. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Oh-UH  The Madman is on his feet. Bad news ahead if your last name is Cage. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Oh-UH The Madman is on his feet. Bad news ahead if your last name is Cage. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The fans loved the Mississippi Madman victory at the Balloon festival. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The fans loved the Mississippi Madman victory at the Balloon festival. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*Blake Steel pinned Jimmy Karryt

Blake Steel preps for the crowd. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Blake Steel preps for the crowd. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Jimmy Karryt impressed me with a strong showing  even in defeat against the talented Blake Steel(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Jimmy Karryt impressed me with a strong showing even in defeat against the talented Blake Steel(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*Curly pinned Cabal

The monster Cabal does not know what to think about the one and only Curly. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The monster Cabal does not know what to think about the one and only Curly. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Cabal powerslams Curly.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Cabal powerslams Curly.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Fan Favorite Curly withstood the power Cabal in this encounter. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Fan Favorite Curly withstood the power Cabal in this encounter. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

*Keith Walker beat Ian Rotten w/ Mickie Knuckles by DQ

Keith Walker tries to get in the head of Ian Rotten. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Keith Walker tries to get in the head of Ian Rotten. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

There are few men as dangerous outside the ring as Ian Rotten. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

There are few men as dangerous outside the ring as Ian Rotten. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Rotten continues to bring the heat to the powerful Walker. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Rotten continues to bring the heat to the powerful Walker. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Keith Walker goes for blood as he rips open an old wound of Rottens. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Keith Walker goes for blood as he rips open an old wound of Rottens. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mickie Knuckles senses that Rotten is in deep trouble. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mickie Knuckles senses that Rotten is in deep trouble. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Walker is one man who loves to bring the pain but would he hit a women?(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Walker is one man who loves to bring the pain but would he hit a women?(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

PWE August 2009 295

Ian Rotten attempts to get revenge but the ref recovered to catch him in the act therefore giving the victory to Walker. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Ian Rotten attempts to get revenge but the ref recovered to catch him in the act therefore giving the victory to Walker. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

PWE August 2009 310

Curly meets one of his many fans after the show.

For more info on PWE go to their myspace here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

JAYSIN STRIFE defeats Jeremy Wyatt to become PWP Champion!!!

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 21, 2009

NEW PWP CHAMP

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

Jeremy Wyatt dominated Pro Wrestling Phoenix since October 2008 when he defeated the powerful Abu Colossus. Like him or not. he was one of the most dominant champions in the Pro Wrestling Phoenix’s history as he knocked down every challenger that he faced. His list of victories was a who’s who of wrestling talent in the Midwest. Abu Colossus couldn’t regain the belt. Wyatt survived a three way with Abu and Brett Young. One on One, Young came close but he went home empty handed. Former PWP Champ Hype Gotti and TNA Superstar Sonjay Dutt did their best in a 3 way but the Belt Collector would not relinquish his grip of his precious title. The list continued as Wyatt had his hands raised after defeating Chris Havius, Tony Cortez, Payday Patterson, and Donnie Peppercricket.

On September 19th Jaysin Strife will go down in the history books as the man to end the dominance of Jeremy Wyatt. Will Jaysin Strife be able to retain his title in rematches will be a headline heading into the end of 2009.

MWR congratulates new PWP Champion Jaysin Strife.

For more on PWP check out their myspace here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

AAPW Returns Oct 3rd along with their 3 year ANNIVERSARY on Oct 24th.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 19, 2009

AAPW OCT 3

From AAPW Management
AAPW will be holding an event on Saturday October 3rd in Nashville, IL. at the Nashville Community Center. Bell Time is 7pm. Advance tickets can be purchased by contacting the Moose Lodge at (618) 327-9260.
AAPW Tag Team Champions, The Money Makin’ Jam Boys defend against former Champions, Old School Thunder.
Curly Challenges Shawn Shultz for the AAPW Heavyweight title!
5 more bouts included!

Saturday October 24th, AAPW celebrates our 3RD ANNIVERSARY with an 8 man tournament to determine a new number 1 contender for the AAPW Heavyweight Title. The winner will receive a title shot on December 5th, 2009. Participants will include, Playboy Paul Rose, Edmund Livewire McGuire, Serial Thriller Shane Rich, Carnage, Homicidal Steven Davis, Christian Rose, and Mike Masters. 2 other preliminary bouts will be on the card. The event will take place at New Beginnings Assembly, 1011 E. 6th st., West Frankfort, IL. with a special time of 3:00 PM!!!
aapw Oct 24th

Also, with the success of last years FAN’S CHOICE SHOW, AAPW will be doing it again in January 2010. We are now taking nominees for the following categories:

1) Who should receive a shot at the AAPW Heavyweight Title?
2) Which team should receive a shot for the AAPW tag team titles?
3) What newcomer would fans most want to see appear in AAPW?
4) Which old favorite do fans wish to see make a return to AAPW?

Please reply  with your nominations. In the coming months, we will post polls on the profile page where you the fans can vote for the top nominees. We will also vote on other matches as well. Get your votes in soon! Please be advised, if a nominee happens to win a title between now and January, we will go down the list to include the next wrestler with the most nominations. Thank you and hope to see you at the matches!

To vote please go to the ALL AMERICAN PRO WRESTLING MYSPACE

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »