Missouri Wrestling Revival

Before AAPW took a break for the summer, let’s take a look back at what has transpired the first half of the year.

As the year began, Edmund “Livewire” McGuire was the AAPW Heavyweight Champion. The fans had chosen McGuire to receive a shot at the title at the Fan’s Choice event in January. Since McGuire was now champion, the honor went to the first runner up, the 450 lb. Mississippi Madman, another fan favorite. In his first title defense, McGuire lost the title to Madman at Fan’s choice thanks to interference from special guest referee and McGuire’s “friend”, “Serial Thriller” Shane Rich. Madman would successfully defend the title in West Frankfort, IL. against “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt one month later. Wyatt and his partner, Mark Sterling, brutally attacked Madman after the match. Wyatt was granted a rematch in April in Herrin, IL. However, a kink would be thrown into this match as Shane Rich returned a few days early from his suspenpension! Rich had been suspended in January for his actions at Fan’s Choice. Rich was able to get himself into the main event making it a 3 way. Rich miraculously came out victorious. Edmund “Livewire” McGuire was awarded the first shot at Rich. Fans were stunned as Rich defeated McGuire clean in the middle of the ring at Rent One Park on May 22nd!

This leaves the question as to who is next in line for Rich’s AAPW title. With all that has transpired between Rich and McGuire, it does not appear McGuire will just let it go. However, with Rich’s convincing defeat of McGuire, McGuire will have to earn a number 1 contender’s spot. Former Champions, Shawn Shultz and Mississippi Madman have yet to receive rematches and Jeremy Wyatt also feels that current Champion, Rich, never beat him.

In the tag team picture, Rage seemed to have a secure hold on the tag titles. The Submission Squad fought the champs to a no contest in January, which certainly shows they are worthy of another opportunity. However, Rage lost the belts to Ax Allwardt and his new tag partner “Homicidal” Steven Davis on May 22nd. Mike Masters also retired at the end of that match. What tag team will step up to take on the new champions? The Money Makin’ Jam Boys? The Submission Squad? Will The Hooligans return to AAPW? Or will a new team emerge?

So far in 2010, AAPW has continued to treat our fans with big name stars in wrestling. Simon Dean has made 2 appearances, Andy Douglas, Paul Burchill, Kevin Thorn, and Jerry “The King” Lawler have all wrestled on AAPW events.

Other AAPW stars to keep an eye on include:

“Bad Boy” Chris Thomas– Thomas, after a series of matches with Edmund “Livewire” McGuire, seemed to have come out on top by earning a victory in a vicious street fight. This is a huge knot in his belt and should surely catapolt him into the rankings.

Heath Hatton– Hatton, like many rookies, struggled throughout the first half of the year but earned his first victory in Herrin in April followed up by being the victor of a championship battle royal in Mascoutah just weeks later! Is this a fluke or is Hatton the real deal? We will see when Hatton cashes in on his golden opportunity.

“Thee” Brandon Espinosa– Espinosa has rarely lost in an AAPW ring. Why he hasn’t received more opportunity is anyone’s guess but he has certainly proven he has what it takes.

“The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterling – These two almost caused a riot in West Frankfort, IL. earlier this year and had to have a police escort from the building to protect them from angry fans. Together, they could be strong contenders for the AAPW tag titles and individually both are serious threats to the heavyweight title.

G.T. Vega, Matt Cage, Sean Vincent, The Hooligans – All made appearances with strong showings in AAPW this year. Will any of them return?

AAPW returns this fall!