Missouri Wrestling Revival

This past Saturday the MMWA/SICW group made history in binging 638 wrestling fans together to kickoff a month of celebration at the Belle-clair fairgrounds in Belleville Illinois.

After a twenty five plus year absents from Belleville the crowd responded when Herb Simmons began the opening ceremonies.

Not only were the great wrestling fans in attendance, but tributes were made to several others. Tony Casta was first introduced and he thanked the great fans of Belleville Illinois and the surrounding towns who witnessed him in action back in the 80’s.

The president of Police Lodge 262 Josey Alverazy spoke on what the Lodge has done in the past and he thanked all the Police brotherhood for their support. Next was a good friend of Herb Simmons, Dee Heil. Heil was at one time, Wrestler, Booker and Referee and travel all over with Simmons and Casta.

Up next was St. Clair County Board Chairmen Mark Kern who grew up watching Wrestling at the Chase, Kern thanked the FOP and Simmons for bringing a great evening of fun back to the community.

Larry Matysik was in attendance and was presented an award from the FOP for his years of service in Law enforcement and was provide a life time membership to the FOP. Keith Smith was introduced as the person keeping law an order among the wrestlers. Tim Miller was in the ring and acknowledged as a person that steps up to do whatever is needed and the producer of Wild World of Wrestling.

The evening full of excitement ended in a tag match featuring Cowboy Bob Orton and Danny Boy Hawkins against Ron Powers and Sean Vincent. Hawkins was named the winner over Powers as he scored a quick three count on Powers as Powers was attempting a pile driver on Orton on a huge bell that Hawkins brought to the ring. In another great match the locker room was emptied when Gary Jackson took on Kevin X. It ended when both men got out of control and Referee Jim Harris was knocked down prompting Keith Smith to send out help from the back.

The excitement continues this month in two weeks as former NWA title holder Dory Funk Jr. makes his way to East Carondelet Community center on Friday May 20th and Saturday May 21st. On Friday a meet and greet will be held from 8-10pm and for a price of that ticket you get to return on Saturday night and see Dory Funk Jr in action.

Stay in touch with Missouri Wrestling Revival for updates on the celebration of 52 years of Wrestling at the chase.