New Midwest Wrestling catch up with Tyler Preigel, all of our Champions, the New Director of Entertainment and more in this quick glimpse backstage after the REBORN event on 01-19-2013.

(KSDK Sports) — Whether you think it’s “real”or “fake,” There is no denying popularity of professional wrestling. It can now be seen world wide, but it has strong roots, here in St. Louis.

Anyone over the age of 40 who grew up in St. Louis probably remembers watching the popular Sunday morning broadcasts of “Wrestling at the Chase.”

Frank Cusumano spent some time with man who has watched it grew.

To watch this video click here.

We apologize for the delay of the interview with Larry Matysik on KSDK TV from last week but we know that it will be worth it when it airs tonight on either the 5 or 6 p.m. news over KSDK, Channel 5.

Look for Larry to speak on his new book the 50 Greatest Wrestlers of All-time in the interview. Then watch in the near future a review of the book from MWR Editor Brian Kelley

Click HERE to order from Crowbar Press.

Click HERE to read the article
from Deem’s hometown newspaper.

Please note:
“The STRAP: A Complete History of Sam Muchnick’s Missouri State Championship” is available directly from Crowbar Press.

For a limited time with no extra charge, every copy of the book ordered through the Crowbarpress,com website will include a photo of one of the Missouri champions wearing or holding the title belt. Photo included will be our choice and taken from those in stock.

All books will be shipped via Media Mail (U.S.), Priority Mail, or International Priority Mail (Canada/overseas).

The STRAP:
A Complete History of Sam Muchnick’s
Missouri State Championship
The definition of a biography is “the account of someone’s life written by someone else.” This book isn’t about “someone’s” life, but author Roger Deem does bring life to the story of the Missouri championship belt, the “crème de la crème” of professional wrestling’s title belts, second only to the world heavyweight title. Deem covers everything about the title, from the creation of the belt in 1972 to its demise with the death of the St. Louis Wrestling Club in 1987.

Held by legendary superstars like Harley Race, Terry Funk, Ric Flair, Jack Brisco, Ted DiBiase, Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, Kerry Von Erich, David Von Erich, and many others, the Missouri title was what every wrestler who appeared in St. Louis hoped to win, and each titleholder has been given a section of their own.

But this book isn’t only about the title. It’s a look at the history of the St. Louis wrestling promotion itself during the time the title was in use; the genius of promoter Sam Muchnick; the behind-the-scenes manipulations that determined who would be given the opportunity to hold the title, or have it taken away; and the problems that beset the promotion both from within and without.

Several of the wrestlers who held or wrestled for the title — Kevin Von Erich, Ted DiBiase, Jerry Brisco, Bob Backlund, Ric Flair, Dory Funk Jr., Terry Funk, Harley Race, and Ken Patera — as well as others close to the promotion, weigh in on the subject by sharing their memories of the times, and, in many respects, the most important contribution to the story come from Larry Matysik, someone who never wrestled, but was a key figure in the offices of the St. Louis Wrestling Club.

Also included are: listings and descriptions of every match wrestled when the Missouri title was at stake, the television matches in which the champion wrestled on the famous “Wrestling at the Chase” television program, reprints of the “Wrestling” arena program covers, and over 150 photos and images of the wrestlers and the events that took place during that time.

Deem attacks the subject from the viewpoint of a fan who was on the outside of the wrestling business looking in and a photographer on the fringe who made friends with many of the personalities who graced the wrestling ring in both Kiel Auditorium and the St. Louis Arena.

Relive the memories of the days when St. Louis was the wrestling capital of the world and the Missouri heavyweight title was the goal of every wrestler.

— SPECIAL FEATURES —
More than 150 b&w photographs
FOREWORD written by LARRY MATYSIK, wrestling promoter and key figure in the old St. Louis Wrestling Club
Classic photos of each of the champions wearing or holding the title belt
The origins of the Missouri championship from the days of the Central States title
A complete listing of all title defenses
A complete listing of every match the champions had during their reign as champion
Listings of NWA world title changes and the effect they had on the Missouri title
Cover images of key issues of the “Wrestling” program sold in the St. Louis arenas
Comments from many of the champions and those who were in St. Louis during the time

— COMMENTS by the people who were there! —
Wrestlers and Promoters

• Bob Backlund
• Bob Geigel
• Bruiser Brody
• Dick Murdoch
• Dory Funk, Jr.
• Gordon Solie
• Harley Race
• Jack Brisco
• Jerry Brisco
• Ken Patera
• Kevin Von Erich
• Larry Matysik
• Ric Flair
• Rip Hawk
• Ted DiBiase
• Terry Funk
• Lou Thesz Fans, Journalists, Historians, Photographers

• Butch Fletcher
• Chris Charboneau
• Craig Buchman
• Darla Staggs
• Diane Devine
• George Schire
• Harry White
• Jim Fossell
• Libnan Ayoub
• Mark Nulty
• Mitch Hartsey
• Roger Deem
• Steve Munari
• Tim Hornbaker
• Victor Failoni
— CHAPTER TITLES & CONTENTS —
Author’s Note
Preface
Contributors
Foreword by Larry Matysik
The Wrestling Capital of the World: Sam Muchnick’s St. Louis
Before the Beginning
The Central States Championship: Harley Race
A Straight Line in No Direction: The Tournament
The First Missouri State Champion: Harley Race
Clash of the Titans: Johnny Valentine
A Serious Dose of Hell: Terry Funk
A Revised History Revised: Gene Kiniski
Back in the Saddle Again: Harley Race
Sweet Revenge: Dory Funk, Jr.
Back to the Future: Harley Race
A New Generation Ascends: Bob Backlund
On the Comeback Trail: Jack Brisco
A Dark and Stormy Night: Dick Slater
Bumping a Future Star: Ted DiBiase
Catch a Rising Star: Dick Murdock
Man of the People: Dick the Bruiser
By Hook or By Crook: Dick Murdock
No Escape: Dick the Bruiser
A Right to Reign: Dick Murdock
The Young Gun: Kevin Von Erich
The Power and the Glory: Ken Patera
The Second Coming: Ted DiBiase
Return of the King: Jack Brisco
Coming Full Circle: Ken Patera
One Final Victory Lap: Dick the Bruiser
The Best Man Always Wins: Harley Race
Dark Days: Kerry Von Erich
One Small Step, One Leaping Giant: Crusher Blackwell
Ascent!: Harley Race
A New World King & Vacant State Title: Missouri State Title Tournament
Out of Many, One: Ric Flair
Heir to the Throne: David Von Erich
The Persistent Titleholder: Harley Race
By Any Means Necessary: Crusher Blackwell
The First Shall Be Last: Harley Race
End of the Road: Missouri Championship Retired
Afterword
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Index

MWR fans be sure join us at Proving Ground Pro Wrestling February 9^th for a stellar card featuring a night of several of the top stars in the Midwest.

Also to be appearing will be the author of The STRAP: A Complete History of Sam Muchnick’s Missouri State Championship, Roger Deem.  Purchase your book and get it autographed from the famed photographer himself.

Gateway to Anarchy 2013

Saint Louis Anarchy presents:
Gateway to Anarchy 2013
Friday night February 1st 2013
Live at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Alton IL (405 East 4th Street)

Tickets:
$15 Golden Circle Front Row (only a few remain)
Reserve 2nd Row: $12
General Admission: $10 in advance
$14 day of show

Doors Open at 6:15pm for all reserve 1st and 2nd row, Doors Open at 6:30 for all Gen Admin

The Net Exclusive Taping will now be called SLA Net TV. Matches will start production on the day after this event. The match will tape at 6:45pm

$1 DRAFT BEER/ FULL BAR
-Matches Signed-

Main Event Tag Team Match:
The Hooligans vs. “The Ace of Anarchy” Davey Vega/ “The Last Hero” ACH

SLA Championship Match:
Darin Corbin vs. Gorgeous Jordan Lacey

First Time Ever
Making his Anarchy debut Sami Callihan vs Gerald James w/family

Grudge Match:
Dingo vs. “The Dirty Rook” Mat Fitchett

First Time Ever:
Evan Gelistico vs. TJ Perkins

Shane Hollister vs. Arik Cannon

Dan Walsh vs. Rachel Summerlyn

ACW Tag Team Title Match: The Business (Jo Jo Bravo/Thomas Shire) vs. Darren Dean/Aaron Solo

Adam Raw vs. Brandon Espinosa w/ Angelus Layne

Angelus Layne vs Jessicka Havok

St Louis Anarchy TV TAPING MATCH: Khris Wolfe vs Bolt Brady vs Alex the Big Owl vs Billy McNeil

By Midnight Guthrie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/midnightguthrie

YouTube: www.youtube.com/midnightguthrie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnight-Guthrie/214260025298431

The landscape of 3XWrestling is changing – literally.

Dating back to November, 3XW has seen an influx of much larger than average competitors debuting on its events.

For years, Maddog McDowell (heaviest) and “The Punk Rock Icon” Tony Sly (tallest) were the two largest men on the 3XW roster based on height and weight. Now, they are just two of many humongous competitors.

In fact, 3XWrestling can very much accurately boast to being the home of the largest athletes in independent wrestling anywhere in the United States.

Let’s take a closer look at some the of the huge men that have appeared in 3XW in recent months:

3XW Tag Team champions The American Bulldogs – combined weight: 570lbs.

Maddog McDowell – 6’3”, 300 lbs.

“The American Fury” Jon West – 6’0”, 270 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

The Bulldogs won the titles last April and have successfully defended the titles an incredible 18 times. McDowell is an incredibly tough powerhouse while West provides incredible athleticism and high-flying ability for a man of any size.

The King Brothers (Jake King & Ryan King) – each 6’2”, combined weight: 700 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

The King Brothers returned to 3XWrestling on January 19 in Boone, Iowa after a four year hiatus from wrestling. They made an instant impression by providing fierce opposition to the American Bulldogs in a six-man tag team bout also featuring Lord Mathews and “The Natural” JJ Garrett. If these two teams battle in the future, additional reinforcements will need to be added to the ring frame.

J.D. Riggs – 6’5”, 400 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

The newest graduate of the 3XWrestling Wrestling Academy, Riggs already tops out as the overall largest athlete in 3XW history. After his first two matches, Riggs has already scored pinfall victories over former 3XW Heavyweight champions “Delicious” Devin Carter and Gage Octane

“Dirdey” Jake Dirden – 6’8”, 260 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

The tallest athlete in 3XW history, Dirden has already inserted himself as one of the most dangerous forces in 3XW today. An impressive performance at November Knockout 4 brought him under the management of Chad Mylan. As a member of the Mylan Management Agency, he’s teamed with Domino Rivera to defeat former 3XW Tag Team champions The Electric Centaurs (Mike Sydal & Jimmy Rockwell) and also surprisingly beat ultra-tough Rockwell in one-on-one action. Dirden is one of the participants in TNA Wrestling’s Gut Check Challenge (Bracket 1 – Brad Fox).

“The Puerto Rican Sensation” Ricky Cruz – 6’2, 270 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

Cruz debuted in 3XW in spectacular fashion – winning a 25-man battle royal at November Knockout 4 to earn a title shot of his choice. The mega-talented international star is currently embroiled in a bitter rivalry with 3XW Heavyweight champ “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. Doesn’t depend on power alone in the ring, instead choosing to captivate fans with his excellent technical wrestling ability.

“The Omaha Chainsaw” SM King – 6’4”, 260 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

Truly a horror movie villain come to life, SM King has been on a vicious run of violence, running roughshod over 3XW. Recent performances have seen him dominate competitors like “The Alternative” Brandon Gallagher, “The Urban Dragon” Jeff O’Shea & Gary Jay. His signature win came in Boone, Iowa on January 19 when he pinned Jimmy Rockwell in a very hard fought one-on-one match. King is also part of TNA Gut Check Challenge voting (Bracket 10 – Stephen King)

“Delicious” Devin Carter – 6’3”, 255 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

A former three-time 3XW Heavyweight champion, Carter is hoping to use his size, strength and all-around skill to revitalize his 3XW career after a string of unexpected losses. Despite his recent miscues, this 3XW original is always among the top talents on any event he competes.

“The Punk Rock Icon” Tony Sly – 6’4”, 240 lbs.

Photo credit Peyton Mitchell

A 3XW original, Sly has proven his veteran savvy on countless occasions and is known for his ability to exploit opportunities presented to him in matches. Compared to others on this list, Sly prefers to use his brain over his brawn.

Monsoon – 6’4”, 345 lbs.

A massive newcomer to the sport, Monsoon made an impressive 3XW debut on Jan. 19th in Boone defeating longtime veteran Krotch. Monsoon holds a brown belt in jiu jitsu and utilizes a devastating power bomb.

“Street Justice” Abu Colossus – 6’4”, 275 lbs

Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione

A veteran of the Midwest independent scene, Colossus made his 3XW debut January 19th in solidly victorious fashion, dominating the mysterious River Monster while trash talking the great fans in Boone. Colossus didn’t just impress with his strength – he showed his veteran intelligence throughout the bout.

3XW’s next TV tapings are February 23 in Marion, Iowa (outside Cedar Rapids) at the Prairie Hill Pavillion and March 1 in Altoona, Iowa (outside Des Moines) at the beautiful Palace Theater at Adventureland amusement park.

Support 3XW Athletes in TNA Wrestling’s Gut Check Challenge

Along with Jake Dirden and SM King listed above, please lend your support to “The World’s Fittest Wrestler” Mark Sterling (Mark Ptasnik, Bracket 1), “The Survivor” Barry Ryte (Barry Piotrowski, Bracket 2), and Referee Billy J. (William Jensen, Bracket 12) in the Gut Check voting taking place right now. Help one of these Midwest greats possibly make their way to national television!

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January 26

BY SAM MCDOWELL

The Kansas City Star