At Yuletide Terror Gelisticos 17 month reign as a champion came to a end when he said the words I Quit to Dan Walsh. Even though he is not the champion Evan is still one of the top wrestlers in the world of Anarchy and on Feb. 25th he will face a top wrestler from one of the top promotions in the world.
Micheal Elgin is one of the fastest rising stars in the Ring of Honor promotion. He is most known for his top notch strength and powerful throws Elgin has earned the nickname “Unbreakable”. Elgin looks to make a impact in Anarchy by beating the man who before Yuletide Terror was unbreakable himself.
At Gateway to Danarchy for the first time ever it will be Micheal Elgin taking on Evan Gelistico. For tickets call 314-616-7981 $10 gen admission and $15 front row.
Saint Louis Anarchy Presents: Gateway to DANarachy
Saturday Night February 25th
Rivers Edge Complex in Granite City IL
Doors Open at 6:30pm, Net Tapings are at 6:45pm
Tickets are: $10 advance and $15 front row by calling (314) 616-7981
ONLY 200 SEATS AVALIABLE
College guys and girls with valid ID are $5 and event is BYOB
Sure you know about the past MWR Wrestlers of the Years and champions at each promotions but what young stars should you be on the lookout for this coming year. Here we give you 12 for 2012 for you to be on the lookout for. Some are close to be among the choices for Wrestlers of the year real soon while others are knocking at the door to be a force in the future.
As far as the wrestlers who didn’t make the list. Use this article as motivation to outshine all twelve of these fine young talents in 2012.
Let the fun begin in the squared circles around the Midwest.
1) Serenity
Photo Credit Bill Waddell
Serenity is known for wowing the crowd with her dazzling colors and beautiful smile. Underneath the surface, however, lies the heart and desire of a true professional wrestler. Fear is only a four letter word to this young lady as she isn’t afraid to mix it up with anyone, male or female, inside the squared circle. Anyone who has stood across from her in the ring will soon tell you that Serenity means business and if you don’t believe them, try it. You’ll find out for yourself.
Outlook: How much impact that she will have in 2012 in the MWR coverage area depends on how often she wrestles in the 15 promotions that we cover as promoters in up north have taken notice. Her looks has caught the eyes of promoters and her work rate and desire to be the best has shown moments of greatness at times. She finished the year wrestling at SICW against MsChif in the St Louis area for the first time in years.
Here is the kicker, this talented young wrestler is only twenty years of age and wrestled MsChif at the young age of 18. That’s right, she is only twenty, and has charisma to spare. She will only be getting better and looks to be one of the top stars in wrestling for many years to come. Look for her to make her way in SHIMMER sooner than later.
2) Christian Rose
Rose works over Danny Cannon- Tim Dunahee
Rose had a very good 2011 but everyone at MWR feels as if the best is yet to come. A current AAPW Tag Team Champion with Matt Cage have been active at IWAU, NMW , SLA and AAPW. Quality promo skills keeps the fans attention while his in ring action keeps him in every match. Rose could easily be a MWR Wrestler of the year down the road as he has been gaining respect from his peers and a threat to his opponents.
3) Bull Bronson
Bronson may be raw, let me say that again Bull is very raw but very few men in the Midwest is as big as the HUGE AAPW star. He won a big 5-man scramble match at AAPW’S Main event and was very impressive as he picked up the win on AAPW regular Playboy Paul Rose.
A manager in this stage of his career could do wonders for him in 2012. Some training from Harley Race’s Wrestling Academy could prepare him on how to deal with other powerhouses as Brian Breaker and Jason Jones who both know how to use their strength and leverage to work to blow up a man the size of Bronson.
4) LaMarcus Clinton
Loved by the fans, LMC will have to limit these mistakes that he made in Hillsdale,MO for the fans if he hopes to make it to the next level...Still Brandon Espinosa is one of the masterminds of fooling even the best and here he played possum, then moved at the last moment. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
He is quite possibly the most popular wrestler at MMWA-SICW other than Gary Jackson. Clinton is high flying and exciting but this is also high risk thus making his win loss record inconsistent. Needs to put on some weight to be a true threat to a main title at this time in his career. Maybe a tag team partner for now would give him time to gain the mass that he needs to be a title contender. Still 2012 looks to be a year with many chances to succeed for Clinton. That is if he can overcome a sophomore slump
5) American Bulldogs
The American Bulldogs with manager Skyler Pierce.
Maddog McDowell has won tag team titles with multiple partners in many promotions but you can tell that he has a special place in his heart for rookie Jonathan West. McDowell has true power that has allowed him to contend for singles titles and grudge matches with some of the best in the sport. West has been like a sponge, taking in all the info and advice that McDowell will give him. Their feud with Chad Mylans MMA was a highlight for fans at 3XW for almost all of 2011.
Quality matches on the road at PWE against the PWE Champions the Hooligans showcased West at his very best. Still the inexperience of the Bulldogs would cost them during the match as the Hooligans proved once again to the Midwest that they are arguably still the standard for tag teams in the Midwest.
6) Jaysin Strife
Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione.
How does one of the very best in the Midwest get on this list?
Honestly, he just hasn’t been able to get going at full speed for some time. He is one of the best wrestlers today that many fans have never heard of. A tour overseas in 2011 limited his coverage as well as working towards making Magnum Pro Wrestling a force in Iowa. Strife has bookings for 3XW and PWE and if the fans are lucky at Metro ProWrestling he will become a regular there as well. In fact I am still waiting for my Jaysin Strife vs “Superstar” SteveFender match. Any promotion that wants a main event player added to their roster should contact Strife soon.
7) ACH
ACH puts his body on the line against Gary J- Photo credit Texas Anarchy
Many fans feel as if the “The Last Dragon” is a superstar sooner than later. Innovated in his moves fans at St Louis Anarchy have been raving about the young star all last year. In December at St Louis Anarchy, he would rain on the parade of Jeremy Wyatt as he returned to LWA/Anarchy in a losing effort in what many fans stated was a great great match. Fans at Metro Pro Wrestling be sure to get tickets for the Feb 4th show as Wyatt and ACH will meet once again.. ACH will also be heading to PWE in Mt Pulaski as he will be taking on Jordan McEntyre during a qualifying match to enter the 2011 PWE Epic 8 tournament that was won in 2010 by the 2011 MWR Wrestler of the YearBrandon Espinosa.
Then on February in Granite City he will return to SLA to take on TJ Perkins. Like Rose, ACH is poised to become a MWR Wrestler of the Year if the cards deal them the proper way in the future.
8) Tyler Priegel
Priegel is poised to make a run for the NMW title that has been owned by Ryan Phoenix- Photo Credit Brian Kelley
Many fans smirk at his nickname “the Dodgeball Superstar“, but Tyler Priegel is no one to take lightly. What makes Priegel so dangerous is how methodical he is in the ring. No wasted movement and always going forward. He is a true threat right now to NMW Champion Ryan Phoenix’s title. Like Serenity though, will Priegel make his way to the MWR coverage area enough to make the impact for us to see? We certantly hope so.
9) Mat Fitchett
Mat Fittchet has not had it easy for a young star. _Photo Credit Texas Anarchy
Nicknamed “Flippy Sh%T”, Fitchett has been trained by local legend Dingo and former NWA Missouri Champ DaveyVega. Fitchett has been earning rave reviews in Texas with Texas Anarchy and ST Louis Anarchy backing down from no one. Was honored a Chikara spot for the Young Lions cup, in 2011 and was very impressive. Fitchett is another wrestler that MWR Promoters should be on the phone to try to get a spot for him on their card. Exciting and electrifying, he always brings a 100 % and looks to be a star for years to come
10) Heath Hatton
(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Heath Hatton had a strong 2012, he was one half of the AAPW tag Team Champions with Curly. He made appearances for Harley Race’s WLW and TNA’S developmental league OVW in Kentucky. Hatton would have to go at it alone when Curly was fired from AAPW thus leaving him alone to defend the titles against Matt Cage and Christian Rose, and though Hatton fought with true heart the mountain was too tall to overcome as arch rival “The Golden Boy” GregAnthony assisted Cage and Rose to help them became the AAPW Tag Team Champs.
He started 2012 off just right by defeating Anthony convincingly at AAPW’S Main event. Would love to take on AAPW Champ Edmund McGuire but with the two being among the top two fan favorites right now he may have to wait a bit. That may be a blessing because right now he may not be ready for the champ but with further training and matches around the Midwest by the end of 2012, he may be the man at AAPW.
11) Lucy Mendez
Midwest dream girl can wrestle as good as she can model.
She is The Current WLW Ladies Champion, and yes the ratings soar when she enters the ring for Metro Pro Wrestling whether it is as a valet for Domino Rivera or in action herself. In 2011 she feuded with the 2011 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year Stacey O’Brien who just barely won the award over “The Latino Princess”
So why is she on this list?
It’s simple really.
Mendez just started training late 2008 and has already won two WLW Ladies Championships. With looks that kill and the desire to be the best she has been on the search for the top competition in the Midwest. Mendez has already been in the ring with the likes of O’Brien, Miss Natural, Amy Hennig and MsChif. We would love nothing more than SHIMMER to give her an opportunity to showcase her skills taught to her by the greatest of all greats Harley Race. She deserves a chance to earn her respect among here peers by meeting the very best women wrestlers in the world today at Shimmer. Women such as the CHEERLEADER MELISSA, SARA DEL REY and Rachel Summerlyn could bring her to the next level in 2012.
12) Joey O’Riley
The new IWAU Champ Joey O'Riely - Photo Credit Tim Dunahee
It is easy to add O’Riley to the list many will tell us after he had defeated IWAU Champion Matt Cage in a ladder match this past Saturday in Olney Illinois. True, but it is one thing to win a title it’s another thing to hold onto the belt and with Cage who is still in the mix for another shot, it may be harder to retain that what it was to capture the title.
His youth and focused will be tested early on as he is now the hunted. With that said this is a blessing for young O’Riley so that it can prepare himself on what it is to be a Champion. The pressure of winning a belt is now over.
O’Riley is another wrestler who is still raw in his skills and in 2011 he made appearances for New Midwest Wrestling in tag action. While he is the king of his home base at IWAU it will be interesting to see how he deals with adversity. His next opponent is scheduled to be Cash Bordin, a guy who will do whatever it takes to get the belt but if he is to be among the best O’Riely is going to have to make quick work of another fellow young star in Bordin.
Harley Race might be the toughest son of a bitch to ever put on wrestling trunks. He’d drink a case of beer and smoke a pack of Marlboro Reds then get up the next day and slam his body around the mat for 60 minutes against guys like Ric Flair and Terry Funk, selling their moves so furiously that he helped turn them into stars. And he’d do it night after night, 350 or so days a year, shuttling around the world in stuffy vans and cramped flights, for three decades, from the Kennedy administration to the first George Bush.
So these days he limps when he walks, says he’s toned down the drinking and sticks to light cigarettes. You should also try vaping for an extraordinary experience. Check out migvapor website to see wholesale wax vape pens. His transition into post-wrestling life has been marred by lawsuits, financial troubles and the suffocating withdrawal that comes when the roar of the crowd fades into memory. He’s 68 years old, with a trunk as thick as a rhino’s and a head full of short brown curls. And he isn’t done turning wrestlers into stars.
Missouri Wrestling Revival has kept a close eye on Santana G since she has left the Midwest to take over Florida. In less than 2 years Santana G has become one of the most sought out women wrestlers in the sport.
The very best in the female wrestling division has taken notice of the skills of Santana G who has all the talent to make it to the top. Tomorrow night THE TOXIC Knockout , Christina Von Eerie, the two will meet at NWA Ring Warriors. She has sent word to the fans that she is about to take out the trash of Florida and send Santana G back home to the Midwest.
Fans in the Midwest have been clamoring for a chance to see Christina Von Eerie for quite some time, could this feud make its way to the Midwest in 2012, you will not want to miss it.
We hope to catch up with Santana G in the near future to look back at an exciting 2011 for her as well as what her goals in 2012 are.
Life’s about Noize, Booze & Tattoos, Crushing Little Necks & Cashing Big Checks, Destroying Anything That Gets In The Way…….Cause It’s Just The Cowboy Way!!!!!
Adam Pearce has been the NWA World Champion since July 31st when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for the fourth time by defeating Chance Prophet, Jimmy Rave and Shaun Tempers in a four-way match to win the vacant title.
It’s a shame that Pearce, a veteran of the sport for over 16 years has never received the just do that the man of his talents deserves. While the NWA title and the organization thrived for years under the management of the likes of Sam Muchnick, times have changed and the NWA has seen dark days for the type of wrestling that made me a fan of the sport.
With his years of experience in the ring and a desire to bring back the glory of the NWA World Title Adam Pearce has embarked on what he calls his “Last Ride tour”.
His last trip to the Midwest was memorable to say the least as he made his way to Kansas City for Metro Pro Wrestling. The Challenger was Michael Strider, the setting a packed house at the Turner Rec Center on November 5th, 2011.
Steven J Girthy and NWA Central States Champion Jeremy Wyatt make their claim for the NWA World title. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Yet, it would be a classic matchup in the main event as Strider looked to have earned his boyhood dream to become the NWA World Champion when he pinned Pearce as referee Michael Crase Jr. counted 1-2-3.
The fans were ecstatic to see Michael Strider go for the NWA title in November at Metro Pro Wrestling. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
Strider look to land the big move that would give the former NWA Central States champion his dream to become the NWA World Champion. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
Strider the NWA World Champion??? (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
Matt Murphy, then the MPW comish goaded Strider to continue the match due to Pearce’s feet to be supposedly under the ropes. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
While Strider went to celebrate with his fans and father, out to the ring came MPW commissioner Matt Murphy. Murphy claimed that Pearce’s feet were on the bottom of the ropes as Crase Jr. made the final third count to the mat.
Murphy on the mic taunted Strider stating that “You don’t want to win the title like that; you want to be a man and winit like a Champion.”
Strider unwisely would make the decision to not take the title that way and agreed to have the match continue. It would be minutes later that Pearce would benefit a little assistance from Murphy when he tripped Strider, allowing Pearce to strike and use a roll up with his feet on the ropes to retain the title.
The next day I would travel to Collinsville, Illinois to cover Ring of Honor where fans came up to me, asking if in fact Michael Strider had become the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion as they had seen on the NWA website, then was deleted as the NWA webmaster caught word of what had occurred. Unfortunately, I had to deliver the bad news that Pearce along with Murphy had stolen the Worlds Championship from the former NWA Central States Champion Strider.
Little did we know how someone’s missed opportunities would allow Wyatt to get his wish at the NWA world title.
Fast forward to the final show of the year at 3Xrestling on December 30th. 3XWrestling Champion Jeremy Wyatt loses a close match against Mark Sterling after the “Iron Man” used the ringside bell to help Sterling began his first 3XWrestling title reign.
In the locker room, 3XWrestling camera’s captured Todd Countryman offering Sterling the contract. Let’s watch this once more to see how Wyatt and not Sterling received this dream match against the World Champion Adam Pearce.
So mark your calendars, ask for the day off, and make your way to Des Moines, Iowa at ALL PLAY as the Champion of the World Adam Pearce comes to defend his title against the 2-time 3XW Champion Wyatt. Wyatt is currently the NWA Central States Champion and only the 3rd man in the history of the NWA to hold both the NWA Central States and the NWA Missouri title (He did this last year, Harley Race and Bob Orton being the other two men) Jeremy Wyatt.
Only the third man to hold the NWA Central States and Missouri Championship at the same time, Jeremy Wyatt(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Though Adam Pearce used some underhand tactics to defeat Strider at Metro Pro Wrestling, make no doubt about it that he can defeat Wyatt in many many ways. Pearce in the past has successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Bryan Danielson (WWE’S Daniel Bryan, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion) and Danielson is just one name on a list of victims.
From the Apr '09 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated; Pearce bludgeons perhaps his greatest opponent, a bloody Brent Albright, in New York City.
Pearce brings the ring an old school high impact attack, standing 6’2, 245 pounds he will unleash a fury of moves including the Figure four leglock, Flying fist drop, and the Middle-rope elbow drop setting his opponents up for The Rack Bomb (Backbreaker rack dropped into a powerbomb) or the vicious Jumping piledriver to retain the title.
Quite honestly, after hours of studying tape of Pearce in action, you can see many of his opponents in fear of those finishers from the start of the match.
Pearce will have to beware of the crossface finisher from Wyatt. Many matches and titles have been won via this feared move in the Midwest for “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
One man who will not have fear in his eyes is the “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt. Wyatt considered by many to be the best wrestler in the Midwest, has been dying for this opportunity to make a name for himself. He knows that opportunities likes these are very rare for wrestlers in the area. Quite possibly the most hated man in the Midwest, 3XWrestling fans have come to love him for his multiple matches of the year and giving a 110% during every match.
Wyatt can strike from anywhere!!!(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Wyatt has many of the fans scattering for safety as he stalks Gage Octane. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Opponents have to be concerned about going to the mat as Wyatt is a student of the game and is scary to defend against. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Devin Carter goes flying from a right hook from Wyatt….Where Wyatt lacks in size he makes up with the knowledge of when and where to deliver the blow.(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Wyatt has successfully defended his NWA Central States championship against arch rival and NWA Kansas champ Tyler Cook. In less than two weeks he goes for the NWA WORLD TITLE!!!(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Wyatt most likely will be the first to tell you he is not doing this for the fans, yet he is the fans best chance to bring back the NWA Worlds title back home to the Midwest.
Adam Pearce has been the heart of the NWA since his first NWA World title reign September 1st, 2007 when he defeated Brent Albright in the finals of the vacated NWA tournament. Here Pearce is on set of NWA Wrestling Showcase talking 'rasslin' with David Marquez. (Photo credit Shane Kidder.)
Is Pearce making a mistake as he makes good on his promise to “GIVE BACK to a deserving industry that has given me16+ years of experiences that I’ll cherish forever.”
Onlu the kids are brave (naive)enough to talk back to the champ. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Pearce has been wise in the past to align himself with men who can assist him in keeping his beloved gold, here he celebrates with the then MPW Champion Derek Stone and Matt Murphy. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Pearce, a fighting champion will be around the world in Oberhausen, Germany defending the title a week prior to his return to the Midwest. Fans in Iowa can prepare for a double shot starting off with match against Wyatt at 3XW then heading to Council Bluffs, Iowa for Magnum Pro Wrestling to take on “ Babyface” Tony Cortez the very next night.
With one Lighting Spiral from Wyatt on January 27th at 3XWrestling, the NWA president Robert Trobich and Magnum Pro may be scrambling late Friday night to come up with a plan to resign a rematch against the NEW NWA World Champion Jeremy Wyatt and Adam Pearce immediately.
When it is all said and done, I want the NWA and Adam Pearce don’t say that Missouri Wrestling Revival didn’t try to warn you of “The Belt Collector”.
Great NWA world title moments in the Midwest.
April 3, 1908-Frank Gotch defeats George Hackenschmidt to become the world champion in Chicago, Illinois.
April 19, 1917 Earl Caddock defeated Joe Stecher to become the world champion in Omaha, Nebraska.
March 3, 1922 Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Stanislaus Zbyszko to become the world champion in Wichita, Kansas.
Here is a great photo of two of the most powerful, respected and important men in the history of wrestling, Sam Muchnick and Lou Thesz.
December 29, 1937 Lou Thesz defeats Everett Marshall in the first of his six NWA world titles in ST Louis, Missouri.
June 30, 1961 Buddy Rogers defeats Pat O’Connor to win his first NWA world title in Chicago Illinois.
I love this photo of Harley Race. Arguably the greatest NWA World champion of all time.
May 24, 1973 Harley Race defeats Dory Funk Jr. to win first of 8 NWA world titles in Kansas City, Missouri. Match named Pro Wrestling Illustrated match of the year.
Ric Flair would capture his first NWA World title right here in the Midwest in what many called an upset at the time.
September 17, 1981 Ric Flair defeats Dusty Rhodes to win first of 9 NWA world titles in Kansas City, Missouri.
June 10, 1983 Harley Race defeats Ric Flair for the NWA world title to set up Starcade. Match named Pro Wrestling Illustrated match of the year.
February 20, 1989 Ricky Steamboat defeat Ric Flair to capture the NWA world title in Chicago, Illinois
January 27th 2012 Jeremy Wyatt ???? Adam Pearce Des Moines, Iowa
Information of the NWA world title courtesy of the 16th edition of the PWI Wrestling Almanac.
Could Jeremy Wyatt be defending the NWA WORLD TITLE at these MWR Promotions after January 27th?
In the latest edition of Inside the Infield With Tony G, the NEW Central Illinois Champion details 2011 and gives his thoughts on his first title defense against the monster known as Truk Thompson at BROKEN PROMISES – Presented by New Midwest Wrestling.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 