Editor’s Note: If you are a lover of pro wrestling autobiographies then you know the world of wrestling can be cut throat with mean spirited and bitter people. In honesty, no matter what is your job you will find that, it’s not only wrestling.

Unfortunately there are still egos, real life feuds, jealousy and backstabbing that occurs not only with promoters but the wrestlers in the locker room as well. Throughout my years of working with the fine men and women in pro wrestling around the Midwest there is no one that is more respected by his peers than Pete Madden.

In fact, I have never heard one promoter, wrestler or fan say one unkind word for him. Many feel as if he is the best to come out St Louis this side of Randy Orton. Though we have only covered him for a short time, we never saw Madden ever give less than 110%.

If I should ever stop covering the sport of pro wrestling and I would have just a quarter of the people’s respect that Madden has, I will say that my efforts would have been a success.

I dare not speak for Madden, but I am sure there will be times that we will see Madden at a show watching along with the fans as he leaves the sport with the love that you and I have for pro wrestling in the Midwest.

We do wish Pete Madden, the very best as he adjust to life outside of wrestling and I truly hope that I am right that we will see him at shows around the Midwest as MWR continues to grow.

Till then I hope that this article brings some recognition to one of the finest wrestlers/people in the world today.

Brian Kelley

SICW Promoter Herb Simmons– One of the best workers I ever had the pleasure of booking. He has always been a gentleman. (Pete) Always kept his word. I thank Keith Smith for introducing me to Pete years ago. Pete knows he will always have a spot in the SICW as long I have life in me.

Wrestling fan Kyle Valle –When I think of Pete Madden I think of his great matches in GCW. He went on to beat Big Bad Ben to become GCW champ, and was the greatest Gateway champ during the companies’ time. #LongLiveTheHumanWreckingBall.

Pro Wrestler Dave Rough Cut Ruby Pete has a great sense of control inside the ropes. Ring psychology is the main key when you work in this business , Pete just about tops anybody I know.

Pro Wrestler Steven Kennedy– He basically dragged St. Louis wrestling into the modern era. Before Pete came along, wrestling was incredibly old-school in this area. He helped bring ECW and Japanese wrestling influence to the Midwest. In the process, he trained and influenced many of St. Louis’ best wrestlers of today. Pete is also one of the classiest people in the business to boot.

“The Manager of Champions”  Travis Cook– He influenced pretty much everybody that came through this town for almost 20 years. I can’t count how many times I’d hear a wrestler ask how to do something and somebody would tell him, “Go ask Pete

Metro Pro Wrestling Promoter Chris Gough– Pete Madden is and has been one of the greatest people I’ve ever worked with in professional wrestling. The guy has no ego, and he understands the wrestling business as well as anyone. He’s got it all: Skill, talent, attitude and dedication. Although I wish Pete could have been an in-ring part of Metro Pro Wrestling for a long time, I am thankful that he was able to spend his last year with all of us at Metro Pro.

Pro Wrestler The Big Texan – He is a worker who could make anyone look good and he has a million stories to keep you entertained . If only I had a chance to work a longer program with him .

Pro Wrestler OutKast– Pete was one of the best guys I’ve had the honor of being around in my 12 years in the biz. One of the funniest, knowledgeable, selfless, and thoughtful guys you’ll meet. He’s one guy you could always count on to help you better yourself. Pete was always there to give you that advice no matter how big or little it was to improve who you are in and out of the ring. So much can be said about what he’s done in the ring through the years that he is known for. He helped pave ways for guys like myself, Dingo, (Mike) Sharona, and many others. Which I think it is safe for me to say that we are all thankful for.

But to me, it was always the time outside the ring hearing his funny and interesting stories. just getting to hang around and be the boys that I’ll always enjoy looking back on.

I would like to take time to let Pete know that he was one of the very best whom I’ve had many honors of stepping in the ring with.

Here’s to an all- time Great “The Human Wrecking Ball” Pete Madden.

Wrestling fan and the host of Metro Pro Wrestling’s PSQ Retro Rick– “I only knew Pete during his time in Metro Pro but I quickly found out he’s always entertaining and gives it his all every outing. Great guy and a class act.”

Pro Wrestler Sean Vincent– One of the most humble and respected men in the business. It’s an honor to not only have worked with him but to have also had his experience and knowledge passed on to me too better myself. The Midwest will never forget The Human Wrecking Ball.

Steven J Girthy– CEO Girthy Management Group Pete has always been one of the class acts in wrestling. Madden is a true gentleman and good all-around person. I have looked up to him since I first met him 14 years ago, and I still do. He’s the type of man my grandfather would have had a beer with, and I think that’s pretty high praise.

Pete Madden enters the ring. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

By Brian Kelley

Pete Madden was trained by John Blackheart, a man who he had much respect for. Madden would make his debut on May 1992 against Red Devil. Later Keith Smith took it up a notch and Smith would smoothed out his rough edges and Madden was off and running to a historical show. He would wrestled fourteen years between 1992 and 2011 with a six year break from 2004-2010.

In 2011,Madden would return for one last year as he wanted to take on some of his top former foes and some of the best young talent in the world today.

When he made his way to Kansas City, the average fans did not have a clue of the reputation as an exciting wrestler that Madden had earned during his career.

That would quickly change on May 7th in Lawrence Kansas would face a foe that he had met many times, OuttKast in a Hardcore match.

Outkast and Pete Madden tore into each other in a wild matchup. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Action spilled outside the ring as Madden suplex Outkast onto a chair. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Pete Madden got the win, but was bloodied and battered. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

They tore into each other using weapons, wrestling moves and high risk maneuvers to win over the crowd. In the end a bloodied. Madden would get the win but ask the Metro Fans to show respect for the man who took him to the limits on that night.

Sometimes what you ask for isn’t always what you really should want. Case in point when Madden came back to Metro Pro Wrestling to meet an arch enemy in Kevin X.

Kevin X has been Pete Madden’s Lex Luther in the past and 2011 was no different.. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

The powerful Kevin X and Madden had feuded for years and time had not lessen their animosity towards each other. Though the fans were firmly behind the” Human Wrecking Ball”, Kevin X would not be denied as he would get the win against his former foe.

The very next night Madden would return to St Louis to MMWA-SICW for East Carondelet Illinois, and though he was announced to face Eric Allen, the man he would meet would be Dan Walsh. Walsh one of the rising stars in the sport today would suffer a loss against Madden and would not forget it as the year went on.

Pete Madden used his experience to ground talented Dan Walsh on way to victory at SICW. (Photo Credit Amanda Blase)

In July, the fans were clamoring for more hardcore from Madden, who would run into the beast known as Derek Stone. On this night Madden would bring his longtime friend and manager “The Magic Man”. A blood fest and that traveled all around the building as Madden were stalked by the insane Stone.

Derek Stone was one of the most dangerous and unstable men in pro wrestling in 2011 , here he overpowers Pete Madden. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Madden would suffer his second loss even as Stone continued to complain that Metro Pro Wrestling’s commissioner Matt Murphy was using Madden as a way to take him out of the picture.

Back at MMWA-SICW in East Carondelet during the MWR Larry Matysik night, Madden would be able to wrestle twice. First Madden would defeat one of Harley Race’s student Ryan Drago, then in his second match going down in defeat to the Big Texan.

In August, Pete Madden would make his way to Dynamo Pro Wrestling to meet newcomer Hector Sanchez. In what could be known as the upset of the year Sanchez a student of Dynamo Pro Gym would capture the win against the grizzled veteran.

Rookie Hector Sanchez went after the Veteran Madden at Dynamo Pro Wrestling. (Photo Credit Amanda Blase)

Back to Kansas City, Madden would meet Drago once again, as with most Harley Race’s students he studied the game plan and was able to get the win even though the Magic Man attempted to get involved.

Ryan Drago and Pete Madden hook up. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Later that night Madden would take on a guy who had been at odds with his manager, #1 Brett Young. Young a former NWA Kansas Champion is known not only for his wrestling but for his magic. Once again Magic Man would try to interfere but to no avail as Madden would take home the victory.

In September, Madden was involved in tag team action with The Magic Man as his partner against the #1 Brett Young and Ryan Drago (The Mustache Mafia). The losing streak continued at Metro Pro Wrestling as The Mustache Mafia used double teams to get the win . During an interview with MPW Superfan Retro Rick after the show you could tell that The Magic Man was not at all happy with Madden.

The night would only get worse when Madden entered the ring to challenge anybody to come to the ring and challenge in the back to a hardcore match. Who would come out? None other than NWA Women’s Midwest champion MsChif, . Many believe that MsChif is the top female and The Magic Man even talked MsChif into putting her belt on the line.

MsChif finds herself in a bad situation as Madden locks in his move. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

The Magic Man and Pete Madden finds themselves closer than they ever have been thanks to MsChIF. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

With Hardcore rules in effect Madden and the Magic Man would double team MsChif to their advantage early but when the “green mist” settled it would be MsChif victorious and the Magic Man in deep pain as the green mist had hit him dead on in the eyes after Madden had accidently nailed the Magic Man with a chair moonsault.

Back at MMWA-SICW on September 17th East Carondelet Madden fought Johnny Courageous to a time limit draw to start the night.

Known as a Hardcore legend Pete Madden was more than capable to exchange holds as well. Here Johnny Courageous finds out during a battle in East Carondelet, Illinois. (Photo Credit Amanda Blase)

In October, Pete Madden would avenge his loss to Hector Sanchez by DQ.

Hector Sanchez was to over confident after his first win, Madden would get revenge though only through a DQ win. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

The next night Madden traveled to Metro Pro Wrestling for the Halloween show dressed as the Iron Sheik and was in a fun loving mood for a change. One man who wasn’t was his manager The Magic Man who brought in Maddens former foe Kevin X to blindside him then asked for the bell to ring. Once again Madden would go down to defeat to Kevin X, but this time the Magic Man was no longer by his side.

Pete Madden dressed up as the IRON SHIEK for the Metro Pro Wrestling Halloween show, though his manager and friend The Magic Man was not amused and still held a grudge when he was the victim of Maddens Chair moonsault the month prior.(Photo Credit Bill Smith)

The Magic Man turned on his friend and aligned himself up with the monster Kevin X.(Photo Credit Bill Smith)

In November at MPW , Walsh came in with the game plan and multiple interference’s from his new manager the Magic Man, would be able to avenge his loss. Madden so angered challenged Walsh to a match in December in a one on one match and if he won he would get five minutes alone with the Magic Man. The cocky Walsh quickly agreed stating that he was going to “Put an end to Pete Madden next month”.

December had come and Maddens last night of wrestling had arrived. In a very gratifying match he shocked Walsh and Madden when he dressed as MPW reporter Retro Rick. Madden attacked Walsh to get the edge and was able to defeat Walsh to get his wish with five minutes alone.

The Magic Man quickly attacked Madden from the back, trying to keep from taking a beating. Good idea, but there was nothing but pain in the Magic Man’s future.

The Magic Man aligned himself with MTV’S Dan Walsh who was looking to avenge a loss to Madden earlier in the year .(Photo Credit Bill Smith)

The Latino Princess Lucy Mendez would be dressed up in a cute lil elf costume but the holiday spirit did not enter the outfit as she orders Pete Madden to clean up his blood off the ground so that she didn’t have to see it. Even though she barked orders rudely in Spanish, Madden the nice guy he was even in pain tried his best to please her. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Metro Pro Wrestling management out of respect offered him a last match against anyone in the locker. When he went to the ring, he let the fans know what was offered to him.

He’s Hardcore- Walsh falls victim to Madden as he tried to match him in the type of match that Madden had made a career with the Hardcore match. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Quickly chants of Trevor Murdock electrified the Turner Rec Center.

Murdock came out to the ring with a boom from the crowd. A classic match between two of the very best that the Midwest had produced in the past twenty years was on display for the fans of Metro Pro Wrestling.

When Metro Pro Wrestling offered Pete Madden one last match with anyone in the locker room, he would chose Trevor Murdock, not surprisingly the fans were overjoyed. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Former WWE Tag and Metro Pro TV champ Murdock loves a good fight . (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

One mistake when you take on Murdock and its all over. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Trevor Murdock and Pete Madden embrace in a moment of respect. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

The wrestlers came out from the back to join the fans whom had already stood up to give Pete Madden a standing ovation for his last match. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

We caught Metro Wrestling Promoter Chris Gough thanking Pete Madden for his contributions to MPW throughout the year 2011. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

The results would say, Trevor Murdock defeated Pete Madden, but the real winners were the Metro Pro Wrestling Fans.

Colt Cabana and Marty DeRosa duel it out in these comical sketches celebrating the relationship between wrestlers and writers. Directed and edited by Michael Sanchez (lifejazzfilms.com) Written by Colt Cabana (welovecolt.com) & Marty DeRosa (comediansyoushouldknow.com)
Special Guest Star: Kevin Pomeroy

Creative Has Nothing For You – Hacked – Episode 29

Creative Has Nothing For You – Intern – Episode 30

Take part in an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the very best in the world today. Join MAGNUM PRO on 1/28/12 as we offer a one day training seminar with NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce. The seminar will run roughly 3 hours and the cost is only $30. Experienced wrestlers, and those currently training only please.
Please feel free to email magnum-pro@hotmail.com to reserve your spot today!!!

On 1/28/12 MAGNUM PRO celebrates it’s “birthday.” This isn’t just any birthday however, this is a birthday born of success and failure. After three separate attempts at becoming a legitimate wrestling company in the Midwest, MAGNUM PRO finally succeeded. It is on this day that the 3rd iteration of MAGNUM PRO celebrates it’s one year anniversary, and on that day, we, the MAGNUM PRO staff cordially invite you to celebrate with us as MAGNUM PRO presents Anniversary Volume 1!!! On the card for that special night are some very special matches, a debut, and some returns of sorts. Continue on with this read to find out all the juicy secrets you are already asking yourself for…

“Dangerous J’ Jaysin Strife vs “Local Legend” Hype Gotti

The main event for the evening has been set, and although MAGNUM Management did not want this match to headline the show, Jaysin Strife demanded it so that he would get his opportunity to stand toe to toe one last time, with Hype Gotti. These two men are no strangers to each other. Not only have they been friends for years, but Hype Gotti is the man who brought Jaysin Strife into the wrestling business. Hype Gotti has been the icon of professional wrestling in the Omaha metro area. This altercation however stems from things much more personal… It all started while Jaysin Strife was away in Europe during the summer for a learning excursion. Hype Gotti began to run his mouth and try to make a name for himself at the expense of Strife while he was away. Hype Gotti thought, and still thinks, that he can re-vitalize a dying wrestling scene in the area, and he has even gone so far as to say that there is nobody that can out draw him in this area. While true in many ways, and even Strife will acknowledge, it is time for the torch to be passed. That torch has laid dormant for far too long since Hype Gotti walked away from pro wrestling just a couple years ago. Hype seems to have taken exception to Strife’s thought and began to lash out at him personally, and professionally. Things came to ahead when Strife called out Hype after the Picking Up The Ball event on 10/29/11, and a humiliated Hype walked out of the building. Hype didn’t stay dormant long and re-appeared the next month at Battlefield MAGNUM to assault Strife after his match. It was then that Hype made the challenge to Strife that at the 1/28/12 show he would pack the building and prove that people would pay to see him destroy and humiliate Strife. He demanded the main event slot, and that is what he has received…on 1/28/12 Jaysin Strife will take on his teacher and mentor when he faces off one last time with the “Local Legend” Hype Gotti.

“Babyface” Tony Cortez vs “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Title

After successfully defeating Shane Hollister last month, Tony Cortez earned his right to step up and get his shot at glory. MAGNUM Officials deemed the winner of that match would face off with the debuting “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce, the man that currently holds the NWA World Heavyweight Title. This is without a doubt the single biggest match of Cortez’s career and who knows the amount of pressure he is feeling right now. Cortez has told fans and MAGNUM staff that he would do whatever it would take for him to win and for him to get back to the top and he proved that on 11/19/11 when he resorted to his crafty veteran ways and pinned Hollister with some assistance from the ropes. Cortez says he didn’t intend to do it, however he knew what was at stake and he knew that he had to do it to earn his shot at glory. Cortez is hungry, and he has been around this scene for almost 10 years now. Cortez says it is time for wrestling to pay off and its time for him to be paid his due. Adam Pearce on the other hand is not going to be a push over. Although older in his age, Pearce has years of experience on Cortez and he comes into this match THE MAN to beat. Pearce has defended the NWA title all over the world and he has no plans of being beat when he comes to Iowa. After a 20+ year absence, the famous “10lbs of gold” will return to the state of Iowa and it will be defended in a MAGNUM PRO ring. Will Cortez have what it takes to beat the more experienced and crafty Adam Pearce, or will Cortez fail under the pressure and have to climb his way back to top of pro wrestling all over again?

S.M King vs Mark Sterling

After a lengthy absence from the metro area wrestling scene, the man beast Mark Sterling will make his return, but this time he will be stepping into a MAGNUM PRO ring. S.M. King requested an opportunity to face off against Sterling to redeem his lose to Abu Colossus a few months earlier. King feels with every outing he continues to get better, and he wants to use Mark Sterling to prove it. Sterling has a different game plan in mind. Sterling is out to hurt whoever he steps into the ring with, and he wants the MAGNUM PRO fans to remember his name as he beats his way to the top of the MAGNUM PRO roster.

Supafli vs “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt

Another man making his return to the metro area is none other than hard hitter, Jeremy Wyatt. Jeremy Wyatt, like Mark Sterling, have been absent from competition in this are due in part to their aggressive nature, well MAGNUM PRO says BRING IT ON!!! Jeremy Wyatt wants to make an impression and to do that he demanded hot up and comer Supafli. Can Supafli’s lucha inspired offense and agility match up the hard hitting and brutal style of Jeremy Wyatt? Will Supafli catch the break he needs to begin his climb back to the top or will Jeremy Wyatt come into MAGNUM PRO swinging for the fences and look to clean up right from the get go? January 28th is the night that all these questions and more will be answered…

The first ever MAGNUM PRO women’s match “The First Lady of MAGNUM” Angelus Layne vs Kiandra

The first lady of MAGNUM returns and this time she isn’t fighting with the boys. MAGNUM officials decided it would be much more effective to place Layne in the ring with another female opponent. After a month of searching, and having other women run at the chance of facing Layne we had young upstart Kiandra answer the call to face lane at MAGNUM PRO. Layne proved she can hang with the best when she took a beating at the hands of Jaysin Strife, however Layne was able to dish it out and continue to get up each and every time she was knocked down. Will Kiandra be able to make the same statement? Anything can happen when these to ladies collide on January 28th. Will the victor cement her place on the MAGNUM roster and step up to face the boys, or will more women answer the call to be the best female athlete in the state of Iowa?

Also debuting on 1/28/12: “Rock n’ Roll” Mike Sydal!! (Brother of WWE’s Evan Bourne)

Also appearing on 1/28/12: “The Big Hurt” Abu Colossus, Buck Albright, Shawn Nautilus, Donnie Peppercricket, “Joedozer” Joey Anderson, and more!

Derek Cornell has stated that on 1/28/12 he will be in the building and he has a few things to get off his chest. Since kicking Brian Gott in the balls and costing his team the match on 11/19/11 he has been silent and has avoided all contact with MAGNUM officials. What does he have planned on 1/28/12 and what are his intentions? So much action you can shake a stick at!!! Be sure to get your advance pre-sale tickets so that you can guarantee your spot at the party. Seating will be limited so get in touch with MAGNUM representatives now. Tickets also available on the internet via PayPal, the address is magnum-pro@hotmail.com and please give your first and last name and phone number in the message when you send your $10 today!!!!

Brawltoberfest Ballroom Blitz Battle Royal Winner, “Frontman” Michael Flannery is as of yet undefeated in New Midwest Wrestling. Here, Flannery and his road manager, Mr. Ryland Foxx talk BROKEN PROMISES – Presented by New Midwest Wrestling. Saturday January 21st!

http://www.newmidwest.com

New Midwest Wrestling starts 2012 with a Huge event at Lanphier High School. After the huge fallout from November Reign 2011, a lot of questions went unanswered. The stars of New Midwest Wrestling, the longest running professional wrestling company in Central Illinois, collide as we get one step closer to finding out the mission of the Sovereign!

Tickets are just $10,00 at the door and $8.00 in advance. Kids 6-Under are free!

Match and advance ticket information coming soon here on Facebook and at http://www.newmidwest.com!

=====
THE KENTUCKY BUFFET
vs
JOEY O’RILEY AND CHRISTIAN ROSE
=====
Michael Flannery and his road manager, Ryland Foxx will debut the BRAWLTOBERFEST TROPHY!

Foxx has been touting that this will be the trophy to end all trophies and that he can’t wait to present it to the winner of last October’s BRAWLTOBERFEST BALLROOM BLITZ BATTLE ROYAL, The Frontman, Michael Flannery.

MICHAEL FLANNERY
w/RYLAND FOXX
vs
DAN THE MAN
w/MISS MAYDAY
=====
CENTRAL ILLINOIS CHAMPIONSHIP

TONY G (c)
vs
TRUK THOMPSON
=====
NEW MIDWEST WRESTLING TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

ATTITUDE INC (GUY SMITH and SPENCER POWERS)
vs
THE DUDESONS (NATE KNOX and BAM BAM HEGLAND)

Join 3XWrestling ring announcer Daryl Moon – a stand-up comedian by trade – as he learns about the world of professional wrestling with the help of the stars of 3XW. In this episode, Daryl learns a lesson from Chad Mylan and The Mylan Management Agency. For more info, please visit http://www.3xwrestling.com/and http://www.mooncomedy.com/

Check out ALL American Pro Wrestling’s Main Event Media Blitz here as they are making the rounds to spread the word about this must see first show of the year.

Plus tonight.

The Greg DeMarco Show, presented by 411Mania.com/Wrestling, comes to you each Tuesday night at 10:30 PM eastern. Greg and Patrick O’Dowd are joined by regular contributors Steve Cook, Tony Acero, Justin Freemyer and Buggy! Plus, you never know who might call in or stop by “The Snake Pit” (chatroom).

This week: Johnny Gargano is the first ever return guest to the program, joining Greg & Patrick to discuss his Dragon Gate USA Open The Freedom Gate Championship win, wrestling in what is likely the final wrestling match at the famous building best known as The ECW Arena, being counted on to carry the company, DGUSA’s Los Angeles debut and more!

Also, producer Chris Hegstrom from All American Pro Wrestling joins the show to discuss AAPW’s upcoming “Main Event” card and the challenges of being a US indy within the current wrestling landscape.

Click here to go to the show’s page, set a reminder or follow the program and receive weekly updates. The call-in number is (310) 807-5103, and “The Snake Pit” generally opens 5 minutes before the show starts.