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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Rico Casanova warns the Kansas City Killers of Mark Sterling, Jeremy Wyatt and Mike Sydal.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 10, 2010

By Brian “Flair” Kelley 

MWR fans you saw the vicious beat down that the Kansas City Killers  Mark Sterling and Jeremy  Wyatt gave Kahagas this past December in the High Voltage W’restling’s Champions backyard at Coastal Championship Wrestling.

Kahagas returns February 20th in Granite City Illinois to gain revenge on the Kansas City Killers. (2009 MWR Wrestler of the year Mark Sterling, Jeremy Wyatt and Mike Sydal) The Tokyo Monster will be tested in the month of February when this week he matches up with former WWE’S stars.

First tomorrow night he goes head to head with Headbanger Mosh, then on Saturday at CCW’s main event for Valentine Vengeance Kahagas goes after the former WWE Superstar and CCW Champion Scotty 2 Hotty in a rematch between these two warriors

Kahagas then travels to Puerto Rico’s LLXI to defend the High Voltage Wrestling Championship on February 19th then boards a plane to go one on one with the KC Killers Mike Sydal the very next night at High Voltage Wrestling  in the Granite City, IL.

Longtime friend and manager of High Voltage Wrestling Champion Kahagas, Rico Casanova sent Missouri Wrestling Revival this warning to forward to the KC Killers.

Fans of the Midwest you will not want to miss Kahagas when he makes his way back to the Midwest on February 20th in Granite City Illinois

 

High Voltage Wrestling Returns February 20th in Granite City Illinois

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Missouri Sports Hall of Fame snubs pro wrestling

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 9, 2010

By Matt Murphy

I won’t rant long about this. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has inducted exactly two professional wrestling legends in its 60-year history. Sam Muchnick was inducted in 1992 and Lou Thesz was inducted in 2002. This is a slap in the face to professional wrestling and to the many wrestling legends deserving of inclusion.

Wrestling fans, wrestlers, promoters, writers — let’s let the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame know exactly how we feel about it! Whether they like it or not, professional wrestling has been a major part of Missouri’s rich sports history. They owe it to the legends and to all of us as fans to recognize our sport.

Here’s their info:
Website: www.mosportshalloffame.com
Address:
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
3861 E. Stan Musial Drive
Springfield, Missouri 65809
Phone: (417) 889-3100 or (800) 498-5678
Fax: (417) 889-2761
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

I’ve included an email exchange between me and Todd Yearack, who at the time worked for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. For the record, no wrestlers, wrestling promoters, or wrestling announcers have been inducted since these letters.

From: Matt Murphy
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 10:21 PM
To: Todd Yearack
Subject: MO Hall of Fame

Dear sir:

I am writing to inquire why an organization whose catchphrase is “All the memories and all the thrills of sports” has neglected to recognize so many stars of professional wrestling.

Harley Race with the Missouri State Heavyweight Championship belt.

(A total of 17 wrestlers held the Missouri State heavyweight championship from 1972 through 1985. Eight would hold major versions of the World heavyweight championship.)

Lake Ozark resident Harley Race was one of the most respected athletes of his era. He was an eight-time NWA World Champion professional wrestler (he broke 2002 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee Lou Thesz’s record of six World Title reigns). He was also inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994 and the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. Race currently runs World League Wrestling, an Eldon, MO-based small independent wrestling organization which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities in the state since 1999.

I certainly feel Mr. Race’s inclusion from the Hall of Fame is necessary. He is, after all, considered by many to be the greatest wrestler ever to lace up a pair of boots. Mr. Race is now sixty-one years old, and I think he should be inducted in the very near future.

Warrensburg native Bruce “Butch” Reed was a star football player for CMSU and one of the ground-breaking African-American athletes in professional wrestling. A former World Tag Team Champion and one of the top wrestlers of the 1980s, Bruce was among the first black professional wrestlers to achieve national superstardom.

Cowboy Bob Orton

St. Louis-area resident “Cowboy” Bob Orton is the father of current WWE superstar Randy Orton and a former WWE superstar himself. He is being inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

Bulldog Bob Brown

These are just a few notable pro wrestlers deserving of being recognized as the elite athletes in Missouri sports history. Others who deserve induction include wrestlers “Bulldog” Bob Brown, Rufus R. Jones, Mike George, and Bob Geigel, announcers Bill Kersten and Larry Matysik, and promoter Gus Karras.

While many don’t consider wrestling a sport, it is undoubtedly an important part of Missouri sports history. Just ask a bunch of Missourians about wrestling. “I remember watching Harley Race and Bulldog Bob Brown at Memorial Hall” and “I watched ‘Wrestling at the Chase’ every week with my family” will likely be responses you’ll hear often.

Please let me know what I can do or how many like-minded Missourians should contact you to accomplish my goal of seeing the elite of those who contributed to “All the memories and all the thrills of sports” in Missouri recognized properly.

Please let me extend my invitation for assistance. If you need anything, from doing research to writing bios to conducting interviews with any professional wrestler deserving of Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inclusion, please don’t hesitate to email or call me.

Thanks for your time, and I look forward to a response.
Matt Murphy
__________

Todd Yearack wrote:

Matt:

Thank you for your note about Mr. Race and a few of the other wrestling icons from Missouri. You are certainly on the right track with your suggestion that Mr. Race be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

He was given very strong consideration for our most recent induction ceremony (February 13th) and will be up for consideration again for 2006. If you wish, feel free to mail us a letter of recommendation/nomination on Mr. Race and I’ll be glad to include it in his nomination file.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Hall of Fame. I hope to hear back from you soon.

Received your letter, and thank you! If you wish, you are welcome to look into additional letters in support of Mr. Race. While the number of letters doesn’t have any true direct affect on the individual’s induction, it is nice to hear from a broad range of folks who support a given inductee. Anything that is sent to us will be put in Mr. Race’s file, which will be reviewed by the selection committee later this year.

Thanks,
Todd

__________

From: Matt Murphy
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 1:28 PM
To: Todd Yearack
Subject: RE: MO Hall of Fame

Dear Mr. Yearack:

Thank you for the speedy reply. I have attached a letter to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. If I need to send it through postal mail, please let me know to what address it needs to be sent and I will have a letter in the mail next week.

Please tell me if my letter will suffice. Would several dozen letters from other fans help the cause or would it just make a lot of unnecessary work for you and others involved with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame? I’m willing to do as much work as it needed to witness Harley’s induction to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Matt Murphy

__________

Todd Yearack wrote:

Received your letter, and thank you! If you wish, you are welcome to look into additional letters in support of Mr. Race. While the number of letters doesn’t have any true direct affect on the individual’s induction, it is nice to hear from a broad range of folks who support a given inductee. Anything that is sent to us will be put in Mr. Race’s file, which will be reviewed by the selection committee later this year.

Thanks,
Todd

MWR Editors note:

Just recently MWR fans we pulled together to support the future of Midwest wrestling by having our voice heard in regards of Mike Sydal, a wrestler that we felt very strongly deserved to be the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year.

Now it is time for us to pull together to remember the past wrestling stars that gave their body hearts and soul to entertain the Midwest before there was cable TV, internet and PPV, families came together too boo the bad guy and cheer their heroes. On a personal level my dad who is not a wrestling fan at all does not have a clue who Shemus or The Miz is, but he knows who Rufus R Jones and Harley Race are.

I was shocked to hear that “MR. Race” had to have a file to be inducted in the Hall of Fame, just as Cooperstown would not be right with out Babe Ruth inducted or Michael Jordan in the NBA shrine, I just could not imagine that Harley Race was not there. Hopefully, once we are able to get the ball rolling with Race in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame the many other great men and women who entertained the very rich history of athletes in the sport of wrestling will be inducted as they should be.

No sport has a more passionate fan base that pro wrestling, lets show the support for Missouri’s greatest mat stars from the past by taking our friend Matt Murphy’s advice and send Missouri Sports Hall of Fame a letter requesting that Pro wrestling not to be over looked.

MWR Fans remember when sending the request to be professional and respectful in your letter to each and everyone at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

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Pro Wrestling Phoenix This Saturday night !!!

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 8, 2010

Pro Wrestling Phoenix returns to action on Saturday Night February 13th with – PWP 50 (Our 50th Event!)

Last month at Year of the Phoenix, several shocking things took place – most notably, the re-birth of the Murder Militia, under the guidance of Jayden Draigo. The Militia was able to reclaim the PWP Tag Team Titles, and were pretty much dominate throughout the evening – until PWP Champion “Babyface” Tony Cortez took a stand against the Murder Militia, uniting with Jaysin Strife. We now look to PWP’s 50th Event, On Febuary 13th:

*** The Murder Militia will defend the PWP Tag Team Titles against the team of PWP Champion “Babyface” Tony Cortez & Jaysin Strife!!! What combination Militia members will be defending the titles? And what impact will Jayden Draigo play this time? Be there on the 13th to find out!

*** Also in Action: “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon, Chris Havius, Donnie Peppercricket, Abu Colossus, Darin Corbin, Mike Sydal, David Clark, Matty Star, Jimmy Rockwell, Ryan Slade, “The Passion” Zac James, Stephen Saint and more!!!

DON’T FORGET – All PWP Tickets are now JUST $10!!!!!!

Saturday February 13, 2010

National Guard Armory
2415 E. Kanesville Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Doors: 6:30
Bell Time: 7:00

http://www.ProWrestlingPhoenix.com
http://www.MySpace.com/ProWrestlingPhoenix
http://www.Twitter.com/PWPwrestling

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AAPW Photo recap 1-16-10 Rich turns on McGuire

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 8, 2010

Brooklyn Bobby leads Christian Rose into battle. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Rose cranks down on Gary J. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Big punch sends Gary J reeling. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gary J gets his hand raised after a hard fought victory. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Gary Jay d. Christian Rose

Newcommer Lazarus dominates Matt Fitchett (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Lazarus d. Matt Fitchett

El Magnifico toys with Christian Rose. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Christian Rose looked strong early but got frustrated and got himself DQ’D (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

El Magnifico d. Paul Rose by DQ

With Curly missing in action AT Brooks stood up to be Rich’s partner, OLD School Thunders Brandon Walker wanted to test the rookie early on.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

A.T. Brooks impressed early on against the Ax Alworth. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Shane Rich sends Walker flying out of the ring. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Walker comes back to demonstrate his power on the popular Rich.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The wrestling expertise of Old School Thunder was too much for the new team of Rich and Brooks.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Ax Allworth & Brandon Walker d. Shane Rich & AT Brooks

Bloody Harker Dirge (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Dirge took it to Mitch Ryder, but the veteran Ryder was able to get the victory. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mitch Ryder d. Bloody Harker Dirge

Former TNA Tag Team Champion Andy Douglas and his manager Big Mo getting reado to take on Simon Dean. .(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Simon Dean has Andy Douglas heading backwards. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Andy Douglas works over Simon Dean.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Andy Douglas looked in championship form at AAPW. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Big Mo gives his protégé a helping hand. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Simon Dean earned the win and got revenge on Big Mo. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Simon Dean d. Andy Douglas

Evan Gelstico throws caution to the wind in their match up against Rage.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mike Masters was nasty on the outside of the ring.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mitch Blake and Mike Masters showed the AAPW fans why they are the champs by working as one, even if it wasn’t legal. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Evan Gelstico was shown no mercy from Rage as the match continued.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Getting hit from every direction Evan Gelistico needed a tag desperately. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Rage had their way on the Submission squad using cheap shots and cutting off the ring as Pierre asks the ref to regain order. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Pierre Finally got the tag but the ref was knocked out on accident causing a no contest. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

AAPW Tag Champs Mike Masters & Mitch Blake fought Pierre Abernathy & Evan Gelistico to a no contest.

AAPW Champion Edmund Livewire McGuire defends the title against The Missisispi Madman. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Edmund wisely used his speed to get away from the Madman early on in the match.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

The Mississippi Madman got his hands on the champ which was not good news for Livewire. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Bodyslam!!(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

No one knows how to use his bulk to his advantage more than the Madman.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

With heart and determination of a true champion Edmund Livewire McGuire fought was able to fight back and looked to have the match back into his favor.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Nothing stings more than having a friend stab you in the back. Shane Rich shows his true colors by giving the assist to the Madman while being the special referee. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Not happy with costing McGuire the AAPW Title Rich puts a beat down on his former friend.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Due to the actions of Shane Rich , AAPW reprimanded him with a 90 day suspension.(Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

Mississippi Madman pinned Livewire McGuire to win the AAPW Heavyweight Title

Missouri Wrestling Revival caught up with Edmund Livewire Mcguire after his heartbreaking loss.

We leave with a final word from Shane Rich.

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Brandon Aarons survives to become the IHW Champion.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 7, 2010

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

Missouri Wrestling Revival would like to Congratulate Brandon Aarons for becoming the new Independent Hardcore Wrestling Champion in a brutal main event last night.

Aarons was beaten, battered and busted open in a wild Six-Way Elimination match that also included Mephisto, Steven Kennedy, Billy Mcneil, Sean Vincent & Eric Allen.

IHW returns on March 6th in Dupo Illinois as MWR will have a recap of the Zachary “Napalm” Porter Tribute show that included the wild main event plus info on who will be Brandon Aarons first opponent when IHW returns on March 6th in Dupo Illinois .

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Greg Anthony’s The Golden Circle: Frankensteiner!!!

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 7, 2010

By Greg Anthony

It was a cold October night when I saw Scott Steiner debut The Frankensteiner during Halloween Havoc. I had just witnessed the greatest move in wrestling. It was athletic and powerful, smooth but devastating. The Steiners were very innovative and this was Scott’s Sistine Chapel. Now fast forward to 2010, is there any move that could make me feel that way again?

Let me clarify, as most already know, I’m more interested in the storytelling process of a match than the moves there within. However the moves themselves are important. What would Stone Cold be without The Stunner, or is there a move the embodies Shawn Michaels more than The Superkick? Having the right move can also tell a story of your personality.

Over the last 20 years we have become so desensitized to moves. Well actually we’ve become desensitized to life. The Frankensteiner was new; I’d never seen a headscissors that ended with a DDT like bump before, it blew my mind. I thought “What else is possible?” The Frankensteiner was innovation and revolutionary but most of all it was safe.

The industry now has this misconception that for something to be cool, then someone has to die. In the late 90s, I started seeing a lot of brainbusters being used in various places. It’s not hard to pick someone up in a suplex then drop them on their head. For awhile I had forgot how safe the brainbuster could be the way Koko B. Ware or Dick Murdoch used it. Some things need to change… back.

I’m not saying we should “devolve” as a business but we can for sure be safer. The business can only strive with talent individuals at the helm. What will happen to the business if the ones with all the talent are dropped on their heads by some goof who created a new move on Smackdown vs. Raw 2010? If the story is there then you don’t need a Three Flip Springboard Cradle Piledriver with a Bridge… I promise.

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LWA: No Restrictions Jan. 23 recap

Posted by reimaginejournalism on February 6, 2010

By Kari Williams

LWA started its year with its new incarnation, ushering in the year of No Restrictions and the headlock—at least from the Superfans’ point of view.

Shane Hollister returned to LWA to take on Gary the Nightowl. The action quickly spilled to the outside, with the two dueling until Hollister took it back to the ring. Hollister and Gary put on an impressive match, with counter after counter and nearfall after nearfall. Hollister had seemingly gained the advantage about half way through, but as prepared to on to Gary from the top turnbuckle, Gary ducked out of the way.

Gary the Barn Owl goes for the submission on Shane Hollister (Photo Credit Kari Williams)

This left Hollister prone to a vicious sharpshooter, but Hollister would not give up so easily. Shortly thereafter, Hollister got the win over the Nightowl.

Gorgeous Jordan and Ski Mask Malone went at it, with the stipulation that if Jordan lost, he would never wrestle in LWA: No Restrictions again. Malone’s athletic skill shocked Jordan, and the fans, as he put the Gorgeous one to the test. However, Jordan would not go down without a fight. Perhaps the most memorable point of the match up, when Malone was down and out, Jordan pulled a banana out of his trunks and ate a portion of it before throwing it out to the crowd.

Ski Mask Malone goes to the air to take out Jordan Lacey (Photo Credit Kari Williams)

Regardless of the shock value, Malone still managed to get out a win.

The newly crowned LWA Heavyweight Champion “Spitfire” Davey Vega came out to talk about ridding the LWA of former president Luke Roberts the previous month. As Vega began to address the crowd, Pierre Abernathy appeared on the video screen to challenge Vega for the LWA championship later that night. The video seemed to be a distraction, as Gary the Nightowl and Evan Gelistico showed up in the ring and tried to attack Vega with a steel chair. Adam Raw came to Vega’s aid and confirmed that the title match would take place.

Markus Crane, Krotch and Matt Cage competed in a three-way elimination match. Crane had his two opponents on edge with his unruly antics. Krotch and Crane appeared to form an alliance of sorts, but that quickly faded and it was every man for himself. Shortly after launching over the top rope onto Crane, Krotch was eliminated, and Cage and Crane fought to the end.

Matt Cage shows Marcus Crane and the LWA fans why he is the man to watch out for in 2010.(Photo Credit Kari Williams)

The two took each other to their limits, nearly causing the bout to end in a double-count-out. Though Crane fought valiantly, and the crowd appeared to be on his side, Cage walked away victorious.

Glamour, Inc. (Mike Sydal and Brandon Aarons) challenged the Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter) for the LWA tag team titles. In a battle of contrasting styles, Sydal and Aarons had their work cut out for them. The Hooligans’s power game meshed well against Sydal and Aarons faster-pace. Sydal kept Devin and Mason a good distance apart as he cut off the ring and taunted the Hooligans when he nearly allowed them to make a tag. But within minutes the Hooligans turned the tide and had Aarons, now the legal man, reeling from consecutive kicks to the head.

The Hooligan look for a tag as Sydal comes down on him. (Photo Credit Kari Williams)

In the closing moments, Glamour, Inc. recovered enough to put the Hooligans down for the count, bringing the tag belts back to the LWA.

Jeremy Wyatt leap frogs the talented McNeil.(Photo Credit Kari Williams)

This night also featured the return of Billy McNeil to the company. On his first night back, McNeil took on “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. These two stellar athletes put on one of the most technically sound matches of the night. Wyatt antagonized fans to no end by continuously locking McNeil in a headlock.

McNeil put up a fight though, pulling out his impressive, high flying antics. No matter what Wyatt threw at McNeil, McNeil would not back down. They battled back and forth, with the Rebel coming out on top on this exchange, but McNeil’s talent and heart should not be discounted.

Ring of Honor Star Tyler Black came to LWA to challenge “Future” Donovan Ruddick. Ruddick’s proved his dominance and power the moment the bell rang, showing Black that he had a test laid out before him. The bout quickly spilled to the outside, where Black made a comeback. The two behemoths fought from one side of the building to the other, causing fans to scatter in every direction.

Donovan Ruddick and Tyler Black trade blows outside of the ring. (Photo Credit Kari Williams)

Black went so far as to climb on the bar and launch onto Ruddick before they made their way back in the ring. Black’s domination continued for a while, but Ruddick would not let an outsider steal victory. After both had regained the advantage on more than one occasion, Ruddick put Black to rest.

In the main event, “Spitfire” Davey Vega put his newly won Heavyweight Championship on the line against the Submission Squad’s Pierre Abernathy. Abernathy gained the upper hand early on, but a dive to the outside courtesy of Vega turned the tide. They waged war across the building, throwing each other into the brick wall and then some. Abernathy ended up controlling the match when the returned to the squared circle, and just when it looked like he would nail Vega with a chair, he went for a headlock.

Pierre Abernathy had the LWA Champ Davey Vega in deep trouble at times during ther match. (Photo Credit Kari Williams)

Vega was nearly done for, but a burst of strength emerged and Vega locked Abernathy in a sharpshooter, nearly making him tap. Though the submission did not take out Abernathy, Vega still walked away with belt in hand.

Moments after the match Gelistico and Gary ran in to attack Vega, but Raw was anticipating the Squad’s sneak attack and came to Vega’s aid. Just when Raw finished proclaiming that he wanted to rid the LWA of scum, he said the scum he was talking about was Vega. Raw then attacked Vega, and the night ended with Abernathy and Gary raising Raw’s hands, proving their alliance.

LWA returns to the Knights of Columbus Hall in O’ Fallon, IL on March 20 for the second installment of LWA: No Restrictions.

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Matt Cage vs. Cecil Cerveza – The Conclusion of GAW’s Greatest Rivalry

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 5, 2010

The story between Matt Cage and Cecil Cerveza is stuff of legend within the Central Illinois wrestling scene. Cecil, the hungry, young and talented buck looking to make a name for himself. Cage, the ruthless, vicious individual who burst on to the scene and took any opportunity he could at the expense of anyone and everyone. These two men have been heated rivals for quite some time; They are very familiar with each other.

“It’s been no secret that I’ve always had a deep hatred for Cecil, but I do respect him,” Cage stated. “When I moved to Illinois, Cecil was the first wrestler I saw in action who caught my eye. I went to the Peggy Cooper Invitational 2008 and saw Cecil have one of the best matches of the year with Adam Evans that night”

That very match that Cage referred to sent Cecil’s career to new heights that night. The tournament, which many claim is the biggest tournament in Central Illinois, was won that night by Cecil Cerveza.

“Cecil came in that night, and tore things up. His match with Adam Evans was excellent. Ultimately, if I recall, he defeated Eric Ruffington in the finals to win the whole PCI tournament. And I knew that night that when I signed my GAW contract that he posed a threat to me,” Cage barked.

“He was young, hungry and talented. He had all the traits that I had at the time and I knew that I had some legitimate competition”.

At the time, Cecil was the reigning and defending GAW Central States Champion. A belt that he held with pride. As Central States Champion, many claimed that Cecil was the greatest champion since the title’s inception. Cage knew this.

“Of course! I knew he was good. He didn’t have the belt for a reason. Seeing him with that title, knowing and witnessing his talents, I knew that I had to defeat him for the belt,” Cage explained. “He had something I wanted. It was my goal to take it from him.”

Team Cage (Matt Cage, The Hooligans & Big Joel) vs. Team Cerveza (Cecil Cerveza, Josh Powers, Andy Roberts & Temple Rain)
United We Stand
July 19, 2008

At “GAW United We Stand” in July 2008, Cage was booked in a Survivor Series inspired Eight Man Tag Team Match; Team Cage, harboring Cage himself, Devin & Mason Cutter and Cage’s then “bouncer”, Joel against Team Cerveza – a team which was doomed from the start.

“Unfortunately, my quest for the Central States Title was to be postponed. You see, on that night, Cecil had issues with his teammates – Andy Roberts and Temple Rain. I remember pinning Josh Powers during that match, eliminating him, and looking up to see the uncomfort in Cecil and Temple’s eyes. Roberts had already turned on Cecil at the beginning of the match. I knew that I was going to have to make a statement,” Cage claimed.

“They came out there, already with the same idea in mind. Make a statement, make an impact and receive a title shot.”

And Cage was right.

Andy Roberts and Temple Rain were successful in their attempt to make an impact, as later on that night, they were placed in an impromptu title match, and Cecil was upset by Temple Rain.

“I was livid,” Cage said through gritted teeth. “That piece of crap came in there, stole MY title shot, my hard work. Hell, I was the one who won the freakin’ match. But the only thing that will be remembered is that they got the title shot and that Temple won.”

Cage’s goal of defeating Cecil for the Central States Title was gone, and Cage was upset. And rightfully so. He knew that he had to surpass Cecil, and his plans of doing so by pinning Cecil himself were thwarted.

“It was a trying time for me. I had to regroup. I knew that I was going to have to invest some of my money into my career. I paid for the backing of JC Michaels, the owner of GAW. He placed me into a WarGames Match with every title on the line. And even though everyone called me crazy for not attempting to win the Heavweight Title, I knew what I had to do to cement myself. I had to pin Temple for the Central States Title. And I did.”

Cage pinned Rain for the title in the Cage and finally got the belt that he had been chasing throughout 2008. Though he didn’t defeat Cecil for it, he righted a wrong. Temple had thwarted his plans, so Cage thwarted Temple’s. A month later, Cage found out that he’d be defending his title in January 2009 against former WWE and TNA superstar, Zach Gowen.

“Wrestling Gowen was a blast. But beyond that, it was something I needed. I have all the respect in the world for Gowen. He defeated cancer and made it to the WWE on one leg,” Cage expressed. “But far be it from me to allow him to come into my turf and expect to take my title from me. I was building a legacy. And he became a part of it.”

Cage went on to defeat Gowen, and then proceeded a trail of destruction the likes that Cecil had never seen as Central States Champion. Between Andy Roberts, Ryan Phoenix and Markus Crane, Cage had quite the title run. But finally, he got exactly what he wanted. The man he had been chasing.

Cecil Cerveza.

Matt Cage vs. Cecil Cerveza
Peggy Cooper Invitational
March 21, 2009

“There was a little controversy, you see. I got stripped of the Central States Title and wound up having to compete in the 2009 Peggy Cooper Invitational. To regain my title, I had to win the tournament. And low and behold, in the first round I find myself across the ring from the man who won it the previous year.”

The match was a back and forth affair that had the Maroa, IL crowd on their feet. Cecil came close to defeating Cage many times. But a little tug of the tights during a school boy wound up bring Cage to the next round and ultimately, Cage won the tournament and the Central States Title once again.

“I did exactly what I wanted and at that point, I felt that I had nothing left to prove. I KNOW Cecil. He tried to get me with Roll The Dice (Cecil’s finishing move), but I had him scouted. He went for it, I rolled him up. I know how to get out of anything he can do. He doesn’t understand,” Cage explained, “that I became OBSESSED with erasing him from this area. I needed it. To me, he was the only legitimate threat to me. But he was a persistent little bastard”.

Matt Cage vs. Cecil Cerveza
Against All Odds
April 18, 2009


One month later, Cage found himself across the ring from Cecil once again. This time, the Central States Title was on the line. It was one of the most anticipated matches in GAW history. Many felt that Cecil had Cage’s number. But Cage had acquired the services of Anderson Rhodes, and came in to the match with a new piece of the puzzle. This new revelation threw Cecil off, and Cage wound up defeating Cecil yet again, this time doing a tremendous amount of damage to Cecil’s shoulder and arm. The damage done to his arm caused Cecil to take a short sabbatical from GAW.

“Yeah, I was a bit ruthless during that match. But I knew that I needed to do whatever it took to remain Central States Champion and I had to bring it hard. I hired Rhodes because he was available. He wasn’t necessary, but he helped at the time and brought me more money and good competition as my agent. But the thing that mattered the most was the fire I had in my eyes that night. I had a vicious streak inside of me, but it truly had never been tapped into until I stepped into the ring with Cecil.”

He may have been right. From there, Cage defended his title against all comers before being upset by Kenny O’Brien in June.

But he didn’t need to fret.

“I never step into an venue unless I have a plan A, B and C.,” he explained. “I knew that if I ever lost that Central States Title that I would have to step it up. So I did. I competed for the Heavyweight Title, a title that Cecil never held – and never will, for that matter. My legacy was written at this point and Cecil never even crossed my mind.”

But then Cecil came back. He saw that Cage had won the GAW Heavyweight Title and cringed as he saw the celebration when Cage also won the Heritage Wrestling Coalition Title from his friend, Angelo Santelli. Further proving a point, Cage took out Santelli and broke his shoulder and elbow following their match. Cecil was in attendance that night, and saw that Cage was happy. He saw that Cage had two prestigious pieces of gold. He saw that Cage truly had surpassed him as a wrestler.

Having let go of any need to take on Cage again, Cecil and Cage hadn’t stepped in the ring together since that warm spring evening in April of 2009. But he began to boil. Cerveza began to sweat. He began to yell. He was the one who people were citing as “the future of Central Illinois wrestling”. He was the one.

Until Matt Cage.

He sat back and watched as Cage’s stock rose and rose. He remained silent as Cage began to make more and more money and certainly looked on as Cage’s talent took him to promotions he only dreamed of being a part of.

Cage laughed, “He had and has every right to be jealous”.

All these emotions simmered inside of Cecil for months. During this time, Cage successfully defended his Heavyweight Title against former champions like Jaxson Pride, Truk Thompson and Jonathan Napier. He defended his title against great wrestlers from promotions all around the country such as Matt “Krotch” Mayday, Bill The Butcher and the returning Temple Rain. He even successfully put the title on the line against legends like Ian Rotten and Dingo, who at the time was reigning as IWA-MS World Champion; one of the most prestigious titles of all time.

“I knew deep down,” Cage said, “that at this point, I had cemented my legacy and far surpassed Cecil. I wasn’t only the greatest GAW Heavyweight Champion of all time, I was the greatest wrestler that the Central Illinois fans, promoters and wrestlers had ever seen.”

It’s hard to argue Cage’s statement.

But questions began to arise in October. Cecil was rumored to be wrestling Cage for the Heritage Wrestling Coalition Title, a travelling championship, on Cecil’s home turf of New Breed Wrestling Alliance. But the fans were screwed out of the match, as Cage demanded to wrestle a less deserving competitor.

Jimmy Karryt can go to hell. Yeah, he does a bunch of flips. What the hell else does he have? He’s got an attitude the likes of my ex-girlfriends, he’s pale, he’s got greasy long hair and the piece of **** got a FLUKE victory over me. It was a FLUKE! Don’t think it was anything else but the obvious,” yelled the angry Cage. “If I ever step in the ring with Jimmy Karryt, he’s getting his ass handed to him. I will teach him respect and will prove to him that he was lucky.”

Obviously a touchy subject.

Karryt was Cecil’s friend and Cage knew this. He lost the Heritage Title, but he still remained GAW Champion. He entered the month of November with the belt, but soon found out that an old familiar face was coming to visit. At “A Fight for Mya” in Decatur, IL, Cecil Cerveza found his way back into title contention and he and Cage had one of the greatest GAW Heavyweight Title matches of all time. It was a stiff, brutal, back and forth encounter that saw Cecil show a side of him he had never seen. There truly was a deep hatred between these two men as they tried to break each other’s jaws with their vicious forearm strikes.

But all this and more could not lead Cage to victory. He proved once again that he had Cecil scouted all to well. Cecil attempted a moonsault off of the top rope, but Cage rolled out of the way. Cecil landed on Cage’s title belt which had found it’s way into the ring, and Cage rolled him up for the victory.

Matt Cage vs. Cecil Cerveza
A Fight For Mya
November 15, 2009

“Screw all those people who said I needed to use the tights to beat Cecil that night. I think by that point I had already proven that I had him where I wanted him at all times.”

Just one week later, however, Cage was set to defend his coveted belt in an Escape Only, Steel Cage Match against “Tru Talent” Jonathan Scott. But an attack by one of Tru Talent’s old rivals left him prone on the ground, apparently concussed after he was given a Pedigree on the floor of the Lincoln College gym.

“I laughed, honestly. Did you SEE that Pedigree? My grandmother could deliver a better Pedigree than Dumpster Doug, or whatever the hell his name is,” Cage laughed. “But the bigger story wasn’t Dumpster Doug’s laughable finishing maneuver. The bigger story was Cecil coming out, sticking his big head in business it didn’t belong in.”

As Cage attempted to walk out of the Steel Cage, Cecil stepped up and realized he had an opportunity. One that possibly wouldn’t come again. He realized that this was probably his last shot at Matt Cage. So he challenged Cage to a match, right there on the spot. Neither man was prepared, but they knew each other too well. And when Cage accepted, the violence began. And it was a bloody affair. Without a doubt the best Cage Match in GAW history, these two men beat each other from pillar to post. Both men were busted open during the combat, proving that they would go through great lengths to win the match. Ultimately, Cage wound up delivering an incredible and impressive top rope Hole in One (Death Valley Driver) to Cecil. This took a lot of energy out of Cage, and almost broke Cecil’s neck. And as Cage crawled for the door to escape with his championship clutched in his arms, Cecil was overcome. He heard voices. He heard his wife, calling for him to prove he was the better man. He heard his children, begging their daddy to “do it for them”. He heard his fans, chanting his name. He heard Cage, yelling that he could never defeat him. He heard himself, claiming that he was better than Cage and could defeat him.

He rose from the canvas and began climbing the Steel Cage. His ascent was dramatic. He had no strength, no energy left. But he found his way up and over the top. The crowd waited with baited breath as both men escaped the cage. But when both men hit the floor, what should have been a glorious moment for Cecil turned into a tragic moment, full of controversy. Though many claim that Cecil hit the floor first, others stand ground stating that Cage hit first. The decision would no doubt be controversial, but Co-Owner JC Michaels ruled, along with the referees, that the match would go down as a no contest since it could not be determined who indeed hit the floor first.
Matt Cage vs. Cecil Cerveza
Lincoln Lockdown
November 22, 2009


Cecil felt that he was out of “last chances”. And he was. But something strange happened. Cage stepped up and demanded one last match. Cecil didn’t have to ask.

“I realized something. Cecil wants that belt more than I do. I have nothing left to prove. I have defeated everyone, literally, while reigning as champion. I contemplated vacating the title, if only to move on to something new. My pay isn’t going to rise and I have grown tired of defending my title against unworthy contenders, just because I’ve defeated all of the “TOP” contenders,” Cage stated.

“I’m giving Cecil one last shot to prove to me that he wants it. If he wants it as bad as I think, he’ll defeat me for the title. But if he can’t come out on top with all of the cards on the table and everything on the line, then he is nothing more than a choke artist like everyone else in GAW. When I came to Central Illinois, I wasn’t threatened by Jaxson Pride or Connor Riley. I wasn’t concerned with Gavin Alexander. I wasn’t worried about anyone. The only man who I knew was truly better than anyone else in this territory, was and is, Cecil Cerveza. But we won’t find out for sure if he’s as good as me or better than me until February 22nd,” Cage said through a devious smile.

“On that day, one man will wake up with the title next to him and a smile on his face. The other will wake up, a failure and disappointed at what his career has become. And trust me, it should only take one guess that the latter will be Cecil Cerveza.”

It’s just a few short weeks away. It’s the Series Finale – Matt Cage vs. Cecil Cerveza, The Last Chapter. If Cecil can defeat Cage, the current champion has opted to never challenge Cecil for the belt as long as he’s champion. But if Cage defeats Cecil (once again) Cecil can never again challenge for the belt. Either way, it will without a doubt be the greatest GAW Championship match of all time.

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Pro Wrestling Phoenix returns to action on Saturday Night February 13th with – PWP 50 (Their 50th Event!)

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 4, 2010

Pro Wrestling Phoenix returns to action on Saturday Night February 13th with – PWP 50 (Our 50th Event!)

Last month at Year of the Phoenix, several shocking things took place – most notably, the re-birth of the Murder Militia, under the guidance of Jayden Draigo. The Militia was able to reclaim the PWP Tag Team Titles, and were pretty much dominate throughout the evening – until PWP Champion “Babyface” Tony Cortez took a stand against the Murder Militia, uniting with Jaysin Strife. We now look to PWP’s 50th Event, On Febuary 13th:

*** The Murder Militia will defend the PWP Tag Team Titles against the team of PWP Champion “Babyface” Tony Cortez & Jaysin Strife!!! What combination Militia members will be defending the titles? And what impact will Jayden Draigo play this time? Be there on the 13th to find out!

*** Also in Action: “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon, Chris Havius, Donnie Peppercricket, Abu Colossus, Darin Corbin, Mike Sydal, David Clark, Matty Star, Jimmy Rockwell, Ryan Slade, “The Passion” Zac James, Stephen Saint and more!!!

DON’T FORGET – All PWP Tickets are now JUST $10!!!!!!

Saturday February 13, 2010

National Guard Armory
2415 E. Kanesville Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Doors: 6:30
Bell Time: 7:00

http://www.ProWrestlingPhoenix.com
http://www.MySpace.com/ProWrestlingPhoenix
http://www.Twitter.com/PWPwrestling

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IHW Fans win a free MWR T-shirt just like AAPW Fan Mark Degenhardt from Nashville, IL

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 4, 2010

On January 16th in Nashville Illinois MWR was invited to check out some exciting wrestling action that included the main event The AAPW Champion Edmund Livewire McGuire defend his title against the Mississippi Madman. In the near future MWR will have a recap of that show with pictures and promos. During the intermission AAPW was kind enough to let us give one of our MWR T-shirts to a lucky fan in a free drawing. Mark Degenhardt from Nashville, IL went home with one of the hottest wrestling wears in the Midwest.

AAPW Fan draws the winner of the 50/50 and MWR T-shirt drawing during intermission. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

AAPW Fan Mark Degenhardt from Nashville, IL was the winner of the MWR T-shirt shown here with MWR’S Dubray Tallman. (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley

AAPW returns February 27th in West Frankfort, Illinois. Don’t miss it.

MWR Fans your next chance to win a free MWR T-shirt will be This Saturday in Dupo Illinois at Independent Hardcore Wrestling. Come early to sign up and enjoy some exciting wrestling action.

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