Missouri Wrestling Revival

The Ironman Rob Conway- Photo courtesy of the facebook of Rob Conway

We are excited to be joined with Rob Conway. In the past Conway has been kind enough to be a part of our first ever MWR Trading card series at number 46. At that time he had already established himself as a champion around the world capturing the WWE Tag Team titles on three occasions.

Today Rob Conway is the reigning NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion after defeating Kahagas on March 16, 2013 in a classic match-up. MWR fans were well aware of the huge year that the NWA had in the Midwest as both Adam Pearce and Colt Cabana defended the title in several MWR promotions that we cover including Metro Pro Wrestling, 3XWrestling, MAGNUM PRO WRESTLING, All American Pro Wrestling and Dynamo Pro Wrestling.

Pearce for his impact in the Midwest and huge matches with the likes of Jeremy Wyatt, Ricky Cruz, Heath Hatton, ACH, Michael Strider and Tony Cortez as well as capturing the NWA Title for the fifth time in the Seven Levels of Hate match in Kansas City against Cabana was named the 2012 MWR Wrestler of the Year.

Unfortunately, a windfall of events saw NWA affiliates Metro Pro and Dynamo withdraw their membership and the Midwest was left without an NWA promotion as 2012 ended. 2013 has seen Central States Wrestling take hold of the territory in the name of the NWA but getting back the momentum that the NWA had has been a struggle.

The promotions leading fan favorite Evan “Money” Morris turned his back on his fans and is the current NWA Central states Champion led by manager Garrett Williams Morris will have a chance to prove to the world that he is as good as he says he is when he meets Rob Conway for the 10 pounds of Gold on August 31st in Cahokia, Illinois.

With the signature on the dotted line we are happy to speak the Champion of the World Rob Conway. Conway.

The NWA World Champion Rob Conway has words for the NWA president Bruce Tharpe – Photo courtesy of the facebook of Rob Conway

MWR: Rob , you have wrestled around the world, been in three WrestleMania’s and captured WWE Tag Team Championships with partner Sylvain Grenier. You have the work ethic to be among the best at any goal you set your mind to. You got your start with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) , what surprised you the most about becoming a wrestler?

Conway: I was surprised at how hard the ring is and the ring ropes are made of cable. I had no idea that it was going to take years to become a real pro. I thought I was in good shape but nothing prepares you for pro wrestling

MWR: Every wrestlers dream is to make it to the WWE, What are some of your fondness memories of making it to the top?

Conway: I think we all dream of one day being in Wrestlemania’s , having action figures made of yourself, being in video games ,traveling the world and winning championships. I was fortunate to have accomplished all those things in the WWE. Winning the world tag team championships in Montreal from edge and Chris Benoit was a huge match for me and a great memory.

I also enjoyed being in the ring face to face on the microphone with The American Dream Dusty Rhodes and Harley Race and a ring full of legends at WWE Homecoming.

MWR: The NWA last year felt the pressure of some big decisions that changed their landscape after a red hot year. When the smoke cleared they were fortunate to have a man of your statue to lead the organization into the future. Since capturing the title from Kahagas in San Antonio, TX. . You have wrestled in 49 states and 11 countries but for the first time you were able to defend the NWA title in Japan. For the fans in the area that are not in the know of the importance of your victories over the summer can you describe what it was like to walk to Japan to be the NWA Worlds Champion and how were the matches.

Conway: I am very honored to be the NWA WORLDS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION and going to defend the Championship in New Japan has been amazing. The wrestling fans in Japan are very knowledgeable and they know the importance of the NWA WORLDS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP and they want that belt very badly. I believe they appreciate my Style of Wrestling. The reaction I get is unbelievable it feels great walking in the Champion representing the NWA AND THE USA and Leaving the Champion.

MWR: You have also retained the title over former WWE wrestler and Harley Race’s WLW Champion Chris Masters in your reign proving that weather you are in the States or overseas you are truly a World Champion. In the past all the great champions had great challengers, The Briscos has the Funks, Race had Flair and even Pearce had Cabana. If you could go back in time to meet one NWA World Champion in their prime, who is your choice?

Conway: When I got to finally Wrestle Ric Flair in a PPV match it was very special.

I would have loved to wrestle many of the great champions in the prime. Kerry Von Erich in Dallas Stadium would have been amazing. Harley Race in St. Louis. Terry Funk or Dusty Rhodes. (There are) Too many to list.

MWR: I have had honor of photographing NWA title matches ringside with Pearce and Cabana, and look forward to being the photographer for your debut as NWA Champion in St Louis. In the past I was also fortunate to work with Alliance Wrestling to support the NWA but with the fallout of major NWA promotions Metro and Dynamo Pro Wrestling I have not been able to follow the NWA in our coverage area. What does the NWA have to do to move to the next level and get your NWA title reign more respect in the states?

Photo courtesy of the facebook of Rob Conway

Conway: I think the NWA is getting more respect in the states every day. The NWA is moving forward in a positive direction with New promotions all across the world that are wanting to grow and put on great Pro Wrestling shows. Pro Wrestling fans are looking to see good in ring action. I know the NWA has a new national website and when we get a National Television show it will give pro wrestling fans a chance to see the great talent that we have in the NWA.

NWA Central States Champion Evan “Money” Morris- Photo courtesy of the facebook of Evan Money

MWR: On August 31st fans in Cahokia, Illinois you will face the NWA Central States Champion Evan Money and his snake of a manager Garrett Williams. He will have the edge of having a ton of video of your ring skills heading into your match. He will look to make history happen and become the new NWA Worlds Champion, how do you prepare for such an encounter.

Conway: As for Evan Money and Garret Williams they are willing to break rules and try just about anything to win a match so I can imagine that they will have a plan to try and win the biggest match of their lives. When the match starts I will be ready for everything. I will do whatever it takes to stay champion. You can ask Ricky Morton, Chase Stevens, Chris Masters ,Damien Wayne ect. “To be the man you have to beat the Ironman” it’s easier said than done.

MWR: The night is stacked with talent including fellow NWA Stars “Addictive & Expensive” Byron Wilcott NWA Illinois State Title Shane Fury, a Ladies Match when Jordynne Grace meets Claudia Solis, Bolt Brady, Eric Allen and much more. If you were to speak to the fans why would you tell them to come out to the Knights of Columbus on August 31st.

Conway: I look forward to meeting everyone that comes to the event I will have the NWA WORLDS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BELT with me and the great fans will be able to get their pictures taken with The ironman and the Ten Pounds of Gold.

Rob Conway was featured in the first ever series of MWR Trading cards with photos from Pamela Barnett.

MWR: Rob, thank you once again for taking the time to speak to MWR. We feel very strongly that it is a treat to the fans of St Louis to come out and see a man of your talents on the night. In each and every interview and conversation with fans and wrestlers about you, your name have always brought up in the highest regard as a professional and a person.. I hope that Central States Wrestling is packed for your title match against Money at the end of the month. How can wrestling fans find out more about you?

Conway: for more info about me you can check out facebook Rob Conway II. Twitter @TheRobConway, NWARINGSIDE.COM or theironmanrobconway.com