Respect the Best of the Midwest
Tyler Cook and Shane Hollister kick off MWR’s Midwest Best Series
by Josh Ray
Owner-Editor inadvertent.nerd@gmail.com
Sure, “Missouri” is a key word in the name Missouri Wrestling Revival (MWR). For pro wrestling fans, however, the most important portion of MWR’s name should be “Wrestling Revival”. A wrestling revival is exactly what MWR aims to bring to the Midwest and beyond through the cooperation of the wrestlers and promoters in the MWR coverage area.
That is why MWR is sponsoring the Midwest Best Series. The Midwest Best Series is a series of highly competitive matches set to be featured across Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. These matches will feature the absolute best that the Midwest has to offer.
It’s about action. It’s about respect. It’s about innovation.
What better way to kick the series off than a 3XWrestling Pure Title match? On October 17, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa at inPlay, the Midwest Best Series begins with a bang in a match for the 3XW Pure Title. It is a featured match on 3XWrestling’s “BAM-O-Ween” card. Go to www.3XWrestling.com for more on
The current 3XW Pure Champion is one of the top young talents in the industry, wrestling for such promotions as Lethal Wrestling Alliance in the St. Louis area, Harley Race’s World League Wrestling in middle and western Missouri, and NWA Central States Wrestling in the Kansas City area. His name is Tyler Cook. He’s invaluable to any promotion that he is a part of.
His challenger, and the other half of this first ever Midwest Best Series match, is Shane Hollister. Hollister is the current Scott County Wrestling Heavyweight Champion in the Davenport, Iowa area and until last month was one half of the Chicago area’s All American Wrestling Tag Team Champions. He is undoubtedly part of the promising future of professional wrestling.
At press time, Cook and Hollister are ranked 14th and 2nd in MWR’s 2008 Wrestling Revival Cup, respectively. This might lead some to believe that Cook is the underdog in this encounter, but the competive nature of both men ensures that this is anyone’s victory to pick up. Any person fortunate enough to witness this match live is certainly in for a treat.
One of the great things about this bout is the respect that already exists between Cook and Hollister. When asked about the upcoming match, both men expressed a genuine excitement about meeting each other in the ring for the first time.
“I’ve been looking forward to working with Tyler Cook for a long time. I feel that it is a great match and we are really going to entertain the fans,” said Hollister.
Cook concurred in a later meeting with MWR staff, saying “I want to face the best and Hollister is definitely among them.”
If you can not make it to 3XW’s “BAM-O-Ween” to see the match live, have no fear. 3XW plans to release the card in its entirety in the future, and MWR will release a Midwest Best Series DVD in 2009.
Tyler Cook versus Shane Hollister for the 3XW Pure Title as part of Missouri Wrestling Revival’s Midwest Best Series! Yet another way that MWR is giving back to Midwest pro wrestling!
Missouri Wrestling Revival (MWR) jump starts the “Midwest Best Series” on October 17, 2008 in Des Moines, IA with 3XW Pure Champ Tyler Cook facing Shane Hollister with the title on the line. The Midwest Best Series is sure to get off to a good start, but the match following is sure to live up to the hype.
The number one ranked Northstar Express (Darin Corbin & Ryan Cruz) take a trip to Council Bluffs, IA on October 25, 2008 to face the Pro Wrestling Phoenix Tag Team Champions, the LONRs (Darrien Sanders & Mark Sterling)!
More information will be released in the near future at www.missouriwrestlingrevival.com, but until then here is the rundown of the rest of the PWP card that day:
PWP Heavyweight Champ Abu Colossus defends the title against the #1 ranked wrestler in the entire MWR Coverage area, “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt!
Tony Cortez and Jaysin Strife square off in a grudge match!
Hype Gotti vs Vic Victory!
Top Midwest star “Anarchist” Arik Cannon vs PWP’s own Zac James!
“#1” Brett Young accepts the challenge of Chris Havius!
All this and more!
National Guard Armory
2415 E. Kanesville Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
A day or two ago I began thinking to myself about the vice grip that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has on professional wrestling here in the United States. Sometimes it gets frustrating for me to see talented, believable wrestlers left out of the mainstream simply because they aren’t the son or daughter of a former pro wrestler or aren’t a clone of Randy Orton. I understand that WWE is doing smart business, but smart business can sometimes be the undoing of the business, too.
In addition to the glass ceiling that keeps many wrestlers from reaching full potential, the exit door can be very unforgiving, too. WWE owns the wrestlers’ names in many cases, or changes the names so that when the wrestler returns to the independent scene his name value and drawing power is greatly diminshed. If a wrestler is an independent contractor, they should be able to retain the name when they no longer compete in WWE. It’s actually really sad that WWE conducts business that way.
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) has started conducting business in this way to a lesser degree. I completely understand not letting the wrestlers compete on the independent scene while they work for the respective company, provided they are being adaquetly paid. However, once they are done they should be allowed to retain the name of the character that they have bled and sweat in order to get over.
I’m off on a tangent, I know, but it all leads (sort of) to the point I wanted to make in this post. MWR. WWE. TNA. A face off.
Now I’m not talking about some fantasy rehash of the Monday Night Wars. I’m merely speculating on some of the great matchups that could be over the years if there was more of a 1990’s way of doing things.
Here are ten that I’ve been thinking of the most:
10. Phoenix Twins vs Motor City Machine Guns vs London & Kendrick.
This match would have all the ingredients of a great, fast-paced tag team bout. Personally, I wouldn’t have a favorite in this. Whoever won would be completely fine with me.
9. Northstar Express vs Ted DiBiase Jr & Cody Rhodes.
What could be better than two guys from the WWE who think they are “Priceless” squaring off against one of the most accomplished tag teams in the Midwest? I’d love to see the mind games being played between both teams as each tried to gain an advantage.
8. “Future” Donovan Ruddick vs John Cena.
John Cena is the symbol of success in professional wrestling in the modern era. Personally, I feel like “The Future” symbol of success, Donovan Ruddick, would be up to the task and would make this a very interesting match.
7. Dingo vs Kurt Angle.
The NWA Missouri Champ has proven time and time again that he can adapt to any style to bring pro wrestling fans the absolute best. If Kurt Angle was healthy, this match would be match of the year candidate.
6. Mark Sterling vs William Regal.
Sterling has mentioned in the past that he’s a student of the Regal school of wrestling thought. Personally, I can see it. Sterling vs Regal would be hard-hitting and vicious, with old school ring psychology that makes me more than happy.
5. Michael Strider vs Fit Finlay.
I’ve seen Strider have some great brawls but with all due respect to each and every opponent he had in all of them, this would be the best. Finlay is nearing 50 years old and can still go like nobody else. There is no doubt in my mind that this one would be a classic.
4. Jeremy Wyatt vs Samoa Joe.
They don’t get any tougher than “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. Samoa Joe could put his toughness to the test, but it would leave a great taste in the mouth of wrestling fans with no prior exposure to one of the MWR coverage area’s greatest talents.
3. CM Punk vs AJ Styles vs Tyler Cook.
Mark my words: Tyler Cook will be in WWE or TNA before all is said and done. My faith in this guy as a wrestler would be rewarded if this match was allowed to take place. AJ Styles and CM Punk are no strangers to the indy scene, and their styles would work well with Cook. In addition, Cook has the fitness level to make this match a 30 minute match… or more. The anticipation would nearly kill the audience, and I wouldn’t be surprised to here Tyler Cook’s name announced as the victor.
2. 3-way Rumble (elimination rules): Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Lance Cade, Chris Jericho & Edge
vs “Superstar” Steve, Trevor Murdoch, Wade Chism, Dangerous Derek & Haku
vs Christian Cage, Sting, Booker T, Christopher Daniels & Eric Young
This match is purely a crazy thought on my part. What if we took 5 of WWE’s top guys and matched them up with a team of Harley’s top guys over the years? What if we then added a team from TNA consisting of three top veterans and two of there most successful originals? There are so many stories that could be told in an elimination styled brawl. This one here is probably the least likely to happen, but also one of the most intriguing.
1. Derek Stone & Mason Hunter vs Cryme Tyme.
Most people do not understand how much of a huge fan I am of the Derek Stone/Mason Hunter tag team. I’ve watched a lot of their work and have always enjoyed the antics in the ring and the continuity they had as a tag team. The dynamic of pitting them against thugs who like money and steal things… awesome!
These are just some of the matches I can think of off the top of my head. Hit me up at inadvertent.nerd@gmail.com and let me know some of the matches you’d like to see. I’ll put your name and the match you chose in my next installment of “Combat Tested, Mother Approved!”
Ranked at the top of all tag teams in the MWR coverage area, the team of Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz, collectively known as The Northstar Express, has dominated nearly all competition that the area has to offer. They are multiple-time tag champions for All American Wrestling where some of the best tag teams in the Midwest make their home, including the Motor City Machine Guns. They also hold the distinction of being the longest reigning 3XWrestling Tag Team Champions at 20 months. Make no mistake about it, The Northstar Express are for real.
There are few tag teams in the world, much less in the Midwest, that operate as a unit the way that Corbin and Cruz do. Both could be contenders in singles competition for any promotion in the area, but somehow they’ve managed to take their skills individually and multiply them by forming such a successful tag team. With a match versus the LONRs for Pro Wrestling Phoenix, an immenent showdown with the tag team that Pearl Harbor’d them out of the 3XW tag belts (Gentlemen’s Club) and a highly anticipated match against Johnny Vinyl & Davey Vega for Lethal Wrestling Alliance on the the horizon, not to mention the AAW Tag Team Titles to defendin one of the toughest tag divisions around, The Northstar Express has an unprecedented opportunity to show they are the best of the best.
On October 1, 2008, both members of The Northstar Express made their way down to MWR Headquarters in Lebanon, MO to talk with me about some of the pressing issues facing them for the remainder of the year and beyond. It was explained to me before the interview that Cruz was preparing for his grudge match against Mark Sterling at 3XW’s “BAM-O-Ween” on October 17, 2008. He wanted to focus on his mindset leading into the match, so his partner Darin Corbin did all of the talking.
First of all, I want to thank you both for talking with me today. There is a growing buzz surrounding The Northstar Express in the MWR coverage area, but people want to know what brought you two together as a team. What brought Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz to the tag team party?
Darin Corbin: Well, we’ve actually known each other since we were in 1st grade, so it’s only fitting that we would end up as a team. I mean, we used to wreak havoc from when we were 7-years old all the way up through school, so why not do it in the ring? I guess you could say it was just fate.
I’ve heard you both make a bold claim to a tag team title from some promotion I’ve never heard of. The interplanetary something or other. What’s the name again?
Darin Corbin: We are the Intergalactic, Presidential, Transcontinental, Atlantic to Pacific, Extreme Tag Team Champions of the Universe. And there is a reason you’ve never heard of it, its not a promotion. It was an honor bestowed upon us by the United Galaxy of Wrestling when we became the first team to win tag titles on another planet. Let’s see any other team boast that. Plus, we have the belts to prove it.
Ah, yes. Anyways, how did you come about winning these belts?
Darin Corbin: Simple, we beat the best that the Universe had to offer. How else would you win tag belts? Huh?
What are your thoughts about pro wrestling in the MWR coverage area (Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois), particularly the tag team scene?
Darin Corbin: Well, I must say that having publicity is always a great thing for pro wrestling. It’s good to see that people’s efforts are acknowledged. And I do believe that we are number one tag team in the rankings, so that can’t hurt right? Anything with the Northstar Express on it turns heads. That’s what we do. But in all honesty, the more the merrier. MWR is definitely covering wrestling positively and you recognize talent when you see it. Keep it up.
Thank you. Recently at a 3XW event in Des Moines, IA, your 3XW Tag Team Title reign was ended by the Gentlemen’s Club (Mark Sterling & Gage Octane) in dastardly fashion after over a year as champs. Care to give your thoughts?
Darin Corbin: A 20 month reign, to be exact.
Well, anybody can come out and win a match when it’s 1-on-2, and they (the opponents) have already had to wrestle another match prior to that and one of them is injured and can’t walk. Pretty stacked deck if you ask me. However, do I just sit here and think about how terrible it was, and say, “that’s not fair guys, give us the belts back”? No. We win them back. That’s what we do.
Imagine this, Northstar Express versus Gentlemen’s Club: no previous matches; both teams at one hundred percent… Come on! There is no way that those too buffoons will keep those belts.
At the same show, you were injured with a possible ACL tear. Care to give the fans an update?
Darin Corbin: Well, the good news is that there was no ACL tear. I thought I was going to be out for eight months to a year originally. Since then I’ve been out of action, and I’ve been to five doctor appointments… nobody has told me what EXACTLY happened. So here’s what I’ve been doing: just waiting. Do you know how hard that is when all you want to do is wrestle?
I’ve got goals to accomplish when I come back. So until then, I’m just waiting patiently getting back to 100%.
What does this injury do for the Northstar Express’ future plans?
Darin Corbin: Well, its not like Ryan Cruz can’t handle himself.
(Corbin points at Cruz, who just simply nods his head once.)
Obviously I’m there for moral support, but you haven’t seen the last of me or the last of the NSE… not even close. Just wait, when we get back together it will be like I never left and we never hit this little snag.
You’re slated to make your debut for St. Louis’ Lethal Wrestling Alliance on October 24, 2008 against a tag team that has gained a reputation for being ruthless in their pursuit of victory, Johnny Vinyl & Davey Vega. First, will you be able to compete as a tag team for that show? Secondly, what are your thoughts on Vinyl and Vega?
Darin Corbin: Hmm… good question. Will I be ready? Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be at one hundred percent, but I want to be there. It wouldn’t be a show without The Northstar Express now, would it?
So you describe Vinyl & Vega as ruthless? You know what…I’m pretty ruthless myself. I injured my knee and took myself out of action! If I would do that to myself, imagine what I’d do to others.
(Corbin laughs.)
Now that my friends…is ruthless.
Here’s a question for you. Is this Vega from Street Fighter II? Because that would be sweet.
No, I don’t think he is.
Darin Corbin: Bummer.
Yeah.
Darin Corbin: Seriously.
Now that we have that out of the way, who do each of you feel is the toughest tag team in the Midwest, other than yourselves?
Darin Corbin: I would have to honestly say the Phoenix Twins. You know what the hard part is about identical twins… they look alike. It’s confusing.
Past or present, what tag team do you feel you’d need to beat to be known as the all-time greatest?
Darin Corbin: Well, I think the best thing we could do is establish ourselves by beating an undefeated team that headlined a major PPV during the wrestling boom.. and once we beat DDP & Jay Leno, I don’t think that anybody can argue with us being the top team in the industry. And then we could get our own late night show.
Final question, guys. Ryan Cruz vs Darin Corbin. Who wins?
Darin Corbin: Unfortunately this match would never take place because the universe would collapse in on itself. Actually, talking about it puts us at risk… let’s end this interview.
The Learning Curve Luke Roberts coaches Eric Davis on the referee’s way of life
By Kari Williams
Since Lethal Wrestling Alliance (LWA) referee Eric Davis stepped between the ropes in July 2005, he credits one man with giving him the experience necessary to officiate matches – LWA President Luke Roberts.
“Luke plays agent for me a lot of times as well as being a mentor. His backing along with an inside friend or two help me get my foot in the door… but we all know that it was the booker’s respect for Luke and his talent… that got me my tryout. He is like my big brother out there at shows, granted a considerably older brother, but brother nonetheless,” Davis said.
Davis never received any official training for his position, but he did gain on the job experience.
“[I] worked on many a show with no real knowledge of what was going on until Luke Roberts took me under his wing. I owe a lot to Luke, he is the reason I have been able to get where I am today,” Davis said.
Roberts first met the young ref while training Kurt Styles just over two years ago. Together, the two men spent “a great deal of time discussing the skills necessary to be a referee.”
“I feel honored to be his mentor. Eric is always looking for ways to be a better referee. There have been many times that he has asked me for advice both inside and outside of the ring. He always wants to give 100 percent,” Roberts said.
Once, while watching a WWE Pay-per-view, Roberts, Davis, Styles and Scott Murphy ended up discussing “what good referees should be able to do on a nightly basis.”
“Having been a former wrestler, I know the importance of things like spatial awareness in the ring, knowing when to step in and keep out of situations [and] speed of counts. There have been several of times where we would referee an event, only to watch it later that evening and see what he could improve,” Roberts said.
These two men knew each other prior to Davis entering the business, which Davis did so for the same reason as many others – he was a fan.
“I always wanted to be in the business after watching as a kid, and I knew a few friends that were training so that was my in into the business. And I became a ref due to the fact that I already had physical issues and knew that my back wouldn’t take all the damage too well at all,” Davis said.
In one match with Rampage Chamionship Wrestilng (RCW) Davis felt that he was put in physical-danger.
“It was Blade and Searcher v. Matt Taylor and Marcus Mansfield. Well, after the match Blade and Searcher weren’t happy with the outcome and attacked me. Searcher chokeslamed me; [then] Blade hit a neckbreaker to the knee and for some reason Mansfield bodyslammed me. I think anytime that a wrestler puts his hands on a ref it’s dangerous,” Davis said.
Nonetheless, he loves what he does, and knows that in matches the best referess are the ones you do not see unless you are supposed to.
“#1” Brett Young
A Sit Down Interview by Brian “Flair” Kelley
Brett Young is hard to forget. Just before his music starts and he comes through the curtain, a voice booms over the loudspeakers:
“The shiznitty of the city and the M.V.P. of this company. I’m the most charismatic guy on the show, because I’m Numero Uno Brett: You-Know!!”
That may very well be an understatement, as Brett Young is a multi dimensional wrestler. Many in this era want to be hardcore, a high flyer, or just simply like the next wrestler, but Brett Young is one of a kind.
Brett Young’s year has been full of ups and downs in 2008. While wrestling with NWA Central States Wrestling (CSW), he was able to win the NWA Kansas Championship in March only to see the organization fall on hard times and cease operations. Though it may have been rough to see a dream come true only to have it fizzle out, Brett went to work for Pro Wrestling Phoenix and quickly set his sights on the PWP Heavyweight Title. He was close to that goal, too, just coming up short in PWP’s August show “Raising the Bar” against the mighty Abu Colossus.
I am happy to have had the opportunity to sit down with “#1” Brett Young.
Brett, when did you decide to become a pro wrestler and who in fact trained you?
In the fall of 1998 was when I started wrestling. Psycho Sandman out of St. Joseph trained me with the help of Michael Strider. As I progressed a few years later in the southern territory of Memphis I actually learned a lot more about the psychology aspect (of wrestling).
[Brett Young had no time for fun and games in this classic match with the monster Abyss for Central States Wrestling.]
In March at a CSW show you were scheduled to wrestle Mark Sterling for the vacant NWA Kansas Championship, but when you arrived you were told by CSW management that you would have to qualify for the opportunity to wrestle Mark for the title later on that night. The twist was this: your qualifying match would not be a one on one contest, but rather an elimination match that would include the likes of Tony Cortez, Hype Gotti, Jeremy Wyatt, Jaysin Strife and Darrien Sanders. What was going on in your mind when you found out that some of the best pro wrestlers in the Midwest were in your way as you attempted to make history?
For one it really pissed me off, because I was already billed as the number one contender, to be prepared for Sterling that evening just to be put into another match with so many obstacles was disappointing, but the cards were dealt. I went into the match with one objective and that was to get the opportunity to become the NWA Kansas Champion.
You were able to overcome the odds of the elimination match, though. The crowd was thrilled and you were in the zone, but such a match surely must have taken a lot out of you. Add on to that the fact that the match with Mark Sterling was that very night. Sterling looked to have underestimated you and seemed to think that with the energy rush of your win and the hard work you had put into it, you would tire and give up. It was a strategy that he would regret. He attempted many sleeper holds and leaned on you throughout the match. In the end, he allowed you to use a little magic in the match when you puled a handkerchief from your ring jacket and, while the ref wasn’t looking, turned it into a three-foot magicians wand which you used to strike Mark Sterling. You followed it up with a “One and Done” for the win. With the crowd chanting “Number One! Number One” you were the NWA Kansas Champion. That match led to you being named the MWR Wrestler of the Month for March. What was that moment in your life like?
Through out the match Sterling really brought his A game and pardon my French, he truly was beating the shit out of me. I just continued to tough it out and in the back of my mind I thought something will happen to give me an opening and I would have something to work with. Eventually he started to get distracted and frustrated. He started to lose his cool and with that opening I felt the energy which allowed me to get the upper hand and bring a little magic to the match. With a little assistance of the wand, I hit him in the throat and like you said, that led to the “one and done” for the win.
That moment in my life was very special. Not only did Central States Wrestling think I deserved a shot, but the NWA believed it as well. I was overwhelmed, joyful, and excited to have such a prestigious belt and it was very rewarding.
In other matches you been known to use magic to your advantage as you did to win the Kansas Championship. Is there any chance that you could change careers on us and be the next David Copperfield?
Though I am very capable to do a small magic show, I do magic for fun and feel as if that is a talent that sets me apart from the many wrestlers who are out there today. Many times I hear the fans call for magic, so it truly has its place in a Brett Young match. It always keeps the fans eyes on the match, as they never know what they might miss.
Brett, it has to be asked, so I’ll just come out and say it. A sad day in the Midwest wrestling community was when CSW announced that they were closing their doors. What did CSW mean to you and do you have any comments for what former promoter Martin T called the “Death of CSW”?
That is very personal to me, because I started in Central States Wrestling. I worked every show that they have ever run in ten years minus three shows. Central States Wrestling is me. It is everything I stand for. It is everything that I have put my whole wrestling career into. I don’t spend my time on the independent circuit looking to get rich. That’s not important to me. CSW was my home and my heart. I felt it was inappropriate whenever Martin T put it in the words of “The Death of CSW”. I felt as if it was also incorrect.
Fine, it was over. They are closing doors. But to be claiming the death of CSW and that you are almighty and destroyed it was disappointing. I put a lot into that company and into Martin T as well as the other people that helped promote, book and put time and effort in Central States Wrestling. I always appreciated and treated everybody good and that was almost a slap in the face. As for the company, I care very deeply about CSW and it is sad. But like all good things, it must come to and end. I must move on and that is what I will do.
On a brighter note, while wrestling with CSW has come to a close, you have been very active with Pro Wrestling Phoenix. Once again when the opportunity knocked, you knocked the door down as you won the PWP 2008 Phoenix Challenge to become the new number one contender to Abu Colossus’ Heavyweight Title. This was after defeating one of hottest stars in the Midwest Arik Cannon earlier in the night. Explain to readers out there, what is a Phoenix Challenge match and what was your strategy going into it?
A Phoenix challenge is an over the top Royal Rumble type match where two men start the match and every thirty seconds or a minute a new wrestler enters the ring until all twenty-five men have been a part of the match. I was the twelfth man and, not to be cocky, but I am smarter than most of these guys who have wrestled for one or two years. When you have been in the business and you have been around for a long time you start to figure things out, so I work smarter not harder. I let them beat themselves up.
It came down to me, Payday Patterson and Arik Cannon. This in itself was a problem, as you stated I had defeated Cannon in a very tough match earlier in the night, but I also was able to get the win on Patterson the month before. These two guys double teamed up on me and attempted twice to eliminate me with the thought that I was over and done but I just never quit and their underestimating me was the one mistake that I would capitalize on. I was the last man standing and looked forward to taking on Abu.
[Brett Young will not let you forget who #1 truly is. From the wardrobe to the smirk on his face, he feels as if he should be the standard that wrestlers are judged by.]
With the victory at the 2008 Phoenix Challenge, you were granted a shot at the PWP Heavyweight title owned by the powerful Abu Colossus in August. Before the match started you claimed that PWP management would have to give you the belt due the fact that Abu would have to forfeit the belt. You even took the time to brag about having some friends “get the job done” yet it was not meant to be as Abu appeared much to your dismay. Throughout the match you did everything you could to get the upper hand without having any luck. You were holding your own on the big man, yet you still had your friends, PWP bad boys Simply the Best (Hype Gotti and “Babyface” Tony Cortez) assisting you with your dirty deeds. Abu would land the Colossal Slam for the win, though. What problems did Abu present and how close did you feel you were to the PWP title?
The night before me and my boys roughed him up when we jumped him outside a supermarket. We took a shot at it and I thought for sure that he would not be able to come and defend his title.
Abu is tough as nails and to be honest even I underestimated how strong he is. When he lifted me with surprising ease, he proceeded to literally drop me on my head and I felt it for days after. I fought and I fought and at one time I thought I would have him prepared for a little magic, but he was not having any of it as he did his homework. On that night he was able to attain the title, but I hope to get another shot and next time it may not be as sweet for him.
That match set up a six man tag team match at Malicious Mayhem in September with you and Simply the Best taking on Abu, Vic Victory and Jaysin Strife.
Abu really wanted to take on myself and Simply the Best, 3 on 1. He really has some balls. Victory and Strife came out and said “let’s make it a six man tag”. I felt very confidant as I have defeated both Victory and Strife. I felt as if I should have beaten Abu. I thought as if we had the match won hands down. The match was wild and had bodies flying everywhere; at one time we had Strife in a world of trouble as we continued to beat him on our side of the ring. As with any time you have so many men in a match anything can happen, before we knew it the match was over and we ended up losing that night.
This year you have had the chance to show All American Pro Wrestling fans the talent that you possess, where else should a wrestling fan hope to see you at and what are your goals as 2008 comes to a close?
I am going to try to pick up bookings in the next coming months. I look forward to wrestling with All American Pro Wrestling in October so definitely check me out there. I plan on working with Tony Scarpone and Underground wrestling in Chicago, possibly in Denver for Rocky Mountain Championship Wrestling. You know you can always see me here in Pro Wrestling Phoenix and I look to take over 3XW, too.
Last but not least, you were the last NWA Kansas Champion. Is there any chance that the NWA will give you the opportunity to face NWA Missouri Champion Dingo? It’s a match that I feel you rightfully deserve?
I would like to do that. I don’t have bad blood with Dingo as he has been a friend in the past, so it would be a match built on respect. He is a great wrestler. Dingo is very talented and agile and has an arsenal of moves that he brings to a match, which makes it hard to prepare for. It would be a challenge but one that I am prepared for, and if I am ever asked, I will bring my all for that match.
I would like to thank Brett Young for taking the time for the interview. Brett is a talented wrestler who has a love and respect for the business and always gives a 100 percent whenever he wrestles. Next month you can see “#1” Brett Young at All American Pro Wrestling in Royalton, IL on October 18th, as well as on October 25th for Pro Wrestling Phoenix where he will battle Chris Havius.
The MWR Awards Committee has grown slightly this month in an effort to spread representation around the coverage area. With that said, here are the results for the September voting:
September Wrestler of the Month
Hunter Matthews [Scott County Wrestling]
[Metro East Championship Wrestling]
[Mid Pro Wrestling]
Matthews had quite possibly his best month in his pro wrestling career, becoming the first wrestler in Scott County Wrestling History to win the Quad Cities Championship on three separate occassions. The title win came about in a grueling “I Quit” match with Dewey Dawson, a man he has been feuding with for months. He also wrestled at Mid Pro Wrestling’s first show, defeating KC Jackson in front of 200 fans to become the first ever Nose Bleed Seats Middleweight Champion.
1st Runner Up – Ryan Cruz [3XW]
2nd Runner Up – “Vietnam Phenom” Bao Nguyen [WLW]
3rd Runner Up – Kraig Keesaman [Whiplash]
Gentlemen’s Club (Gage Octane & Mark Sterling)
[3XWrestling]
Mark Sterling, Gage Octane & Todd Countryman
These two did something that seemed impossible to most 3XW fans… they ended the 20-month 3XW Tag Team Title reign of The Northstar Express, the longest in 3XW history. What’s even more amazing is the underhanded manner in which it was done. Being more underhanded than the Northstar Express in 3XW is tough. The Gentlemen’s Club made it look easy.
1st Runner Up – Zero Gravity (Brett Gakiya & CJ Esparza) [SCW]
2nd Runner Up – Northstar Express (Darin Corbin & Ryan Cruz) [3XW][AAW]
3rd Runner Up – Aaron Masterson & Mad Dog McDowell [MECW]
Others receiving votes: None.
September Woman of the Month
Stacey O’Brien [World League Wrestling]
That's soooo Stacey O!
Stacey continues to hold it down in WLW as Ladies Champ, and was the only female in the MWR coverage area to pick up a victory in the month of September.
1st Runner Up – Amy Hennig [WLW]
Others receiving votes: None.
September Promotion of the Month
World League Wrestling
Harley Race's World League Wrestling
WLW had two shows in the month of September, and both made a huge impact! On September 4th, Bobby Lashley faced Marc Godeker and Go Shiozaki in what looked to be a handicap match at various times during the match, with Lashley picking up the victory. The other show was the annual WLW-NOAH show which took place on September 19th. Both were big successes
1st Runner Up – Pro Wrestling Phoenix
2nd Runner Up – Whiplash Wrestling
3rd Runner Up – Mid Pro Wrestling
Others receiving votes: 3XWrestling.
September Personality of the Month
Gary Giaffoglione [Pro Wrestling Phoenix]
It’s been heard over and over again in MWR conversations: “Not a nicer man can be found in Midwest pro wrestling”. On top of Gary Giaffoglione’s friendly disposition and love of pro wrestling, he takes some of the best pictures on the Indy scene. Don’t take our word for it. Go check out some of his photos here.
1st Runner Up – Todd Countryman [3XW]
2nd Runner Up – Mark Bland [Absolute Wrestling Radio]
3rd Runner Up – Jewells [LWA]
Others receiving votes: None.
September Match of the Month
Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima
vs
Keith Walker & Oliver John [World League Wrestling]
(September 19, 2008 in Eldon, MO)
This match was one of the hardest hitting and crowd pleasing matches of the entire year. At the end of the match, Japanese wrestling legend Kensuke Sasaki got a standing ovation and his name chanted by the Eldon, MO crowd. It was that good.
1st Runner Up –
Fans Bring the Weapons Match:
Chris Havius
vs
Stephen Saint
[Pro Wrestling Phoenix]
(September 20, 2008 in Council Bluffs, IA)
2nd Runner Up –
Cage Match for the SCW Heavyweight Title:
Shane Hollister
vs
Marek Brave
[Scott County Wrestling]
(September 12, 2008 in Davenport, IA)
3rd Runner Up –
Nose Bleed Seats Undisputed Heavyweight Title Match:
Mississippi Madman
vs
Bobby Houston
[Mid Pro Wrestling]
(September 27, 2008 in Decatur, IL)
Others receiving votes:
Last Man Standing Match:
Kyle King
vs
JC Thunder
[Whiplash Wrestling]
(September 27, 2008 in Harveyville, KS)
When I think of pro wrestling and comic books, I think of old WWF comics featuring Ultimate Warrior. Those comics were adaquet for a young fan of pro wrestling and, more importantly, the Ultimate Warrior. There wasn’t, however, much substance otherwise.
Over the past 20 years, fans of comic books and pro wrestling have had nothing that really bridged the two mediums in a sufficient manner. Now we do in the form of Michael Kingston’s comic book series, titled Headlocked.
In Headlocked: Work of Art, Kingston introduces the main story for the entire series. The story tells of a young college student with a theatre major who makes the unpopular decision to drop out of school (where he is doing well) in order to pursue his newfound love of pro wrestling. He will still be in school, just in a pro wrestling school. You know, to be a pro wrestler. The story starts slowly, but by the end of Headlocked: Work of Art it is obvious that the best parts of the story are still yet to come.
I have to admit that I am very excited. This book is the prelude to Headlocked #1, set to release in October. That issue features the first comic cover work by wrestling legend and talented artist Jerry “The King” Lawler!
Another great aspect of Headlocked is Kingston’s desire, like me, to give exposure to independent pro wrestling. In the back of each issue is a special section called “Wrestlers and Promotions You Should be Supporting”. In Work of Art Kingston spotlights two wrestlers, a match, a promotion, and a wrestling-related band. Through an MWR collaboration with Kingston, the second issue of the ongoing series (set to hit stands later this year) will feature a very talented Midwest pro wrestler!
I recommend this book for all. If you are interested in giving Headlocked a try and want to start with Headlocked: Work of Art, look no further than the Missouri Wrestling Revival online store. You can purchase your copy by click here.
MWR Event Report:
Lethal Wrestling Alliance on September 20, 2008
By Kari Williams
On September 20 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in O’ Fallon, IL, the LWA brought yet another night of incredible, fast-paced action for all of the 93 fans in attendance, including the Superfans.
Six-Man-Mayhem: Shamus O’ Flannery v. Mephisto v. Michael Morbid v. Adam Rich v. “Thee” Brandon Espinosa v. Billy McNeil
Bodies flew every which way in the opening bout of the evening as these six men battled it out for an opportunity at the LWA Medallion. Every wrestler showcased his physical attributes, proving that they all deserved the win. This mayhem kicked off the show in tremendous fashion and set the stage for what would come. In the closing moments, Space Station Eleven’s own Billy McNeil pulled off an impressive victory.
Billy McNeil def. O’ Flannery, Mephisto, Morbid, Rich and Espinosa by pinning Espinosa after a neckbreaker.
Dorian Victor & Darin Childs v. “Spoiled” Steven Kennedy & JC Bravo
Two IWA-Texas stars, Childs and Bravo made their debuts in LWA. Both had a good showing, despite the dislike showed by the Superfans. Victor and Kennedy worked as cohesive units with their respective partners, showcasing the level of talent on the roster. In typical fashion, Victor and Childs attempted to cheat their way to victory on numerous occassions. However, it was not to be.
“Spoiled” Steven Kennedy & JC Bravo def. Dorian Victor & Darin Childs when Kennedy pinned Victor.
Luke Roberts’ Statement
Roberts made a point to come out and let all of the fans, as well as those in the locker room, know the consequences that may occur throughout the evening. He stated that if even one man from either the Bearded Men from Space Station Eleven or the Submission Squad came to the ring for any reason other than his match, every member from both factions would be immediately suspended for 60 days.
“Blackheart” Johnny Vinyl & “Spitfire” Davey Vega v. Evan Gelistico & Gary the Barnowl
After the no-contest in August between the Submission Squad and the Bearded Men, both teams sought vengeance. Gelistico and Gary dominated the majority of the match, which caused Vega to say “What you don’t know is that he’s got this perfectly under control,” referring to Vinyl, who had suffered some brutal punishment. The outcome of the match proved that Vinyl truly did have everything under control, as he knocked out Gelistico with a crowbar.
“Blackheart” Johnny Vinyl & “Spitfire” Davey Vega def. Evan Gelistico & Gary the Barnowl when Vinyl hit Gelistico with a crowbar.
Michael Elgin v. Andrew Davis
In a battle of newcomers, neither man had the ability to win over the crowd, despite their athleticism and ability in the ring. Elgin and Davis wrestled a solid match filled with technical prowess, but with neither suceeding in gaining the fans acceptance, one could hardly know whom he or she wanted to win.
Michael Elgin def. Andrew Davis
Dingo v. JT Lamotta
This fast-paced bout began with an impressive display of chain wrestling, immediately followed by a standoff between Dingo and the IWA-Texas star. The match showcased the greatest talent in the area, and beyond, giving all in attendance a look at the best wrestling in the area. Lamotta showed his skill and tenacity, and although he came up short, proved that he warrants a return to the LWA.
Dingo def. JT Lamotta with a roll-up while holding the tights.
First Blood Match for the Heavyweight Title: “Future” Donovan Ruddick v. XXX Jordan Lacey
Ruddick and Lacey tore each other apart in their quests to retain or gain the title. They literally held nothing back as a ladder, a steel chair, a street sign, and even broken glass were brought into the mix. At one point, Lacey pummeled Ruddick with consecutive chair shots to the back. The broken glass became Ruddick’s downfall, despite him being the one to bring it into the mix.
XXX Jordan Lacey def. “Future” Donovan Ruddick by drawing first blood on broken shards of glass
The Aftermath
Only seconds after the bell rang, the Submission Squad attacked Lacey, prompting the Bearded Men—and the rest of the locker room—to come to the aid of their respective parties. Luke Roberts was at a loss of what to do, considering his threat earlier in the evening. During the ruckus, Lacey suffered an injury causing the show to end with a somber feeling.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 