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Posts Tagged ‘Ace Hawkins’

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Black Hand Warriors Back on Top at WLW

Posted by flairwhoooooo on March 25, 2016

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By Patrick Brandmeyer
Photos Brian Kelley

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WLW Ring Announcer Dan Gier

Justin D’Air vs. Mike Outlaw, Junior Heavyweight Title Tournament: WLW hadn’t created a new championship since 2001(!) when the Tag Team Titles were started. At the previous show, Jon Webb defeated Danny Adams and Ace Hawkins pinned Kyle Roberts to advance in the tournament; Webb vs. Hawkins will be one semifinal and this night’s matches would determine the other semifinal. This was the first meeting between these two in the St. Louis area, though they had faced each other in other parts of the country.

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Outlaw was oddly reserved in his entrance and then went into full rulebreaker mode once the bell rang…it was the first time I had seen him in that role in person. Notably, Outlaw turned on D’Air after they lost the High Risk Wrestling Tag Team Titles to Logan & Sterling Riegel, so there was some backstory even if it was on the other side of Missouri. D’Air looked really good with several impressive aerial moves, including a ropewalk into a plancha off the top rope. D’Air rallied and went for the 450 Splash, but Outlaw raised his knees to block the move and rolled up D’Air with his feet on the ropes for the cheap pin in 11:51. Afterwards, Outlaw told the ringside fans that it was just what “outlaws” do.

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Jon Webb vs. Karim Brigante (w/ Miss Monica Passeri): Good to see Brigante and Monica again…they had gone back to Italy for a little while, but recently returned to the Harley Race Dojo. Webb is an odds-on favorite in the Jr. Heavyweight Title tournament and has been expanding his arsenal in recent months; he pulled out an impressive rana counter to a vertical suplex in the match with Leland Race that just aired on their YouTube show. These guys have a really solid matchup; Monica did a fine job of jawing with the fans and interfering when the referee’s back was turned. She has wrestled in Italy (saw a few clips on YouTube) but I don’t think she’s competed in the States yet; I can only imagine the Missouri licensing headaches. Monica’s interference prevented a few chances for Webb to close things out, but it finally backfired as Webb knocked Karim into his valet, knocking her off the apron.

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A few exchanges later, Webb finished with a superkick and Sliced Bread #2 in 8:39…woo.

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Trevor Murdoch (w/ Tag Team Champions Steve Fender & Mark Sterling) vs. Roy Lewis for the Heavyweight Title: Per General Manager Matt Murphy, Murdoch has contractual freedom to hand-pick his challengers…notably, former champion Leland Race did not wrestle on this show (though I’m pretty sure I saw him in attendance).

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Murdoch gave a big verbal buildup for his challenger (he’s WLW’s first Eagle Scout!), but it was obvious that he had picked the inexperienced Lewis with the expectation of an easy night. Lewis was psyched just to get the opportunity to be in the ring with the former WWE Tag Team Champion, but the enthusiasm went away in a hurry as he took a serious beating. The “welcome to wrestling, kid” initiation is continuing for Lewis, obviously. The fans chanted “We Want Leland”, prompting Murdoch to ask “What about Roy?”…heh. Lewis got a late rally, but Murdoch rolled through a cross-bodyblock for the win in 5:36…I think he was in the ropes and may have had a handful of tights as well, but I had trouble seeing from my vantage point.
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The post-match beatdown ensued…all three Black Hand Warriors ran in to brawl with Murdoch and company, but they got the worst of the exchange and were a bit dinged up heading into their matches later in the night.

Heather Patera vs. Stacey O’Brien vs. Lucy Mendez for the Women’s Title: There was an altercation at the previous show that set up this match. Miss Natural and Stacey had battled for the past year or so, but Lucy is also a former WLW Women’s Champion and started her wrestling career with this promotion. In contrast to Dynamo Pro’s alignments, Miss Natural was the rulebreaker in this match while both challengers were fan favorites.

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I was honestly disappointed that this match didn’t get more time; the match was good for what it was, but I think they’re capable of doing even better. Lucy and Stacey started fighting before Miss Natural was even introduced, kick-starting the bout as the champion bide her time and let the challengers fight it out.
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There were some really good triple threat exchanges, including the obligatory Tower Of Doom spot with Miss Natural powerbombing Stacey as she superplexed Lucy. The finish saw Stacey hit the backcracker on Lucy, only for Miss Natural to toss Stacey out of the ring and steal the pin on Lucy in 6:15.

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Jayden Fenix vs. “The Yoga Monster” Mike Sydal, Junior Heavyweight Title Tournament: The winner would move on to face Mike Outlaw in the semifinals. With Sydal in rulebreaking mode for the night, the winner seemed obvious; the Black Hand Warriors have built a pretty strong fanbase in Troy since even before their official turn to fan favoritism. There were a few scattered “Derek Jeter” chants for Fenix but they didn’t last. I haven’t seen Sydal in the heel role as often in recent years, but he’s very effective at it as he focused his attack on the arm. Sydal never had an opportunity to go for the Yogasault; Fenix won with a flying knee strike(a la Mr. Brie Bella) in 10:41.

They played a video on the TV monitors in the building to announce the special guest for the May 14th show: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat! Very cool…will need to check the schedule and see if I’m free for that.

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Elite Aggression (Superstar Steve Fender & “The Fittest Wrestler On Earth” Mark Sterling)(w/ Trevor Murdoch) vs. The Black Hand Warriors (Michael Magnuson & Dave DeLorean) for the Tag Team Titles: This feud stemmed from Fender and Dangerous Derek McQuinn cashing in Fender’s Harley Race Invitational Tournament opportunity after DeLorean and Jayden Fenix had won a four-team tournament for the vacant tag titles; Fender & McQuinn defeated the worn-down champions for the belts immediately after the tourney final. McQuinn suffered a recent injury and Sterling was allowed to substitute as Fender’s tag partner; I had honestly forgotten that Fender & Sterling had been Tag Champs in their own right in the past. Magnuson only recently returned to action, reuniting the original Black Hand Warriors tandem for this grudge match.

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The match was clearly going long as they did the slow build, starting with a lot of quick tags on the Warriors’ side. While Fender & Sterling would seem to be the less-experienced duo, they had teamed in the past so their own continuity was on point as well. The champs were able to isolate DeLorean(disposing of his ever-present T-shirt) and then Magnuson, but the challengers finally regained control and cleaned house. They were able to get Sterling out of the game long enough for Magnuson to hit a Codebreaker on Fender, followed by DeLorean dropping Fender with a superkick and getting the pin in 25:12! We have NEWWWWW Tag Team Champions…Jayden Fenix came out to celebrate with his partners.

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MMWA Presents Valentine Massacre on Feb 13th Gary Jackson vs. J’Mal Swagg

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 6, 2016

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On February 13th, MMWA returns to the South Broadway Athletic Club and you will see a tag team title defense by Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins on the card. MMWA Heavyweight Champion Gary “Night Train” Jackson will be taking on Jr. Heavyweight Champion J’Mal Swagg and there is even rumor we may see  “DirdEY” Jake Dirden.

Also don’t forget you can interact with the crew on the new YouTube channel that goes live with SBACTV and it’s going to be a night of memories.
For ticket information call 314-776-4833 or message us here on our page or the South Broadway Athletic Club Facebook page

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MWR Debuts at Wrestling Invades America in Swansea Illinois on Saturday November 28th

Posted by flairwhoooooo on November 18, 2015

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Wrestling Invades America returns to Swansea, Illinois Saturday November 28th! Dont miss this family friendly night of pro wrestling highlighted by four huge championship matches!

Doors open at 6PM for our Pre Show and the Main Show begins at 7PM!

Tickets are $10 General Admission and $5 for kids!
Location is the Swansea Improvement Hall located at 301 Service Street, Swansea, IL.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Confirmed Matches:
W.I.A. Championship Match
Napier(C) vs. Kevin Lee Davidson

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Pro Wrestling Epic Championship
Brandon Aarons(C) vs. Adam Caster

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W.I.A Tag Team Championship
Chase King and LMC(C) vs. TAT2 and Jon Alan

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W.I.A INTERSTATE CHAMPIONSHIP NO DQ MATCH

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Jimmy D(C) vs. Big Texan w/ Shadeux

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“InFamous” Tyler Copeland vs. Nicolas Newman

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Brandon Espinossa vs. Ace Hawkins

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Mephisto OPEN CHALLENGE

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Gavin Alexander and Taylor Champion vs. Clownman Jacko and Jason Alan

*card subject to change

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MMWA Summer Bash August 15th DaMarius Jones, A. J Williams, Ace Hawkins, Attila Khan, Barackus Moondog Rover

Posted by flairwhoooooo on July 28, 2015

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“Elitism Triumphant in Best of 7 Series at South Broadway!”

Posted by flairwhoooooo on July 13, 2014

MMWA Shows

 

 

By A.K. Edwards

It may have been Christmas in July at the South Broadway Athletic Club, but the action inside the ring on Saturday night was far from cold.

In what was perhaps the most important event in SBAC history, Team Elitism took on Team Harris, the group representing respected commissioner Jim Harris, in a Best-of-Seven series that would determine control of the company.

The theme of the night may have conjured up images of a icy winter, but from this writers point of view, tempers were flaring red hot from the opening bell. Whether it was commissioner Harris bickering with the very despicable Sean Orleans ringside during matches, or Brandon “Espy” Espinosa addressing the crowd, trying to convert the masses to The Elitism–you could feel the intensity in the building from match to match.

Orleans and Espinosa, in particular, had plenty of reason to spew their propaganda. If the Elitism won the night, Orleans would take over as commissioner. While he would get the prestigious title and with it the power, Espinosa would undoubtedly benefit as the top dog of team Elitism. Orleans may be rising his way up the latter in MMWA, but if you follow the strings attached to his back you’ll find the real puppet master behind The Elitism movement: Espy

Espinosa and his band of thugs started the night off quick winning three of the nights first seven matches, thus taking a commanding lead in the race for the control.

Newcomer Kevin Lee Davidson cast a shadow over the ring in his South Broadway Athletic Club debut, as he picked up the pin for Team Elitism in a tag match to start the night off. Chase King and Lamarcus Clinton then cheated their way to a cheap victory over Gary Jackson and Zulu, to extend the Elitism’s lead to 2-0. The crowd jeered and boo’d their disapproval of King and Clinton’s devious ways, but it only seemed to make the dangerous tag team that much more focused, and even more anxious to quiet the obviously pro-Harris fans.

In perhaps one of the more memorable matches of the night, and certainly most historic, MMWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Ace Hawkins successfully defended his title against Andrew “The Wolf” Wilder.

The action was intense, to say the least, as both men risked both life and limb to position a ladder in the center of the ring and climb up to reach gold. Wilder was inches away multiple times, and he certainly made Hawkins earn the strap. But in the end it was Hawkins, with the help of a low blow and other dastardly tactics, who found himself alone at the top of the latter, as he reclaimed his Junior Heavyweight Championship Gold.

To be honest, it was tough to determine who was in worse shape following the hellacious match, and that’s not even taking into consideration the state of the ladders–which were wrecked.

At that point, it was 3-0 Elitism, and Jim Harris and his crew were in trouble.

Whatever Harris said in the locker room during intermission certainly fired up the troops though, as Team Harris raced back to tie the series at three with a flurry of exciting wins.

First, Da’Marius Jones and A.J. Williams defended their tag titles against big  and Orleans. Then, it was Moondog Rover who got the best of Mephisto, who was obviously not as comfortable with the concept of a Dog Collar match as fan favorite Moondog was. Despite Mephisto bringing out a rolled up newspaper in an attempt to shame and beat the beast into defeat, it was Moondog who walked away as the TV Champion.

Finally, despite Barackus‘ best attempts to wake up his claw and put Dave Osborne to sleep, Big Dave captured the Survivor Championship in a grueling 2-Out-of-3 falls match that literally shook the building to its very core.

Tied up 3-3, everything rode on the gauntlet match to end the night. The winner of the gauntlet, which featured competitors from each team competing in 1-on-1 action, would determine who walked away from South Broadway with control of the MMWA.

J-Mal Swagg was the first entrant for The Elitism, but he was pinned after a huge leg-drop from Everett Connors of Team Harris off the top rope. Ace Hawkins then appeared in the ring for The Elitism, but he befell the same fate as Swagg, as Connor’s leg drop found him for the 1-2-3 in the center of the ring.

Down two competitors, The Elitisim was obviously desperate as Sean Orleans made his way to the squared circle. 

Rather than fight, though, Orleans–true to his loud-mouth nature–grabbed the mic to berate Connors, who was red-hot at the moment. The crafty Hawkins, who was still sulking at ring-side, saw the opportunity for yet another Elitism cheap-shot and took it, as he bashed Connors in the back of the head with his Junior Heavyweight Championship title.

Orleans then took advantage, despite the disapproval of the crowd, and went in for the easy pin.

The next member to enter the match for Team Harris was Webmaster Stevie K. The fall saw Orleans trying to run away and plead his way out, as Stevie’s power was too much for him. Outside of the ring, Stevie charged in with a high knee but Orleans moved out of the way, causing Stevie’s knee to collide with the ring post. Orleans took the opportunity to roll in the ring and Stevie was counted out.

The Elitism was now tied 2 to 2 with Team Harris.  The Elitism had regained momentum.

Just as the crowd realized the impending doom of the Jim Harris era, though, it erupted upon realizing who had just returned to the ring to fight for the commish.

It was none other than Shaft, who was given a heroes welcome into the ring by the crowd; as he stalked and pushed the cowardly Orleans around before making the wannabe commish tap-out to his ankle lock.

Not a person was in their seat as Shaft stood over Orleans victoriously, but that moment was short-lived and ruined by Espinosa, who surprised Shaft from behind and then drove his head to the mat with a nasty thud that was heard throughout the building.

Perhaps realizing that the tide had turned in his favor, Espinosa took to the mic to preemptively announce the end of the Harris era, as well as predict a win over Harris’ last chance, Brian James.

Despite Espinosa’s strong words, James entered the ring fully backing up Harris, and it looked like he had a shot until a move from Espinosa found James staring at the ceiling with Espy above him ready to strike. Once again though, Espinosa’s confidence, if not hubris, got he best of him as he grabbed the mic from ringside and berated Harris, while pumping up The Elitism, as well as his own ego.

Before the crowd could catch its breath, the rest of the Elitism came running out of the locker room like a plague, and both James and Team Harris found themselves in very got water. Growing more confident by the moment, Espinosa told Harris that his time was up and that he had nobody left to have his back.

At that moment the doors busted open and Team Harris came out to equalize the situation, though. Both groups stared daggers at each other from across the ring as Espinosa and James continued their bout. Espy landed a big punch, the Elitism erupted. James mounted a comeback, and team Harris cheered, firmly behind him.

Perhaps it was the spirit of competition that suddenly filled the room or sadly, perhaps it was just my own naivety. Either way, though, this writer believed, if just for one moment, that the night would end in the ring with a winner that clearly earned his stripes, while the loser could walk away with his head held high.

Ignorance surely is bliss.

Espinosa would tell you it was a coincidence–truth or not–,but somehow James was sent flying into the referee, which sent the official tumbling across the ring, surely knocked out.

Espy, true to his Elistism nature, saw the opportunity to pounce and barked orders for his crew to attack James. Team Harris wouldn’t allow the injustice to go on for long though, as they were eventually able to clear the ring and restore order back to a one-on-one scenario.

What looked to once again be a fair fight quickly disintegrated back into mischief though, as Orleans, possibly realizing his opportunity was slipping away, attacked James from behind, which gave Espinosa all the time he needed to finish both James and Team Harris off with a wicked chair shot. Metal collided with cranium and James went down, unable to kick out of the 3-count.

It was a truly cold-hearted way for Christmas in July to end at the South Broadway Athletic Club.

Because of the stipulations that led to the Best-of-Seven event, commissioner Harris is now contractually required to resign from his position. Control of MMWA now rest solely in the hands of Orleans, Espinosa and Timmy Miller.

One can only fathom what that means for the state of the MMWA, but it certainly can’t be good.

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Brandon Espinosa Receives an Assist from Jake Dirden to Rip the MMWA Championship from Brian James

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 21, 2014

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Just two months after losing the MMWA Championship to the 2013 St. Louis King of Cable tournament champion” Da Bomb” Brian James in December, Brandon Espinosa is once again the MMWA Champion.

The details of the treachery can only be explained by the two conspirators involved, but either Espinosa, or the 2014 MWR Wrestler of the Year, Jake Dirden are not talking.

The night started out with the biggest crowd in the history of the historic South Broadway Athletic Club as 625 fans came in from the cold for the red hot action. In today’s MMWA you never know what will happen, as was the case when MMWA Commissioner Jim Harris informed Mephisto that he had a match that evening against Harris’s hand-picked opponent.

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You could not tell if the fans or Mephisto were more surprised when Dirden marched to the ring. Mephisto had been on a roll at MMWA, and looked to have Dirden in trouble, but on this night, Dirden was just too much to handle as Mephisto were able to hit the Asiatic Spike for the tapout.

As the crowd celebrated in joy, Espinosa came into the ring to attempt a post-match double-team, yet it would be for naught , as Dirden turned the tide and have Espinosa and Mephisto retreat and run for cover.

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Big” Dave Osborne captured the MMWA Jr. Championship

The big night of wrestling continued as “Big” Dave Osborne captured the MMWA Jr. Championship from “The Enforcer” Jimmy D , Ace Hawkins defeated Andrew Wilder for the MMWA Jr. Championship, mixed in with several of the young stars of MMWA that had the fans on their feet all night long.

It is amazing how fast happiness can make a U-turn in no time. That is what happened when Espinosa and ” James match came to a close. With Barackus, Mephisto and Brandon Gallagher suspended (Mephisto earlier that evening by Harris when he assisted Brandon Gallagher in beating down Gary Jackson after Gallagher submit to the Cloverleaf) it would seem as if Espy was all alone during his chance at the MMWA Championship.

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Wrestling journalist Patrick Brandmeyer recapped the action ….”The referee was bumped as Espinosa hit the brainbuster; Espy went for the move again, but James reversed it into the sitout gourdbuster. There was no referee to count the pin attempt…then Jake Dirden stormed the ring looking for Espinosa. Both men got to their feet as Dirden entered the ring…but Dirden turned around and leveled James with his thumb strike to the throat! Dirden took his leave and the referee recovered in time to count Espinosa’s pin.”

When and how did Espinosa get Jake Dirden to assist him in regaining the MMWA Championship?
Was it planned all along or was he able to make it happen in the final moments before the MMWA Championship?

We may never know, but once again Espinosa has the power at MMWA and Jim Harris has found out quickly that he will have to be at the top of his game to outsmart Brandon Espinosa.

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The 2011 PWI Rookie of the Year Ace Hawkins Regains the MMWA Jr. Championship; Shows his true colors

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 18, 2014

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By Brian “Flair” Kelley

History was made at the Historic South Broadway Athletic Club when Ace Hawkins put up his 2013 MWR Sexiest Wrestling trophy for a chance to become the MMWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion. In a match that saw the two battle it out in a brutal NO DQ match. With vicious strikes from chairs , cookie sheets and kendo sticks, both Hawkins and  Andrew Wilder, had the fans were on edge throughout the furious ten minutes of action.

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The turning point came when Wilder attempted to use a hockey stick only to have Hawkins catch it and as the momentum had swung him around. That’s when Wilder struck down low and hit Hawkins with a low blow. Much to the surprise to the fans and Wilder , Hawkins was unharmed and showed the fans that he was wearing a cup, thus he was protected. Before Wilder knew what hit him, Hawkins hit him low with the hockey stick to become 2-time MMWA Jr. Champion and retain his MWR Sexiest Wrestler of 2013 trophy in front of 625 ecstatic fans.

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Yet, the smiles and screams of the young girls and the respect of the men in attendance was about to come to a screeching halt. Surprisingly, Wilder offered his hand to show respect, possibly for the heart and skills that Hawkins had shown in their feud. You could tell that Hawkins was cautious in shaking the hand of his arch rival, but after an intense few seconds he obliged.

As the two drowned in the cheers of the fans with their hands rose in the air, it looked as if the end of the long feud was over for two of MMWA’s youngest stars. Or so we thought, as Wilder had his head turned from Hawkins, you could see in the eyes of the new MMWA Jr. Champion that a sinister presence was residing in him. Wilder turned to wave to the fans to thank them, Hawkins delivered a shot with the belt, leaving Wilder knocked out, while sending a message that there war was far from over.
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The fans looked on in shock, while the young girls were confused, as their favorite had suddenly done the unspeakable and showed a dark side that they have never seen in Ace Hawkins.

Early on in 2014 the weather has been freezing, but the devil has brought inferno inside of the current MMWA Jr. Champion Ace Hawkins.

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Jake Dirden is facing challengers from all sides…and the Dynamo Tag Team Titles changed hands for the first time in nearly two years!

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 16, 2014

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By Patrick Brandmeyer

The night started at the Stratford Inn in Fenton with Jeremy Wyatt taking on newcomer Andrew Wilder. “The Belt Collector” had his sights set on one of the few championships that he hasn’t held…and while Wilder put up a good fight, he was outmatched in this case. Wyatt forced the youngster to tap out to a unique half-crab variation.

Another favorite in the night’s battle royal was Alexandre Rudolph. Rudolph’s size and power were a major factor in that instance, but he showed his intelligence earlier in the night by reversing Geek Singh‘s armbar attempt into a pinning combination.

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Executive Director Mark Bland hyped the night’s lineup but was interrupted by manager Travis Cook. With Ken Kasa and Dave Vaughn‘s Missouri licensing up in the air, Cook was seemingly left without representation on the show…but he had something else in mind for the evening.

Rivals Mike Sydal and “Showtime” Bradley Charles did battle…Sydal was the crowd favorite on this night and picked up the win after a moonsault while holding his yoga mat.

It was every man for himself in a four-corner bout featuring Jon Webb, “The Alternative” Brandon Gallagher, Ace Hawkins, and Evan “Money” Morris. Alliances formed and were quickly tossed aside as only one man could emerge victorious; that mentality worked in Gallagher’s favor as he took advantage of the chaos that ensued. After Webb hit Sliced Bread #2 on Hawkins, Gallagher threw Webb out of the ring and pinned Ace with feet on the ropes for illegal leverage.

Kevin X took on Mark Sterling in a battle of heavy hitters. Sterling’s crossfit background allowed him to hang in there with the veteran, but Kevin X took home the victory after his signature Pavement Drop. Bland announced that Kevin X would get the next title shot at Jake Dirden at the Off Broadway show…and that brought out the champion himself. Dirden complained that Bland was simply “handing out” title shots to whoever wanted them and that he should only be facing the most worthy challengers. By the end of the night, Dirden would have no shortage of opponents on his agenda.

The title was not on the line as Dirden faced WLW Heavyweight Champion Elvis Aliaga. Aliaga lose a close bout to Dirden in January with the Dynamo Championship at stake; however, Elvis claimed the referee had prematurely called for the bell when he lost consciousness in the Asiatic Spike hold. This time around, Aliaga was all business as he took the fight to his larger opponent…but things got out of control and the fight ended in a no-contest after both men shoved the official. All three referees and Mark Bland entered the ring to restore order, but Dirden laid out Aliaga with the title belt. Dirden took his leave, but not before literally shoving the belt in Bland’s face.

After the Black Hand Warriors scored a victory over Shorty Biggs and Evan “Money” Morris last month, Shorty and his Tag Team Championship partner Outtkast had to defend their belts against the WLW Tag Champs. Michael Magnuson and David DeLorean showed their tag team expertise as they took the champs to their limit, but the Bumrush Brothers turned the tide before Travis Cook made his presence known. The champs and the referee were both distracted and DeLorean took advantage with a low blow on Shorty…DeLorean put Magnuson on top of Shorty and the referee turned around to make the three-count. The Bumrush Brothers’ 22-month reign as champions had ended…and it looks like Travis Cook has a new tag team in his stable! As of this writing, there’s no word on what Kasa and Vaughn feel about the situation…

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The Dynamo Rumble was a situation with no friends or allies…only one competitor could walk away as the winner with a guaranteed Heavyweight Title shot. Several favored competitors entered the fray along with some surprise entrants; Lucy Mendez was the second entrant and the lone female contender, lasting several minutes before being eliminated by Wyatt. Newcomer Andino Giovanni made his return after a long injury layoff, battling several more experienced opponents until being double-teamed by Wyatt and SBC. Rudolph was the powerhouse of the field, eliminating several entrants and lasting until the final four.

Several existing issues surfaced in the midst of the battle; Sydal and SBC locked horns once again, leading to Charles throwing Sydal out of the ring and getting some retribution for his earlier loss. Wilder crossed paths with Wyatt once again and was sent floorward. The Black Hand Warriors had to deal with not only the Bumrush Brothers but also Jack Gamble; Gamble and partner Jon Webb had been targetting the pair’s WLW Tag Titles in recent months. DeLorean eliminated Gamble, but the Black Hand Warriors’ night wasn’t quite over.

Outtkast eliminated DeLorean, then Magnuson entered only to be jumped in the aisleway by Shorty Biggs! Shorty didn’t want to wait for his official entrance to the matchup as he assaulted Magnuson at ringside, then brought him into the ring for a double-team beating and elimination. Undaunted, Magnuson pulled Shorty to the floor from outside the ring…that issue is nowhere close to being settled..

Dan Walsh hit the ring and immediately set his sights on Brandon Gallagher; Gallagher had cost Walsh a match to Kevin X in January and “Walking Reality” wanted to get some payback. Walsh sent his blue-haired rival sailing out of the ring…but Gallagher didn’t call it a night just yet.

Elvis Aliaga was a surprise entrant at #20…he had already tangled with Dirden earlier in the night, but he wanted another shot at the big man even if he had to win the battle royal to do it. The final four of the match were Wyatt, Rudolph, Walsh, and Aliaga…the remaining competitors focused their efforts on Rudolph, allowing Wyatt to finally get him out of the ring. Wyatt threw Walsh over the ropes…and Gallagher(who was still lurking at ringside) pulled him to the floor to cause his elimination!

That left the first and last entrants to battle it out, so Dirden made his way to ringside to observe the outcome. However, his presence was a distraction to the wrestlers in the ring, particularly Aliaga; that allowed Wyatt to knock Elvis off the top rope to the floor, scoring a huge win in the battle royal!

Dirden and Wyatt confronted each other after the match, but Kevin X made his way to ringside to remind Dirden that his title shot is in a few weeks. With Kevin X, Wyatt, and possibly Aliaga in his future, the Dynamo Heavyweight Champion has a lot on his plate in the upcoming months!

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MWR WISH LIST and FEUDS to Watch in 2014

Posted by flairwhoooooo on February 2, 2014

The MWR Wish list for 2014

Brandon Espinosa debuts for 3XW

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By Brian Kelley

The former MWR Wrestler of the year Brandon Espinosa could very well be the most active wrestler in the MWR coverage area . Many people made a great case for him being named as the first 2-time MWR Wrestler of the year this year with a great run as champ at PWE and MMWA.

During the MWR years, the two wrestlers that I have covered live the most are Espinosa and Mark Sterling and make no mistake about it that I have seen two versions of Espinosa. One is the guy that comes in and has one of the best matches on the night, but with him being so busy at other promotions just does not find the traction to show what he really has. On the other side of the coin, is why I call him a “Game Changer”. Take a peak at his time at the historic South Broadway Athletic Club. With the promotion in flux after some promotional changes, Espinosa returned and was a the foundation that brought excitement and havoc throughout 2013.

3XW is a former 2-time MWR Promotion of the year ( an award that has been since done away with) but it is hard to believe that Espinosa has yet to make his way to the Des Moines, Iowa promotion.

With the ego of Espinosa a long term contract for Espinosa could spell trouble and excitement in the championship picture at 3XW. How would the 3XW faithful deal with the flamboyant Espinosa? That is something I would love to see.

Gerald James

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vs.

Jake Dirden

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Dirden is the hot name in the Midwest after touring Japan and coming back to win big matches and Championships on route to being chosen as the 2013 MWR Wrestler of the Year. James was mentioned early on for the award after dethroning Darin Corbin for the St Louis Anarchy Championship and having another year filled with hard hitting matches. James would be the smaller man in this battle, but don’t count him out as he has a track record of battling some of the biggest hard hitting men in wrestling that includes the Necro Butcher, Adam Raw, and Donovan Ruddick.

Could be the defining moment in James career to this point by proving that he was in fact overlooked as one of the best today or will Dirdens raw brutality be the end of James?

Either way I have no doubt that this would be a match that would not forget.

In the end the winner of this match would be the fans.

Ron Powers

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vs.

Michael Elgin

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Many around the country know Michael Elgin as one of the young powerhouses in the sport of pro wrestling. Elgin is a perennial contender for the ROH World Championship and had an impact demolishing Eric Allen at MECW, taking it too the high flyer Billy McNeil at Dynamo Pro Wrestling and recently showing no mercy to JoJo Bravo at St. Louis Anarchy.

So many may laugh at the notion that Ron Powers at the final years of his wonderful wrestling career could hang with the young stallion Elgin in 201. Yet they have not seen Ron Powers in action. Sure he may be in a rare situation of being overpowered by Elgin, but men like Flash Flanagan, Gary Jackson and Ricky Cruz can attest that Powers is meaner than ever.

This match would be a true classic for fans of old school, power on power with two guys that would have no fear of backing down.

One could hope that Elgin vs. Powers happens in 2014.

Stacey O’Brien
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vs

Jordynne Grace

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The 2013 female scene is getting a boost from the likes of Devyn Nichole, who could be the WLW Female Champion this month if she is able to defeat the 6-time WLW Ladies Champion Stacey O’Brien in Rolla, Missouri on the 15th. But if she is unable to wrestle the title from her , then Texas native Grace is a true threat to the dominace of the Irish Catholic School girl.

No female has more of a buzz that the powerful and young Grace, but there has been many to make their way to knock Stacey O’Brien off the mountain, only to find out that that goal can be very difficult to achieve.

Can Grace add her name in the history books with the likes of MsChif, Stacey O’Brien, Josie and Malia Hosaka to become the youngest female wrestler to hold onto the title in 2014.
We don’t know but we would love to see this match.

Jeremy Wyatt

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vs.

Elvis Aliaga

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Wyatt is widely known as the Belt Collector and one of the best wrestlers in the Midwest. Amazingly, Wyatt a native of Kansas City, has yet to challenge for Harley Race’s World League Wrestling Championship. In the first MWR Yearbook we had hoped to see Wyatt challenge former WLW Champion Jason Jones (todays Leland Race ) in a match that never happened.

The son of Harley Race is now on the hunt to return to WLW glory as young star Elvis Aliaga has dethrone him for the title.

One would think that would mean that Wyatt would have an easier road on the less experienced wrestler Aliaga, but we have seen that the current WLW Champion has learned quickly under the watchful eye of the 8-time NWA World Champion Race’s school.

Wyatt, a man that has won more main championships in the MWR coverage area than anyone during the MWR years going after the WLW Championship would be a match that the fans have been clamoring for years.

The Hooligans

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vs.

The Black Hand Warriors

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It’s common knowledge that the Hooligans is the Peyton Manning of the tag team division in the MWR Coverage area. Everyone believes that but…..the Black Hand Warriors. The young studs at WLW has been a force to reckon with since winning the WLW Championship and telling anyone that will listen that they are “BETTER THAN YOU”

Michael Magnuson and Dave Delorean are the kings in the WLW locker room , but for them to prove that they are in fact the top tag team in the Midwest then they will have to look across the ring and see the Hooligans looking back at them.

MWR’s money is on the Hooligans winning early, but with the raw talent of Magnuson and Delorean we could see the two sponge off of the battles to maybe take the title as the top tag team in the Midwest.

“Miss Natural” Heather Patera 

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vs.

Mariah Moreno “The Bloodthirsty Vixen”

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“Miss Natural” Heather Patera could very well be the most underrated wrestler in the Midwest today. The two-time MWR Female of the Year has been ignored in the PWI TOP 50 Female, even though she is one of the few women that can lay claim to have trained under her dad Ken Patera and Harley Race. Miss Natural is wrestling perfection while winning the WLW title for a sixth time and then battled Shelly Martinez at ICP’s The Gathering of the Juggalos.

Natural has done it all in the Midwest, including starring at SHIMMER and in Chicago’s AAW. Today she is a marked women, if someone wants to lay claim as the best female in the Midwest they will have to go through her.

With that target on her back there is one wo— man that may be on the way to the Midwest to end Naturals reign on top. Both women that has a history with former WWE Star Shelly Martinez, the one and only transgender wrestler Mariah Moreno “The Bloodthirsty Vixen”.

Moreno has battled Mickie Knuckles and lived to talk about it. This match could be as physical and punishing as any match in the history of women’s wrestling in the Midwest.

MWR FUTURE STAR MATCH

Showtime Bradley Charles

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vs.

Raphael King

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vs

Alexander Rudolph

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vs.

ACH

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vs

Brian Breaker

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The MWR Future Star award is my personal favorite award that we present each year. Presented to the man/women that we not only feel is a talent to make a lasting impact, but also the wrestler that has shown the drive to improve their training and willingly to travel the roads to be the best that they can be.

Each year we have done a great job with our picks and due to the fact that this year we had 2 talented wrestlers going over and beyond, we decided to honor 2 wrestlers for the first time.

Showtime Bradley Charles is the first ever MWR Future Star recipient in 2010, a man that has sought out training around the world and is getting better with each and every match. In 2011, the power of Brian Breaker exploded onto the scene and was picked up shortly after by WWE as a developmental wrestler in Florida. In 2012, Texas native ACH made his way to SLA on route to KC’s Metro Pro Wrestling and many of the other top promotions in the area. Since then he has signed a contract for ROH. This year the 3rd runner-up for the PWI Rookie of the Year, Raphael King was chosen and a man that is coming into his own is another powerhouse, Alexander Rudolph who has worked all the top promotions in the Midwest, but has upped his game wrestling around the country and took part in the WLW Harley Race WLW/WWE/NOAH camp.

Which one of these men would come up on top in 2013? Would it be the charismatic and the breathtaking moves of ACH? How about the perfect combination of power and wrestling of Brian Breaker? Raphael King may be a rookie, but he has been wrestling like a seasoned pro, so don’t tell him that he is the underdog because of his experience. Can Showtime send a message on why he was chosen first and have his hand raised under the lights in this huge match or will Alexander Rudolph not be denied.

Feuds to watch in 2014

Ace Hawkins vs. Andrew Wilder

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Ace Hawkins has won the PWI Rookie of the Year and this past years the 2013 MWR Sexiest Wrestler of the Year. Andrew Wilder has won the Jr. Heavyweight title. Though we honestly did not know who Wilder really was last year during the Sexiest Wrestler of the Year voting , we quickly learned after presenting Hawkins with the award at the SBAC as he yet to stop complaining that he was not included in the contest.

Still, one can not deny that Wilder has surprisingly became Hawkins biggest challenge in the Midwest as he has been a thorn in the side of the fan favorite at each and every night the two are in the same building.

With the emotions and anger at an all-time high Wilder took the notice that Hawkins was wanting a no-DQ match for Wilder’s title. Wilder demanded that Hawkins put his “Sexiest Wrestler” award on the line against his belt.

That exciting match is set for FEB 8th and with title vs. Award on the line everyone here at Missouri Wrestling Revival is hoping that the outcome will end the yearlong hateful e-mails and rude comments from Wilder on the Sexiest Wrestler of the Year award.

SLA originals vs. the rest ??

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The shocking events at SLA has seen Gerald James teaming with former rival Jeremy Wyatt to stop young fan favorites Mat Fitchett and Davey Vega from becoming the kingpins of the SLA. Then James was at it again as he has brought Jordan Lacey into the fold after he showed his true colors by attacking his tag team partner Alexander Rudolph in the last moments at the Anarchy show.

What is going on and why as it seems as if the SLA Gerald James, Jeremy Wyatt, Jordan Lacey, Dorian Victor, and Greg Jovi has the SLA at their mercy?

Ricky Cruz vs. SICW management

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We have covered Cruz’s impact on the Midwest for the past couple of years at Missouri Wrestling Revival as he has touched the hearts of fans throughout the coverage area. His title reign at SICW was exciting, then he backed it up with a huge win against former NWA World Champion Adam Pearce at Dynamo that brought us to our feet, while his quick rise to challenge arch rival Jeremy Wyatt for the 3XW Championship surprised no one.

What has surprised us though was the comments and attitude of Ricky Cruz on the latest SICW Wrestling Explosion Show. Is Cruz losing it?

Editor’s note: This was wrote before the SICW show on January 18, that saw Ricky Cruz show his true colors by superkicking Ron Powers as he was the ref in Powers and Flash Flanagan’s grudge match at the standing room only at East Carondelet, Illinois.

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MMWA Starts Off 2014 with an Eventful Show

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 29, 2014

By Patrick Brandmeyer

A new commissioner would be revealed. A massive newcomer would make his in-ring debut. Several championships would be defended. Those were the stories going into the first show of 2014 for the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Alliance.

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Brandon Espinosa and Lynn Mephisto continued their habit of kicking off the show. As the two ran their mouths in the usual fashion, they took the time to hurl insults at former senior official Jim Harris in the audience. They were no strangers to the retired referee as Mephisto had manhandled Harris at previous shows. At that moment, ring announcer Ben Simon got a text message from the as-yet-unrevealed new commissioner…the two would have to participate in the night’s battle royal as well as their scheduled tag match.

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Da’Marius Jones had a rough night ahead of him as he was the first opponent for the huge Barackus. The super heavyweight had made his first appearance at the December show by costing Dave Osborne his shot at then-champion Espinosa. Jones gave it his best shot but couldn’t overcome the size disadvantage…Barackus dropped him with a clawhold Flatliner and the referee stopped the match, awarding it to the big man by way of a knockout.

Mephisto had an opportunity to regain the Battle Royal Title he lost in December…and earn a shot at Television Champion Jimmy D in the process. However, five other men had the same goal, including defending Battle Royal Champion Stevie K and Mephisto’s own partner Espinosa. This time around, Gary Jackson would not be an outside factor…The Webmaster earned the victory with no questions asked. He took advantage of several instances of miscommunication to eliminate both Mephisto and Espinosa, retaining his title and moving on to a shot at Jimmy D.

With his manager Sean Orleans absent due to a suspension, Jackson Whitechapel had to fly solo against his recent rival Moondog Rover. The lack of focus on Whitechapel’s part may have been his undoing as the fan favorite cruised to victory, getting the pin after a huge spinebuster.

Junior Heavyweight Champion had been dealing with challenges from Ace Hawkins for several months. He scored a tainted victory over Ace in October, then lost to him in a non-title King Of St. Louis Cable Tournament bout in November. Wilder battled Hawkins and Da’Marius Jones in a triple threat matchup in December; the opportunistic “Wolf” got a cheap pin on Jones, but Ace remained in contention.

Hawkins teamed with J-Mal Swagg against the unusual team of Wilder and Flaming Freddie Fury.
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The bout started fast as all four men brawled, not giving Ben Simon the opportunity to announce the match stipulation. In the end, Wilder resorted to a low blow on Hawkins and got disqualified…he may have escaped from a worse beating on that night, but cost himself a different opportunity. As Ben announced after the bell, the winners of the match would name the stipulation for February’s Wilder-Hawkins title match! Hawkins wanted a no-disqualification match, thus keeping Wilder from taking the easy way out of another title defense. However, Wilder felt he had already proven himself to be the better man and wanted Ace to put something on the line as well: His Missouri Wrestling Revival “Sexiest Wrestler” award! The February matchup will be title belt vs. award plaque!

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Webmaster Stevie K had a shot at double gold as he sought to add the Wild World Of Wrestling Television Championship to his Battle Royal Title. However, Jimmy D wasn’t about to let his third title reign end so quickly…when the going got tough, D took a walk and got counted out to save his title.

Big Dave Osborne seemed to be in a sportsmanlike mood as he took on A.J. Williams. It was a battle of power and size against speed and agility, but an outside factor would decide the outcome. Barackus made another appearance and the distraction led to Osborne falling prey to Williams’ superkick. The big man laid out Osborne with his clawhold Flatliner after the match, making another statement at the expense of the former Heavyweight Champ.

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The main event of the evening had bad blood on all sides…new Heavyweight Champion Brian James teamed up with former titleholder Gary Jackson against Espinosa and Mephisto. The referee had trouble maintaining law and order and soon it erupted into a full-scale fight. The official counted all four men out of the ring but that didn’t end the war by a longshot!

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Barackus entered the ring and assisted Espinosa and Mephisto in their assault on James and Jackson, revealing his allegiance to the self-proclaimed young guns of the promotion.

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Jackson was handcuffed to the ropes as the trio focused their attention on Brian James, but the new commissioner finally revealed himself and ordered a stop to the attack: It was Jim Harris!

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Harris acted swiftly, suspending Barackus for a month after his repeated interference in matches. He announced that Espinosa would get a title rematch with James in February, but it would be his ONLY rematch for the gold. Finally, he announced that he had a surprise for Mephisto…and we would all have to wait until the February show to find out what that surprise is!

February 8th is already shaping up to be a major event with two titles on the line…new Commissioner Jim Harris has already made his first step in restoring law and order to the MMWA!

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