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Posts Tagged ‘Bobby Lashley’

2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mike Chapman

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 1, 2011

History should
be studied
because it
is essential to
individuals and
to society, and
because it
harbors beauty.

Pro Wrestling fans are passionate about their love of the drama and action inside the squared circle. In a sport where the desire for us, the fans to know more about our heroes and villains more than ever, we are very fortunate to have websites, shoot interviews, movies and documentaries to fall back on.

Growing up I dreamed of a Hall of Fame for the stars that I saw in publications such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Wrestling needed a Hall of Fame just as baseball has Cooperstown New York and the NFL Canton Ohio. Sure, many magazines had a Hall of Fame on paper but I wanted more. I wanted to see the championship belts, photos and posters from past shows.

To be honest, coming from a boom time for pro wrestling in the 80’s with “Rock and Wrestling”, I still lived in a small town in the Midwest where there were still many that did not understand my love for wrestling. I thought that if a Hall of Fame was to exist I would have to make my way to New York or California to see such a wonderful museum.

Thankfully, we have one of the leading authorities on wrestling history in Mike Chapman living right here in the Midwest. Mike took his passion for amateur and pro wrestling and parlayed his talent to provide wrestling fans around the world a chance to gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our heroes.

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Mike and Bev pose for a photo in the ring in the Pro Wing of the Museum. (Photo Courtesy of Mike Chapman’s website)

Now fans young and old can come together to look back and remember the stars of yesterday at the The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo Iowa. Mike Chapman founded the museum in 1998. With several years of hard work he retired from the museum on October 31, 2009 to devote full time to his new magazine, Iowa History Journal, and to write books.

Mike has represented the Midwest and the wrestling world with class and honor by promoting the sport as a public speaker, an author of 21 books (14 about wrestling) and his work has appeared in dozens of national and regional magazines.

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In his books wrestling fans are able to take a trip back into time to look back at the incredible careers of Frank Gotch in “Frank Gotch: His Life and Legacy” and one of my personal favorite wrestlers and human beings Dan Hodge in “Oklahoma Shooter: The Dan Hodge Story”.
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Fans of today are well aware of the talents that the collegiate wrestling world has as many in wrestling such as Bill Miller, Jack Brisco, Bob Geigel Brock Lesnar, Ken Shamrock, Steve Williams, Bobby Lashley, LeRoy McGuirk and of course Kurt Angle . Each of these men have all become important wrestlers in the pro ring at one time or another.

If some of these names are people that you may not know, I urge you to check out the museum or look them up, each a champion in their own right.

Let’s look at just a small part of his resume.

Mike is the founder of W.I.N. Magazine, considered by many the nation’s top amateur wrestling publication; the WIN Memorabilia Show, which draws 8,000 fans each year to the NCAA Championships.  Mike has been important in the jumpstarting the “Dan Hodge Trophy,” which goes each year to the top college wrestler in the United States. It has been called “the Heisman Trophy of wrestling.”

Mike has earned the respect of many in the sport by being named in six Hall of Fames the AAU National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2002 he  received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC), an organization of boxers, wrestlers and movie actors. In 2007 he received the Order of Merit for lifetime achievement from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the President’s Award from the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association.

As a reporter, he has attended 38 NCAA wrestling tournaments, two Olympics and two World Championships. He has won numerous awards for journalism and writing. He has been named National Wrestling Writer of the Year five times, by four different amateur wrestling organizations.

He has met and interviewed such people as Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, Robert Redford, Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk from TV fame), Denny Miller (Tarzan actor and star of “Wagon Train”) and many other famous stars of movies and sports.

Mike has appeared on numerous TV shows –including the networks ESPN, A&E, Fox Sports, Iowa Public Television and Fox and Friends. He has been the guest on over 200 radio talk shows. He has produced three wrestling videos and has two screenplays in Hollywood, including “GOTCH: An American Hero.” The movie rights are owned by Empire Film Group and it is currently in pre-production.

As an athlete, he competed in wrestling, judo, sombo and bench press contests. He once bench pressed 440 pounds at a bodyweight of 205.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Mike Chapman in Newton Iowa, the original home of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum several years ago during an annual Hall of Fame. Several of my heroes from years past where in attendance in 2005 along with theInduction of Harley Race to the HOF.

Terry Funk, Verne Gagne and Larry Hennig were just a few that where there to sign autographs for the each and every one of the fans in attendance. Still one of the fondest memories that I had of that trip to Newton Iowa was how nice this guy that worked for the museum was towards Dubray and I. He spoke to us just like he had known us all of his life, telling stories of the displays and the posters on the wall.

We left that day in Newton with the perception that he just worked there and enjoyed what he done. I would later find out that that worker was none other than Mike Chapman, the founder of the museum, a man who had rubbed elbows former World Champions in Boxing and wrestling, Presidents of the United States, and some of the top Hollywood stars.

At Mike’s website this quote was stated

The mission of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum (DGIWIM) is to preserve, maintain and promote the long and illustrious heritage of mankind’s oldest sport in a manner which will benefit the sport, educate and entertain the public, and to inspire youth to dream big and work hard.

Mission accomplished Mike, this Lifetime Achievement Award is a thank you from the fans of the Midwest and around the world.

Editors Note: Please come back to MWR in the future for updates on the progress Mike latest project as he has been working with a committee in Humboldt, Iowa – the hometown of Frank Gtoch – to build an eight-foot statue of the world heavyweight champion (1908-1915) in the center of town.

If all goes as plan we hope to cover this historic occasion at Missouri Wrestling Revival
Please take the time to check out more information of Mike Chapman at his website here.

Fans of wrestling should check out the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum website here and make plans to see it live in 2011.

Brian Kelley
Missouri Wrestling Revival

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Introducing Ohio Valley Wrestling Trainee Michael Hayes

Posted by flairwhoooooo on December 7, 2010

Last month at Pro Wrestling Epic we were on hand to watch the PWE Champion the Mississippi Madman team up with former WWE’s Eugene to take on “The Future” Donovan Ruddick and Mason Beck.

During the evening I had the chance to sit down with a young Michael Hayes. Hayes is just beginning to train under Eugene (Nick Dinsmore )and the rest of the staff at Ohio Valley Wrestling.

The website says it best

Ohio Valley Wrestling is recognized around the world as one of the finest professional wrestling training facilities in the industry. OVW counts among its many accolades that it was once one of the official developmental programs for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the sport’s leading promotion.

Over the years, OVW has trained over one hundred superstars for the WWE, including many current and past WWE Champions: Batista, John Cena, Victoria, Doug and Danny Basham, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Randy Orton, plus many more including Rob Conway, Eugene, Sylvan Grenier, Bobby Lashley, and Lance Cade.

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, OVW‘s training center is under the supervision of OVW owner “Nightmare” Danny Davis, a former pro wrestler with nearly 30 years’ experience in wrestling, managing, promoting, and training, with Rip Rogers as lead trainer – who is a veteran pro wrestler and trainer in his own right.

Let me share with you a special interview I did with Hayes.

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WLW recap March 20th – “Rowdy” Roddy Piper meets Steve Anthony

Posted by flairwhoooooo on April 15, 2009

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

World league Wrestling has spoiled fans in Sedalia Missouri this past year. Last September WLW treated them with a special appearance by former WWE Wrestle Mania Star Bobby Lashley. (for a recap of the show click here)

Less than a year later on March 20th WLW returned with one of the most influential wrestlers in the history of the Sport, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Piper was instrumental in the wrestling boom of the 1980’s when his feud with Hulk Hogan fueled interest in the sport worldwide. Roddy Piper and Harley Race in the same building, talk about a treat and luckily for me it was only 2 hours away.

I had purchased front row tickets for my cousin Paul and a young kid named Josh that he wanted to spend time with prior to the show. Paul had only been to one show before, which happened to be a WWE show. I had promised him that there was nothing like sitting front row for an indie show and knew that WLW could deliver on that promise.

I was only able to get to the show 15 minutes prior to bell time due to the fact that I was unable to get off work. The bad day was all erased when I walked in the building that was full of people waiting for some hard hitting wrestling action. WLW announced that they were going to start the night off with Roddy Piper signing autographs. It seemed as if everybody in the building had something for the “Hot Rod” to sign. I went to set up for MWR while my cousin and his friend got in line to meet Piper.

The night started off perfect when Dan Gier thanked everyone for coming and he even was kind enough to mention to the crowd that MWR was there covering the event and to please check out the website.

“Superstar” Steve Fender started the show off to take on one half of the WLW tag team Champions Dustin Lane. Lane surprised me when he was able to take it to Fender early in the match. When it looked as if Fender would get the upper hand Lane stopped any momentum that the “Superstar” would have. Lane was surprisingly one step ahead of him going into the five minute mark.

Dustin Lane takes it to the “Superstar” (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Dustin Lane takes it to the “Superstar” (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Lane executed a perfect “Stinger splash” or in this case a Lane splash in the corner and went for what looked to be an easy win. Fender kicked out and struggled to get to the corner to catch his breath and asking for a time out! Lane’s inexperience showed because when he went towards Fender, Fender struck and threw him head first into the turnbuckle.

The change of momentum had happen and Lane felt big chops and kicks methodically coming from all directions. The crowd was not happy at all with Fender and the way he was punishing the young champion. Fender continued to work Lane over left and right. One moment it would be a knee to the back the next it would be a kick to the stomach. Lane countered with an atomic drop in the corner ring post, followed up with a clothesline that had Fender reeling. Lane really looked to have the chance to take down the talented Fender but in a blink of an eye, Lane made one mistake going for a roll up, allowing Fender to put smother Lane for the 1-2-3.

The “Vietnam Phenom” Bao Nguyen recently brought excitement in the Midwest for his impressive showing at WWE’S ECW. Nguyen was the next to enter the WLW ring much to the delight of the WLW faithful. Nguyen’s opponent was the most recent graduate of the WLW academy Jason Jones. I am always excited to see a new wrestler and one that has graduated from the WLW School.

WLW most recent graduate Jason Jones (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

WLW most recent graduate Jason Jones (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Jones quickly established that he was not the fans friend and they responded in kind. You suck chants for Jones rang through the building and Nguyen used his speed and drilled Jones with a perfect dropkick. Nguyen went to the top and attempted to hit a high risk move on Jones, but Jones was wise enough to move out of the way and strike with a devastating clothesline.

Two of the young guns went at it back and forth, with Jones exhibiting an impressive power and skill level that will pay huge dividends to his career. Jones attempted to slow down Nguyen with power moves but Nguyen has showed in his time at WLW he should never be counted out. Nguyen hit a savate kick to Jones head.

Bao Nguyen had Jason Jones on the run (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Bao Nguyen had Jason Jones on the run (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Nguyen went for the pin but Jones got the save by touching the ropes. Nguyen showed shades of Rey Mysterio JR when he hit a 619 then he springboard off the ropes and delivered another great kick to Jones head. With the crowd in an uproar the ref hit the mat for the third time and Nguyen was proud to have his hand raised in a hard fought battle.

I imagine that I am showing my age with this next statement but I was excited when Amy Hennig entered the ring with David Lee Roth’s awesome “Yankee Rose” song to take on WLW Champion Stacey O’Brien. O’Brien and Hennig have feuded for almost a year now with the Irish bad girl always being one step ahead. Hennig has shown more confidence in her ability the past few times she has battled O’Brien and on this night she was the aggressor. The MWR Female of the Year O’Brien retreated to the outside and Hennig held her ground and waited for O’Brien to return to the ring. O’Brien returned to the ring and continued her dominance until a kick to the midsection to the air out of Hennig.

Amy Henning and Stacey O’Brien was all business in Sedalia (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Amy Henning and Stacey O’Brien was all business in Sedalia (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

O’Brien slowed down Hennig’s exuberance by leaning and pounding on her much to the crowd disdain. O’Brien made one of her few mistakes when she traded punches with the more powerful Hennig. Hennig followed it up with a body slam. Hennig went to the top and hit a snap mare then went for the pin. The foot on the ropes saved the Champion for the time being. O’Brien was hurt and Hennig was ruthless in her attack, but Hennig went to the well one too many times when she went to the top to deliver a dropkick. O’Brien moved out of the way as Hennig hit the mat head first. O’Brien quickly sensed that Hennig was hurt and went for the pinfall that would get her a win in what maybe O’Brien’s toughest match between the third generation superstar.

The Tag team Championship was on the line in the next contest as the defending Champions Darin Waid and Dustin Lane took on Brian Breaker and his tag team partner “Superstar” Steve Fender. Breaker and Lane started the match off, with Lane showing that he could utilize his speed to offset the power of Breaker at least for the start of the contest. Lane tagged in his partner Waid and in return Breaker tagged in Fender. Waid and Lane was a chess match as the two exchanged moves

The tag team Champions Darin Wade and Dustin Lane works over Brian Breaker (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

The tag team Champions Darin Wade and Dustin Lane works over Brian Breaker (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Lane and Waid really seem to mesh well with one another and seemed to give the tag team of Fender and Breaker fits. When Breaker returned to the ring he was able to power Lane in the corner, when the ref tried to break them up Breaker struck and hit a kick to get the edge for only as second as Lane used his speed to get the upper hand once again. The Champions quickly tagged in and out while beating down Breaker while keeping him on their side of the ring.

When Waid threw Breaker in the corner and went full force to deliver a move Breaker put up a foot and changed the direction of the match. Breaker wisely tagged in a very fresh Fender. Fender and Breaker were now the tag team who took advantage of the quick tags and double teams. The Champions used their speed once again to get out of trouble and get on the offensive. Breaker bailed out of the ring as Lane was lighting him up. Lane showed his inexperience when he went after Breaker around the ring. Breaker had entered the ring with Lane right behind him and that’s when Fender took the cheap shot to get the advantage.

Dan Gier stated that 15 minutes had expired and it looked like we may have new WLW Tag team champions with Lane taking a thrashing from the challengers. The crowd did their best to cheer on the young Champions. Lane needed the tag to Waid. Fender was taking the life out of Lane with an abdominal stretch in Fenders side of the ring. Lane was able to fight out of that only to have Fender beat him to the ground. At one time Lane desperately jumped for a tag to his partner only to have Fender catch him and pound him into the mat.

Then the opening the Champions needed happen, Fender and Lane hit head first but could Lane get up and complete the tag before Fender could stop him or make the tag himself? Lane got the tag to Waid and Fender to Breaker. Waid was on fire and hit a flying leg drop from the rafters and would have got the victory if Fender had not interfered. Fender and Breaker pulled out all the tricks but Waid was one step ahead of them still.

Waid hits Breaker with a big move. (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Waid hits Breaker with a big move. (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Waid threw Breaker to the ropes but Breaker reversed and hit a clothesline that sent Waid flying in the air into a 360 onto the mat. Breaker must have felt confident or my guess dazed at that moment because he went to the top but took too much time. Waid was able to hit Breaker and then struck quickly with a top rope diamond cutter for the victory as Lane kept Fender from making the save.

Rowdy Piper was introduced to the WLW crowd after taking the time from autographing the Polaroid’s. Piper said the crowd was beautiful, and one in the crowd chanted for Piper to take down Chris Jericho. Piper then asked if they wanted him to take out Jericho or Vince McMahon at Wrestle mania. He then wanted to thank Harley Race and wanted the fans to know that he loved them with all his heart.

The main event was for the WLW Championship as the Champion “The King of the 450” Steve Anthony defending his title vs. the powerful Marc Godeker with a twist. The special referee was none other than Former WWE and WLW alumni Trevor Murdoch.

Trevor Murdoch tries to contain WLW Champion Steve Anthony and Marc Godeker in the corner. (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Trevor Murdoch tries to contain WLW Champion Steve Anthony and Marc Godeker in the corner. (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

These two wrestlers have very little weakness in their repertoire. Anthony has the ego and skills to keep him at the top of the WLW but even he had to be worried when Godeker held him up for close to 10 seconds in a standing suplex before smashing him into the mat.

Marc Godeker sends a message to Anthony of the power he possesses. (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Marc Godeker sends a message to Anthony of the power he possesses. (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Anthony struck back when he went low to the challenger’s knees; with that one move Anthony had the offense along with the fans disdain. One may not like the champion’s attitude but you can not dismiss his talent and the skills he possess. Anthony though seemed to not like the way the special ref Murdock would reprimand him and the two came face to face several times as Anthony used questionable tactics.
wlw-mecw-3-21-3-22-168
At the ten minute mark Anthony attempted a Frankenstein and Godeker caught him and flung him into the corner post like a rag doll. Anthony was able to fight back but Godeker’s power was phenomenal and kept Anthony from ever really dominating as he has shown he can with others in the past.

Godeker dragged Anthony to the corner and went for a 2nd rope splash but Anthony put his feet up then went to the top to hit the 450 to retain the title.
wlw-mecw-3-21-3-22-170
You could tell that Murdoch did not want to raise the hand but did the right thing and walked away. Anthony could not resist to let the crowd know how he felt” I am going home as your world champion and I saw the Hot Rod (Roddy Piper) come out all night and try to get a pop at the house that I built. You came here to see me( The crowd was louder and louder and louder and when Piper came through the curtain) Anthony stated that he use to respect him (Piper) but he is now a changed man and only cares what the fans think. Anthony kept it up as Piper came to the ring, “ Piper I saw you were in the back telling the young guy (Wrestler) you put your hand around them and said let me give you some advice kid, well guess what Piper we don’t need your advice. I normally give out my bibs to the girls that drool for me but I have one for you.

Anthony taunts Piper (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Anthony taunts Piper (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

He would not quit taunting the “Hot Rod” Piper never one to back down a fight was taking off his jacket ready for a rumble. Anthony then demanded that Piper watch as Murdoch raised the hand of the Champion. Murdoch did so and when he attempted to leave the ring Anthony made the mistake to try to pull him back only to catch a punch straight to the face. Piper then jumped in the ring to have fun at the Champions expense. The two of them kicked Anthony out of the ring to finish off a great night of wrestling.

Roddy Piper works over Steve Anthony (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

Roddy Piper works over Steve Anthony (Photo Credit Paul Alberson)

I asked my cousin and his friend what they thought of watching live WLW wrestling from the front row. Paul said that he would had a lot of fun and was thinking about going to see WLW live when they return to Slater Missouri on April 18th with special guest Trevor Murdoch. I had no doubt that he would like it.

For more information please check out World League Wrestling

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ABSOLUTE WRESTLING RADIO 3-22-2009 Bobby Lashley/Danny Bonaduce/TNA/WWE

Posted by flairwhoooooo on March 27, 2009

CHECK OUT THE LATEST EPISODE OF

ABSOLUTE WRESTLING RADIO

ON OUR PODCAST PAGE

THIS WEEK THEY talked about

Bobby Lashley/Danny Bonaduce/TNA/WWE

GOTO:

http://mwr.podomatic.com/

awr1

TO LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW AND ALL THE OTHER ABSOLUTE WRESTLING

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MWR September 2008 Awards

Posted by Admin on October 4, 2008

MWR September 2008 Awards

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]

Others receiving votes: Gary Jackson, Tojo Yamamoto Jr., “Serial Thriller” Shane Rich.

 

September Tag Team of the Month

Gentlemen’s Club (Gage Octane & Mark Sterling)
[3XWrestling]

Mark Sterling, Gage Octane & Todd Countryman

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]

Thats soooo Stacey O!

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 Races 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)

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Your Trip to Space Mountain- Bobby Lashley and WLW

Posted by Admin on September 11, 2008

Your Trip to Space Mountain

By Brian “Flair” Kelley
flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com

I woke up on Saturday morning and almost decided to not attend the WLW event that evening as I would be checking them out the next weekend in Moberly. I was also concerned that I would not be able to get tickets as it may be a “sell out”, But as the morning came to a close, I couldn’t resist. My girlfriend and I left for Sedalia, Mo for W.K. Chevrolet where former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley was to sign autographs.

While waiting in line the Noon Day Optimist Club announced that they had tickets for sale, I picked up second row tickets and was all set for the evening. Before I knew it some kids in the line were excited and yelling “He is here, Bobby Lashley is here… and he is huge!”


When I first caught sight of Bobby, the child was right, he was huge, he was all smiles and, with kids jumping up and down around him, he gave them high fives and exclaimed he was glad that they were there. He headed to the table to sign Autographs and take pictures. We took our pictures and said hello to one of my heroes, Harley Race, and headed off to supper prior to the show.


The show started off with Akiyago taking on Brian Breaker in the opening contest. Akiyago is despised by the fans and he used mind games to keep Breaker from using his power to his advantage and was able to get the win. But before he left, he couldn’t resist the urge to antagonize the fans, who were not happy that he had won.

Akiyago has Brian Breaker on the ropes.

Up next was fan favorite “The Vietnam Phenom” Bao Nguyen taking on the newcomer Dustin Lane in his wrestling debut. The match started off in a slow pace and before I know it the two wrestlers where hitting each other with exciting moves as the action went back and forth which led me to believe that this was not Lane’s first match. I was later told that in fact, this was his debut in wrestling so I witnessed history as Lane was able to get the win when he rolled up Bao with a small package. Though Lane was able to get his first victory, I am sure that Bao Nguyen will look to even the score in their next encounter. I hope to see the rematch to see these young guns go at it.

 

Dustin Lane lets Bao know he is a quick learner.

WLW at this point had an intermission and Bobby Lashley came out and took pictures inside the ring and once again he was all smiles. I enjoyed watching him interact with the fans young and old. He picked up one young child with one hand and teased that he would throw him out the ring over the top rope only to bring him back in the ring and all the while the child was smiling from ear to ear. You know that kid will be telling the story to all his friends at school on Monday morning. He played with one female fan by getting on one knee and she could not believe her eyes as her face turned red. She too would have a story to tell. To say the intermission was worth watching would be an understatement.

Prior to the match Stacey O’Brien even gives the ref Martin T a hard time.

Up next was what I like to dub the future of women’s pro wrestling: Amy Hennig taking on WLW Womens Champion Stacy O’Brien . I was fortunate to say that I was able to see Amy in her wrestling debut in Eldon and her first opponent was this same Irish troublemaker. The first match up Stacy really used Amy’s inexperience against her and at times made her look foolish in her attempt to break into the WLW Womens Title hunt.

Amy Hennig proves to Stacey O’ Brien that she may be a rookie but she will not be pushed around.

You could tell Amy had worked hard and learned from her mistakes in her first encounter and was giving Stacey fits throughout the match. Though Amy had improved immensely since the first time they met, Stacy was always one step ahead of the one who she sarcastically calls “Little Miss Perfect”. Stacey seized the opportunity with the ref out of position; she put her feet on the ropes to get the pin on Amy. As Stacy would say ” That is soooo Stacey O”.

There is no doubt that Amy is WWE bound but I would be shocked if Stacy wasn’t there to greet her. Amy will get another shot for the WLW Women’s champion this weekend as she will face off once again in Moberly,MO on September 13, 2008. It is a match that I highly recommend you come and check out.

The next match up would feature two of the most charismatic wrestlers on the WLW roster Dinn T Moore and Michael Strider. Dinn T Moore has floundered in the WLW since his departure with Brandon Tatum and that may have attributed to him just barely missing the Missouri Wrestling Revival Top 100. Make no mistake about it, there are few in the Midwest that can get under the fans’ and wrestlers’ skin like the former WLW Tag Team Champion. He has the talent to win any match he is a part of.

On the other side of the ring you had one of the hardest hitting wrestlers in the Midwest. Strider has taken on some of the best in the business and really can work a crowd to his advantage. This would be a very interesting match as both men look to move up the ladder to the WLW Heavyweight Title currently held by “Dangerous” Derek McQuinn.

Dinn T Moore shows that the heavyweights in the Midwest can fly as well, as he goes up top to hit Michael Strider with a big move.

At first, Strider got the upper hand on Moore to start the match and as Moore regrouped outside the ring the fans chanted “chicken”. Strider urged him to return to the ring for a beating and when Moore returned, he withstood some more punishment from Strider. With one mistake from Strider, though, Dinn T put the heat on Strider – knocking him down with one big move after another. Strider continued to get up and each man did not give an inch. The fans were cheering on Strider for the bad guys have won all the matches in these evening to the fans dismay and Strider was there last chance to celebrate, Dinn T Moore though had other plans and was able to get the win this evening with a roll up along with the tights pulled ,as he left the ring, Dinn T bragged to the fans know that he is among the WLW elite. The fans last hope for happiness would be Bobby Lashley.

In the end what promised to be a hard hitting match lived up to the expectations, with another future battle between these two foes a must see.

The Main event would be none other that a 3 way match with Bobby Lashley, NOAH’S Go Shiozaki and one half of the current WLW Tag Team Champions Marc Godeker.

The wild card in this match would be Godeker, Godeker and his tag team partner Steve Anthony have the skills that is reminiscent of a great tag team that went by the name of “The Steiner Brothers” in their prime, but unfortunately Steve Anthony has been healing from an injury due to a match earlier this year so Marc has had to go out solo for the time being. How would Marc be able to respond to working with two of the best in the business? We were about to find out.

 

Bobby Lashley enters the WLW ring for the very first time.

The crowd was like mini WWE with the crowd going nuts when Lashley hit the ring with the crowd giving no doubt to who their favorite was, Lashley’s two opponents must have came up with a game plan prior to the match as they worked together to start the match, but Lashley was in World Championship form and was overpowering two wrestlers who are no lightweights themselves and then something happened… Lashley slammed Shiozaki hard onto the mat and when Shiozaki cried out in pain and reaching for his leg, help came from the WLW staff as they rushed to assist the Japanese Superstar. Lashley went to assist Shiozaki with Godeker outside the ring and, with Lashleys guard down, Shiozaki showed his true colors and attacked him as Godeker quickly entering the ring to assist him. The two wrestlers who each come from a different background had one thing in common and that was to get a win off the former ECW Champion but when it came to the time for each of them to get the pinfall on him, they broke up the count before the other one could get the win.

A perfect ambush from Go Shiozaki.

This was a very exciting match as the crowd was rallying Lashley to get back on the offensive. When Lashley would get the edge, Godeker and Shiozaki would stop the momentum and vice versa. It looked to be a shocking ending to Lashley’s WLW debut but when the two new friends had a disagreement, Lashley struck and overwhelmed them with power and speed and in the blink of an eye Lashley and the crowd were as one when he was able to pin Godeker for the 1-2-3. Though they were unsuccessful, Go Shiozaki and Godeker shook Lashley’s hands out of respect for such a great match.

During the main event Marc Godeker proved he was more than capable of hanging with some of the best in the business.

The question I had on whether or not Godeker would be able to hang with the two Superstars was answered with a resounding YES, as he more than held his own in one of the most exciting matches in WLW history. A match that will go on in history in WLW along with, Derek Stone’s battles with the great One Man Gang, Kenta Kobashi taking on Wade Chism and when a young Trevor Rhodes defeated Rick Steiner and Wade Chism in a Three-way match to win the WLW Heavyweight Title.

Before the night was over Bobby asked for the microphone. With Lashley’s speech and his actions throughout the day, he made me a fan of his for life. He stated that he had a passion for the sport and he missed the fans, he said that he does what he loves, not for the money as he has plenty of that, He also said that he has a desire to be back on TV soon. He encouraged any fans that saw him on the street to not be shy and come up to him and shake his hand and introduce themselves. He said that he doesn’t take very many independent bookings but when a WWE Hall of Farmer calls you and tells you to work a show, you listen. He thanked not only Harley, but his wife BJ for the opportunity to work with WLW and to be close to the fans once again.

Because I took the drive to Sedalia I was able to meet one of the most impressive wrestlers in person that I have ever seen, and quite frankly is one of the few that is better than advertised. Bobby Lashley has all the tools to be on top of the sport and I am amazed that TNA has not jumped on him as he could really be the one guy who they could sign that could make a difference in closing the gap between the two organizations.

I hope to see you at an independent show soon and, till next time, drive carefully, take care of yourself, and don’t forget to check out Missouri Wrestling Revival.

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Amy Hennig’s Pro Wrestling Debut

Posted by Admin on August 24, 2008

So Close to Doing the Impossible
Amy Hennig’s Pro Wrestling Debut and WLW Results

by Joshua Ray
Owner-Editor
inadvertent.nerd@gmail.com

You would think that a guy who lives an hour away from World League Wrestling in Eldon, MO would make it to a WLW show more often, but alas that hasn’t been the case. After attending my first Eldon WLW show on July 26, 2008, that is definitely changing.

WLW presented a great show at the Eldon Community Center, right next to the old Harley Race Wrestling Academy, on July 26, 2008. The crowd was loud (more on that later) and the wrestlers gave it their all. You can’t ask for anything more!

Earlier in the day I had the opportunity to sit with my good friend Brian “Flair” Kelley and his girlfriend at the Eager Beaver in Eldon as we waited for Eugene to arrive for an autograph signing. My wife accompanied me to Eldon that day, and the four of us had a great visit. I’ll tell you right now, the burgers at the Eager Beaver were pretty good.

Another enjoyable part of the time at the Eager Beaver was getting to chat with Harley and BJ Race for fifteen or twenty minutes about wrestling. I first talked to the Race family in April in my hometown of Lebanon, MO and even though it was a great event and I had a good talk with BJ, I was worried that I might have made a bad impression on Harley. Before writing this, only my wife really knew about that fact. I was very impressed with Harley Race and his genuinely kind and humble personality. I was just concerned about I came off. Everyday is a learning experience and you should always strive to learn from your mistakes, but life is too short to learn exclusively from your own mistakes and I definitely didn’t want April’s interactions with him to be on that list of mistakes I was forced to learn from.

My concerns were put to rest when I chatted with both about WLW’s upcoming training camp with Pro Wrestling NOAH September 15th through the 18th as well as wrestlers that I thought they should keep their eye on. My opinion is worth the same as sand is in Iraq (I’m still digging some of that sand out of crevices, but I digress), but I appreciated him listening and responding to what I had to say.

Eugene arrived, but Brian and I were more content to chat and watch Eugene interact with the young kids to harass him about an interview. One classic exchange between Eugene and a boy went like this:

Kid: You’re my favorite wrestler, Eugene.

Eugene: Well why are you wearing a John Cena shirt, then?

That one got a loud reaction from everybody in the Eager Beaver. Of course Eugene still graciously gave the boy an autograph. I have no doubt that this young boy will remember that conversation for the rest of his life, and that is what pro wrestling is all about. This is why I love it so much.

My group left the Eager Beaver and had some extra time on our hands, so BJ was kind enough to let us tour their brand new facility. It is located right next to the restaurant. The highlight for me was Harley Race’s office. He had the old Central States Championship and his old NWA Heavyweight Title on display. To me, those things are awe inspiring.

Now is the time for me to poke a little fun at my buddy Brian. He knows he messed up, plus even though he’s my friend I really don’t like him very much. While BJ Race was giving us a tour, Brian asked her how she felt when Harley won the NWA Heavyweight Title. Well, back when he won that belt, she didn’t know he even existed! They were married years later. She still answered him, verifying this fact, but I still thought it was funny since I know he knew that already. That’s Brian for you, though. He asks the hard questions… the really hard questions… as in the questions that are impossible to answer. It’s okay, though… later in the evening during Eugene’s first match, I yelled Eric instead of Eugene for some reason. Classic.

I still didn’t corner Eugene for a quick interview. One of these days I’ll learn to do my job. Hopefully I will have another opportunity. I was too busy taking in the new facility to think about such trivial things as doing what I’m supposed to. Next you’ll be asking me to actually watch a wrestling match or something.

I was impressed with the Eldon Community Center when we arrived there for the show. It was large for the size of the town, and very clean. Michael Strider, Tyler Cook, and Domino Rivera arrived and said hello to Brian and me. I didn’t know what the lineup was going to be for the night, but I was personally hoping for Domino Rivera to make it onto the show. I think the guy is talented and deserves more recognition than he currently receives. A match I watched recently between him and Derek Stone was good, and he’s been working great matches for Central States Wrestling over the past year as well.

Once in the building, my main complaint was that the merchandise was hard to get access to. Over the course of the night I was able to chat with Tyler Cook and Bao Nguyen, both of which are becoming favorites of mine, but it was hard to squeeze up to the tables and it always felt as if I was in somebody’s way.

The first match was “Vietnam Phenom” Bao Nguyen vs Akiyago. Akiyago received a lot of negative attention from the crowd and was hit with the first of too many “chicken” chants, led by the guy sitting right next to me. I love to hassle guys as much as the next person, but I try to come up with more to insult them than just “chicken”. Akiyago defeated “Vietnam Phenom” Bao Nguyen by pinfall, using the ropes for leverage. Martin T was the ref, so of course I gave him a hard time. Martin is a great guy and has humored me on many occasions away from the ring, but he has a tendency to call the match in a way that makes my favorite wrestlers lose. Not cool.

I’m not sure, but I believe the next match was Tyler Cook vs Brian Breaker. I think that Breaker is a great wrestler and Tyler Cook is one of the brightest prospects out there, but it seemed in spots that they had a hard time against each other. Cook flirted with Brian’s girlfriend and my wife entirely too much, making me feel guilty that I hadn’t rubbed baby oil all over my body or tanned recently, but I feel I’m sexy enough without all of the added benefits. Cook managed to pin Breaker, so I guessed I’d better leave him alone. Lord knows that he received enough “tighty whitey chicken” chants to last a lifetime. Oh well, at least they added two words to the first matches “chicken” chants. Who am I to complain?

Next up was Michael Strider vs Marc Godeker. Godeker wrestled a good match and is really a talented guy. I need to make it a point to chat with him at the next show I make it to. Hopefully his tag team partner, Steve Anthony, will be recovered from his broken leg and I can see them in tag team action. Even thought Strider was blatantly cheating, I couldn’t help but cheer him on. I think I was the only one… and since Martin T was the ref again for this match, he made sure that Strider lost. I’ll bring some of my basic training birth control glasses for him next time around. Maybe then he can call the match the way I want it called. I’m a paying fan. I should get what I want.

I didn’t know the next match would be taking place, but I didn’t complain. It would see the pro wrestling debut of Amy Hennig. Her first match wasn’t going to be easy, though, as she was given the unenviable task of facing the WLW Ladies Champion, Stacey O’Brien. Amy Hennig is one of the number one prospects for the Midwest, but after that match I want to be sure to tell you that it isn’t simply because her father was “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig or her grandfather was Larry “The Axe” Hennig. That would be selling Amy short. She definitely has the tools to make a name for herself without the last name attached. In this particular match, however, she came up short. O’Brien is a talented veteran and one of the best in the Midwest right now. She used it all to her advantage and retained her title.

It is important to note that there was a chant throughout the crowd during this match that I felt was inappropriate. In my personal opinion, some individuals forget that we are not the close friends of a professional wrestler and should not act as such when in the crowd. A chant of “Do it for your Dad” started through the crowd and was very uncomfortable for me to hear. Ms. Hennig did an excellent job of acknowledging the chant and being gracious, but the fact of the matter was that it isn’t really something that should have been chanted during a wrestling match. I can’t speak for Amy as I do not know her personally, but talking with Brian after the evening concluded confirmed my feelings. Brian approached me and said that he felt embarrassed to be a wrestling fan with that chant going. Enough about that, though.

Things were about to liven up a bit, as a six man tag match was about to get under way. WLW Heavyweight Champion “Dangerous” Derek McQuinn, Dinn T Moore and Michael Strider knew that they were supposed to face former WWE star Eugene and the WLW Tag Team Champions. Unfortunately Marc Godeker’s tag team partner, Steve Anthony, was on the injured list for what looked to be a broken leg. Godeker came out with a microphone and told the men standing in the ring that he had a new partner. This partner was a man whom Derek McQuinn hadn’t beaten for the title… Keith Walker!

Walker was more than up for the challenge and the team of him, Eugene and Godeker frustrated their opponents for most of the match, but in the end fell victim to underhanded tactics. Derek, Strider and Moore picked up the win.

The end of the evening featured a battle royal. Ten men got in the ring to do battle and possibly earn the right for a Heavyweight Title shot in the near future. Brian Breaker, Tyler Cook, Bao Nguyen, Akiyavo and others entered the ring, but the last three were down to Michael Strider, Eugene and Dinn T Moore. The odds seemed stacked against the lovable Eugene. Amazingly enough he made it out as the victor!

It was a great night of action at the Eldon Community Center! I was happy to visit with Brian and see some terrific wrestling only an hour from my home.

Next up for World League Wrestling is a big Sedalia, MO show on September 6, 2008 featuring Wrestlemania 24’s hero Bobby Lashley! One week later World League Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH join forces for a very promising training camp. Pro wrestling legend and current World Wrestling Entertainment agent Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will be in attendance on behalf of the WWE. More information can be found by going to http://www.harleyrace.com/.

I hope that you have enjoyed my personal reflection on WLW’s July 26, 2008 show in Eldon, MO. I encourage you to go to one in your area or support your local independent wrestling promotion. Everyone wants options over the current WWE product, but it is up to you to make those alternatives successful!

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