David Wilson – Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Gary Jay – Thanks for having me.
1- DW – How long have you been wrestling?
GJ – I have been wrestling for 13 years, I had my debut at a XWA show and wrestled twice, One of my opponents was Jordan Lacey, I lost both matches.
2 DW – Is that the night that Pierre Abernathy and Evan Gelistico also made debuts?
GJ– Yes it is.
3 DW – What actually got you into wrestling?
GJ – As a kid I was flipping through the channels and came across wrestling on TV, I watched for a while and knew this was something I wanted to do.
4 DW – Who is the biggest name in wrestling you have faced?
GJ – I would have to say probably Alex Shelley and El Generico (WWE’sSami Zayn)
5 DW – How did the Gary’s dad gimmick start?
GJ – After I became Gary The Night Owl which is the bad version of the Barn Owl, after a while Dorian started to pull me out of the Night Owl character and he called me Son and I said something about that’s my dad and it stuck from there and we ran with it.
6 DW – How did Stiff Robo Ginger come about?
GJ – One night I was watching RoboCop and needed to create a name for a website and I just kind of came up with it.
7 DW – If you could wrestle anyone living or dead who would it be?
GJ – The Undertaker, well because he is the Undertaker, and honestly Shawn Michaels for the learning experience I would get from him.
8 DW – A fellow fan Scott Woll wants to know, What happened to BOSS? Are they on hiatus or is the group no more?
GJ – I believe BOSS has served its purpose.
9 DW – Another fellow fan Tim Richbourg wants to know, With all the bumps and chair shots and the head first into the wall, are you concerned about concussions?
GJ – I am very concerned, I am also very confident in my ability and my body and feel as if I have control of my own body at all times.
10 DW – Another fellow fan Jason Cline wants to know where the Rents Due saying came from? We both love the saying.
GJ – Basically making fun of a wrestler that uses a landlord gimmick.
11 DW – What can we expect from you for the rest of 2016?
GJ – Just looking forward to the rest of the year and seeing what opportunities arise.
12 DW – When will we see you get your Anarchy Belt back?
GJ – I’m not sure, all I can say is sit back and wait and see what happens.
13DW Who are the wrestlers you like working with? and Who are you excited to work with?
GJ – I love working with Davey Vega, Mat Fitchett, Martin Stone, Davey Richards, Kyle O’Reilly and Aaron Epic. And a few I get excited to work with are Chip Day, Jimmy Rave and Eddie Kingston.
14 DW – This last question was submitted by Mikey McNeely and is several questions in one.
What kind of products do you use on your facial hair? I just use beard shampoo and conditioner.
What’s your favorite animal? Cats of course.
What’s your favorite food? Hamburgers, Fries, wings and salad. I HATE pizza.
What’s your favorite movie? Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption and Batman movie.
Where did you share your first kiss? I really don’t remember.
What was your favorite class in school? Probably Drama.
What is your favorite emoji? I would have to say the POOP emoji.
Which tattoo was your first? Which is your favorite? The barn owl was first. I would have to say the Me on Me is my favorite.
—————————————————————————————————————————
I just want to say Thanks to Gary for taking the time. Brian thank you for letting me do this. I hope everyone enjoys reading this. And to any promotions that see this and have never had him on your show you need to book him, you won’t be disappointed.
It is a pleasure to have with us today pro wrestler and owner of St. Louis Anarchy Matt Jackson, better known to wrestling fans as Pierre Abernathy. Since his debut in 2003, Pierre has made an impact in the wrestling scene in many aspects of the wrestling business. Pierre, thank you for taking the time to speaking with us at Missouri Wrestling Revival
Pierre: No problem, thanks for having me.
MWR: What was your first memories of pro wrestling and who did you look up to growing up?
Pierre: The first pro wrestling event I can remember watching live was WrestleMania VI with Hogan vs. Warrior.
I was a huge Hogan fan so when he lost that sucked for me. I can remember going to the STL arena watching all the WWF live shows and I was at the only show WWF did at the old Busch Stadium, so that was cool.
MWR: The first opportunity that I got to see you in action was in Lawrence, Kansas for NWA Central States Wrestling as you and Gary Jay lost a three way to Nick Tyson on September 30, 2006. At that point you had been wrestling a little over than three years. How did you get your start in pro wrestling and who were the most helpful in your success?
Pierre: I first got my start when I met Jordan Lacey, he bought a ring and we were going to train in it. The issue was that he didn’t have the training to train us and to his credit he knew that. Most guys would NEVER admit that they had no business training people but he did. We later met Adam Raw and Nick Tyson and they did our training.
Adam Raw- Photo Michael Van Hoogstratt
From there they started the LWA and we worked there and branched into Gateway Championship Wrestling. Unlike most guys, our trainers did not travel, so we didn’t have a lot of help getting out of town shots. It was Matt Sydal and Delirious who taught us in a 12-hour seminar that we needed to get in a car and get out of STL and make résumés and start sending them out and do seminars all over and that is what we did.
MWR: What early match that you had gave you the confidence to succeed as a pro wrestler?
Pierre: Honestly I can’t think of one match. I always had confidence in my promo work more than my wrestling at the start. I think if I had to pick a break out match, I had a three-way match with Gary and Dorian Victor kind of early on that I liked. Plus, working Gary every weekend in a new state we could feel ourselves growing as wrestlers every week.
MWR: You would be part of the group that would spearhead The Lethal Wrestling Alliance. Who else were involved and what is the legacy of that promotion?
Pierre: Honestly I didn’t have anything to do with the start of LWA. LWA was started by Adam Raw and Jordan Taylor. When Jordan went into the Navy it went into the committee of five guys: Adam Raw, Nick Tyson, Frank Cashion, Mike D and Tim P ( I don’t want to butcher the spelling of their last names).
Jordan Lacey has been a part of the most brutal matches in the modern era of STL wrestling. Here he wars it out against the former MWR Future Star winner Alex Rudolph.
So Tyson was supposed to write the shows and book the talent but he wasn’t doing it, so I would in the background write the shows and send them with him to meetings and no one would know about it and he would get the credit. Fast forward a few years, he was going to quit, so Raw was kind of freaking out thinking he would have to write the shows all himself. I had to tell him I was really doing it all this time, which shocked him and so then I started writing and booking talent from there. Years later when the others quit, it became myself, Raw and Jordan Lacey. In the end of LWA, it was just me and Jordan Lacey.
Many of the top rising stars int the sport has made their way to SLA.
MWR: Fans at LWA were blessed to enjoy some great matches featuring local talent against many of the top stars in the world. Not too long ago, Austin Aries was the TNA World Champion, Davey Richards was a Ring of Honor World Champion and most recently one half of the TNA Tag Team Champions with Eddie Edwards, and Samoa Joe is quite possibly the most talked about free agent in the world today, but they all entered the squared circle at LWA.
These matches along with other stars including Delirious, Mike Quackenbush and The Motor Machine Guns against LWA homegrown talents are featured on the DVD US vs. Them (click here to purchase). What memories stand out about this historic matches at LWA?
Pierre: There are tons of thoughts I have about that. The two big ones being the first “name talent” we ever used was Alex Shelley and our fans hated him with a passion because he was facing their guy in Nick Tyson and when Tyson tapped him out the legit emotion that came after is what this business is about to me: real emotion. The Second was Samoa Joe: A lot of people were saying behind my back (but I hear everything) that I was making a big mistake putting Dorian in that match and not Adam Raw, and to be honest at that time Raw was a better wrestler than Dorian—hell, Dorian was only a few years in, I think. However, Dorian grew from that match and it taught him how to step up… That’s my job: I have to force you to go outside of your comfort zone and step up to the plate, because if you can’t I need to know that before you fall on your face in maybe a way bigger situation. That night Dorian stepped up and grew from it.
MWR: You are a member of the famed Submission Squad with. Time has shown that you guys are among the most entertaining tag teams in the country, but early on in your career you teamed up with Evan Gelistico against Davey Vega and Gary the Barn Owl to showcase LWA for Chikara’s King of Trios 2009. In a weekend filled with top Indy wrestling stars like Bryan Danielson (Future WWE Champion Daniel Bryan), Austin Aries, and El Generico (WWE’SSami Zayn) , the match would receive chants of “DON’T COME BACK!” Many men after that night may have given up, but it only shows how much heart that the four of you had, during that time. Many people snickered and counted you out, but you guys have had the last laugh by becoming among the most traveled talents in the country. Looking back what went wrong, what could you have done different and what advice would you have for a young wrestler that would experience such a situation?
Pierre: I would say that you cannot let what people say bother you. When that happened to be honest it didn’t bother me, it did more the other guys for different reasons. Vega because he lacked confidence anyway so that almost killed him, Gary because the ECW arena was his dream and we just got booed out of it and Evan because he loved the idea of working Chikara. I am telling the God’s honest truth that it didn’t bother me because I was expecting it the whole time. Here you have the biggest weekend of the Chikara calendar with legit stars from all over the world and then you have four dudes from a company in Missouri that none of them knew.. How were they supposed to treat us? Plus, we did ourselves zero favors because of the way we worked the match. We are known for our personalities and we showed zero of it and that is what sucked. However we made a lot of money after that match because people wanted to see if either A) we really sucked or B) they knew we didn’t and wanted to bring us out. So I would do it all again, plus we went back there in 2014 and killed it, so it came full circle for us.
MWR: As I mentioned you have traveled around the country, including Canada. What has been your personal favorite places to wrestle and why?
Pierre: I love most every trip but I’ll pick one place and say ACW in Texas. Texas was like my second home for many years and I love the fans and friends I made there. Some of my favorite memories came from hangouts I had in Texas.
MWR: For seven years the LWA was known for an alternative style of wrestling that combined strong style, hardcore, comedy and good times for the fans, but a new day came that saw you announce the merging with the Texas based promotion known as Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW). That decision has allowed the fans to see many of the top stars of the Texas area make their way to the Midwest, while giving the young stars in this area to grow by challenging themselves against other top talents that may not have a chance to work with. In your eyes, who have taken advantage of working in the land of Anarchy and who are some of the top young stars that fans should have their eyes on for the future?
Pierre: Since we started Anarchy, we have seen ACH become a top star in the USA and I won’t do what a lot of others do and try and take credit for that man’s success. His success has helped us grow, so thank you to him.
Gary Jay and Davey Vega are in my opinion the two top guys in the area and they prove that every time they work in a ring. The fact neither of them are under a contract is a shame. The Hooligans are guys you have seen grow in Anarchy. Christian Rose has been tearing it up other places for a while but our fans are finally seeing how good he is. Two guys who I think could be the next 2 big stars are Jo Jo Bravo and Mat Fitchett. Jo Jo has gotten really good really fast and it’s up to Fitchett how far he wants to go. He has been ready for a long time now. One guy to watch I think is Everett Connor; I call him my new project because he is a good kid with potential.
The only guy who I think may be worse now than he was when we started SLA is Evan Gelistico… [sarcasm]
MWR: The Submission Squad was ranked number 12 in 2011 in the MWR’S top 30 tag teams during the MWR years. Four years later, the SS is still running strong, even capturing the Metro Pro Wrestling Tag Team titles recently as the Commission.
Because LWA and later SLA did not have tag belts along with the outside travel, it may have hurt your rankings in the poll. That year a team that you guys know very well the Hooligans were ranked number one, and are currently the St. Louis Anarchy tag team Champions. What has made the Hooligans and the Submission Squad such a great rivalry?
Pierre: We just have good chemistry and we strive to do the same thing and that’s have a great match. We clicked since the first match we had at an IHW show in Dupo IL.
At one time we worked with the Hooligans at least once a weekend for like five months in a row, I think… Plus those guys love tag team wrestling as much as we do so it’s easy, The Hooligans are amazing talents.
MWR: SLA has recently been the home of double shot weekends in Alton, Illinois. You have promoted events for years, what are the advantages and disadvantages of having back to back events?
Pierre: Well it doubles the stress. I mean we have only done two, so I really do not know yet. I’ll say the advantage is for the fans as they will get 2 events a weekend instead of 1. As we keep going with this I am sure more advantages and disadvantages will come clear.
MWR: St. Louis Anarchy events have always been a can’t-miss show as talents around the world have been in action during each of your events. Men like Kyle O’Reilly, Michael Elgin, Chris Hero, the Young Bucks, Davey Richards, Akira Tozawa, and TJ Perkins have all appeared in the past. Who would you like to see that has not appeared yet?
Pierre: We used him in LWA but I really want to bring our fans Alex Shelley as he was supposed to work a show but got hurt. I am hoping to bring some more guys from overseas in. To be honest we will always use that name talent that people have come to think about when thinking of SLA but I am wanting to use more guys who are great but not maybe as well known…. Like there are Gary Jays and Davey Vegas all over the USA who are great but just can’t get breaks and I want to give them their breaks because you never know who could be the next ACH that you just are overlooking.
MWR: On August the 21st and 22nd, Circus Maximus 2015, an event what many fans say is THE event of the year for SLA? Circus Maximus has always delivered with a great mix of national talent as well as the top rising stars around the country. I am going to do a rundown of this years’ SLA talent pool for the double shot weekend and I would like for you to give your thoughts on them. We will start off with the current SLA Champion Gary Jay.
Pierre: Hardest working man in Anarchy, he tears down the house every time and then is the first person to lead people in tearing down the ring. He gives his all to the company and should be getting more chances outside it.
MWR: Tommaso Ciampa
Pierre: I’m looking forward to seeing him in SLA. He’s a tough dude so guys will have their hands full with him.
MWR: Davey Vega
Pierre: The “Ace of Anarchy” isn’t just a nickname, it is who Vega has become. He went from a guy who would legit vomit before a match to a guy who I know will always have one of the best matches on the show. He’s the man.
MWR: Mat Fitchett
Pierre: The Dirty Rook could be a star if he is able to really hit the road and do it. Sometimes though real life things are more important but he’s an awesome talent.
MWR: Jonathan Gresham
Pierre: He won’t be at Circus Maximus, but he’s an amazing hold for hold wrestler who stole the weekend at Gateway to Anarchy.
MWR: Jo Jo Bravo
Pierre: One of the top up and comers in Anarchy. He has held his own with some of the best in the world.
MWR: Christian Rose
Pierre: Great talker and wrestler and our fans are getting to finally see that. Plus, behind the curtain I love talking good and–even better–shitty wrestling with Rose more than maybe anybody.
MWR: Matt Cage
Pierre: He’s a lot like Rose in that he has been tearing it up other places and our fans will finally get to see more of that in Anarchy.
MWR: Angelus Lane
Pierre: The 1st lady of Anarchy. I am very proud of Layne. She has grown by leaps and bounds as a wrestler and she improves every event we have.
MWR: Viking War Party
Pierre: Going to have to buy me chairs if they keep breaking them. Both guys are awesome. Alex I have known since before he started, I am happy every time I see them work and get better and better.
MWR: Ricky Starks
Pierre: Big deal in Texas and I think he can do the same here so keep your eyes on him as I think he is going to do well.
MWR: The Cause: Mr. Gelistico, Mr. Raw, Mr. Adams, Mr. Everett
Pierre: We will have to see.
MWR: Zakk Sawyers
Pierre: The 2014 Anarchy Rookie of the year. He’s not a rookie but was in Anarchy and he stepped up huge. A hard worker in and out of the ring and really appreciates his spot on the roster and he earns it.
MWR: Mikey McFinnigan
Pierre: Kinda just starting to see what he can do. He will do well in Anarchy, he’s very entertaining.
MWR: Jeremy Wyatt
Pierre: The best LWA champion of all time. Jeremy is one of my favorite wrestlers and is a pure class act to deal with outside the ring. Jeremy makes no bones about his wrestling days coming to an end and I’ll be sad to see him go, but he’s a guy who will leave better than he came in and how many guys can honestly say that. He’s always done anything I asked him to do and I don’t think Jeremy knows how much I respect him and appreciate his run with the LWA title.
MWR: Steve O Reno
Pierre: Honestly, I worked him in ACW and I knew he was good. Other than that I have only seen his two matches in SLA and that is it. I think he is very entertaining and he can wrestle, too, so I think big things are on the horizon for him.
MWR: Bolt Brady
Pierre: I think his change in attitude will be good for him in SLA. I like making people do stuff they may not be used to doing. Bolt is a pro and will do great. He’s getting a lot of miles under him too which is awesome. I like Bolt a lot.
MWR: PACO
Pierre: In SLA, he became a star in one weekend. Taking Trik Davis to the limit and taking a hellish beating from Gary Jay. I think Paco is a hungry kid who will do big things.
MWR: Pierre, Thank you so much for joining us today, it is always a treat to get to speak with you. How can fans follow you and the world of St. Louis Anarchy?
Pierre: I am on Facebook under Pierre Abernathy and Twitter is @PierreAbernathy. You can like SLA on Facebook at Saint Louis Anarchy and on Twitter @stlanarchy. Thanks for the time!
Saint Louis Anarchy presents Circus Maximus 2015
Stage One: Friday August 21st Stage Two: Saturday August 22nd
Live from Spaulding Hall Club in Alton IL (402 E 4th Street)
Doors Open at 6:30pm, Shows Start at 7:00pm
Tickets (PER NIGHT):
Front row: $15, Second Row. $12. General Admission. $10 in advance all tickets are $15 at the door
$1 BEER, FULL BAR AND FOOD. Please do not record show or stand on chairs
Also special guest musicians Mental Fixation (Stage 2 only)
STAGE ONE MATCHES SIGNED:
Main Event Trios Action: Team Anarchy: Davey Vega, Mat Fitchett, Angleus Layne vs. Team BOSS w/Dorian Victor and Greg Jovi: Gary Jay, Christian Rose, Jeremy Wyatt
Tag Team Titles on the Line: The Hooligans (c) vs. The Cause (Mr. Adams, Mr. Everett)
Zakk Sawyers vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Grudge Match: Alex Castle vs. Matt Cage
Jo Jo Bravo vs. PACO
Steve O Reno vs. Mikey Mcfinnigan
BOSS vs. Anarchy: Bolt Brady w/Greg Jovi vs. Ricky Starks
STAGE TWO MATCHES SIGNED:
Saint Louis Anarchy Championship Match (NO TIME LIMIT) Gary Jay (c)w/Dorian Victor vs. “Ace of Anarchy” Davey Vega
Mat Fitchett vs. Former ECW/WWE Star LITTLE GUDIO
Christian Rose vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Matt Cage vs. Zakk Sawyers
Sugar Dunkerton vs. Steve O Reno
TALENT SIGNED FOR CM WEEKEND:
Saint Louis Anarchy Champion: Gary Jay
Saint Louis Anarchy Tag Champions: The Hooligans
Davey Vega
Mat Fitchett
Tommaso Ciampa
Jo Jo Bravo
Christian Rose
Matt Cage
Angelus Layne
Viking War Party
Sugar Dunkerton
Ricky Starks
The Cause: Mr. Gelistico, Mr. Raw, Mr. Adams, Mr. Everett
Zakk Sawyers
Mikey Mcfinnigan
Jeremy Wyatt
Steve O Reno
Bolt Brady (stage one)
PACO (stage one)
Donovan Danhausen
We had already been at work for three hours transforming the Black Diamond Harley-Davidson Warehouse in Marion, Ill., into the All American Pro Wrestling Arena.
Russ - Charles Russell Testa RIP 1920-2012.
I was out picking up supplies from the store when my phone rang. I didn’t need to look further than my caller ID to know what the call was about. My 91-year-old grandfather had just passed away, days after suffering a major stroke.
The call wasn’t unexpected, but I had hoped it wouldn’t come Saturday. That night, AAPW was set to host the biggest event in company history, complete with guest stars PAC, El Generico, Colt Cabana and Matt Cross, who was making a surprise appearance.
Being halfway across the country from where my parents and grandfather live, I didn’t have many options. And, as they say, the show must go on.
I headed back to the arena, where I returned to work with my friends and colleagues on preparing for the show. I knew that’s where my grandpa would want me to be, and I officially dedicated the night to him.
As the day went on, we finished setting up the arena and talent arrived. When the Cabana caravan arrived, I admittedly didn’t know what to expect. For four guys with the recognition and status of those individuals, they could have easily come in, done their thing, got paid and left.
What we saw was the complete opposite. Each of our guests proved to be among the most down-to-earth and humble men I’ve met. From talking to everyone backstage to PAC showing a local talent stretching techniques in the ring, they went out of their way to acclimate themselves to the AAPW atmosphere.
With all the talent in the building, the time came to open the doors to fans. Pre-sales for tickets had been great, but we still didn’t know what to expect. One thing is for certain: We didn’t expect the record-breaking attendance of 405 that awaited outside the door.
With a crowd more than tripling average attendance at our television tapings, the stage was set for an outstanding night. Everyone knew the bar had been raised, and they’d have to step up to the challenge.
From the first of nine matches, pitting year-long rivals Heath Hatton and “Golden Boy” Greg Anthony against each other, to the final bout, a no-disqualification title match between AAPW Heavyweight Champion Edmund “Livewire” McGuire and “Old School Warrior” Ax Allwardt, each and every match brought something different and special to the show.
WWE’S Tough Enough Matt Cross was impressive during his AAPW debut but would come up short against Pokerface. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Our four guests gave it their all, too. PAC and El Generico put on a match rivaling any they’ve had in the past; Cabana meshed extremely well with third-generation star “3G” Eric Wayne; and Cross made a nice surprise answering the undefeated Pokerface’s open challenge.
PAC and EL Generico lived up to the hype as they had a match that left the fans in awe. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Many of the fans in attendance that night didn’t know exactly who these guys were before the show, but by the time the closing bell rang, they had been exposed to an entirely new side of professional wrestling.
Following the PAC-Generico match, as the show headed into intermission, I walked to the commentary table where I was immediately greeted by Chris Hagstrom – AAPW promoter, color commentator and one of my closest friend – and we embraced in a hug. The only words I could mutter were “Thank you,” and he replied, “This is for you know who.” That is a moment I will never forget.
Christ Hagstrom, the AAPW fan that won FREE tickets for a year, Adam Testa and AAPW Star Justice pose after the show. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
That night – Jan. 14, 2012 – proved to be something special. AAPW started five years ago to help raise money for a young girl burned in a fire. In the time since, it’s become a staple of life in Southern Illinois.
“AAPW Main Event” took things to the next level. 2012 looks to be a breakout year for the promotion, as we continue our television show, entering our second season, and expand even more.
Our guest stars all complimented us on our production, professionalism and other values, which meant the world to all of us in the front office. They all – even Japan-based PAC – expressed interest in returning.
But we’d like to think they aren’t alone.
AAPW Champion Edmund McGuire survived Ax Allwardt but he will be enemy number one in 2012, as wrestlers around the Midwest will want to have the prestige of being the AAPW Champion on WSIL3 TV. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
We hope that each of the 405 fans in attendance all left pleased, impressed, entertained and desiring to return. But for me, personally, I hope most of all that my grandfather was watching from above, proud of even the smallest role I played in making that show a reality. This show was for him.
On Jan. 14, 2012, the landscape of AAPW changed. This two-disc set allows the events of that night to live on forever.
AAPW Main Event DVD (Two-Disc Set)
NOW IN STOCK
Relive the memories of the biggest night in All American Pro Wrestling history with the “Main Event” DVD. That night, more than 405 fans packed into the arena to see a show unlike anything ever presented in Southern Illinois. Matches on the show include:
– AAPW Heavyweight Champion Edmund “Livewire” McGuire vs. “Old School Warrior” Ax Allwardt
– Play-by-Play Announcer Kevin Hunsperger vs. “The Masterpiece” Mike Masters
– “Boom Boom” Colt Cabana vs. “3G” Eric Wayne
– Stacy O’Brien vs. Rebecca Raze
– PAC vs. El Generico
– The Money Makin’ Jam Boys vs. Roscoe Dwayne Harris of The Convoy and Bull Bronson
– Jay Spade vs. Justice vs. “Farmer” Billy Hills vs. Bull Broson vs. “Playboy” Paul Rose
– “M-Dogg 20” Matt Cross vs. Pokerface
– Heath Hatton vs. “Golden Boy” Greg Anthony
On Jan. 14, 2012, the landscape of AAPW changed. This two-disc set allows the events of that night to live on forever.
During the MWR years, there have been no doubts on the skills of Brandon Espinosa.
Yet, in 2011, Brandon Espinosa experienced a breakout year. He sought out better training at OVW in Louisville and is now featured regularly on OVW TV with other future WWE stars. He arguably wrestled more matches for more companies than anybody in the area- at least 100 per year. Espinosa was a key player not only in his hometown of St. Louis but around the country
In what may have been his biggest win to date , Espinosa won the Pro Wrestling Epic 8 tournament by defeating Ace Hawkins in round one, Evan Money in round two, then in an exciting final matchup shocked the Midwest when he defeated one of the very best in ROH Superstar Jimmy Jacobs.
Throughout the year he wrestled for All American Pro Wrestling, High Voltage Wrestling, Independent Hardcore Wrestling, IWA Unlimited, IWA Productions, NWA Supreme, Pro Wrestling Epic, Metro East Championship Wrestling, & MMWA-SICW in the MWR covering area for 2011, has also wrestled for New Midwest Wrestling & NWA Dynamo in the past. In 2011, held the MMWA Jr. Heavyweight Championship, MMWA Wild World of Wrestling TV Championship (current holder), Pro Wrestling Epic Heavyweight Championship (current holder), and IWAU Club Championship but also held the Pro Wrestling Prestige US & Heavyweight Championship and TIWF Cruiserweight Championship in Tennessee, plus at one point held 4 Championships at once.
He competed in the following tournaments in 2011 – NWA Midwest X-Division Championship, AIWF Krazy 8 in North Carolina, IHW St. Louis Invitational, and OVW #1 Contender Gauntlet, reached the Finals in the SICW Classic Championship and TIWF Cruiserweight Championship Gauntlet, and won the PWE Epic 8 and the first ever St. Louis Cable TV trophy by defeating David Osborne, Phil E. Blunt and Gary Jackson.
He would contend for the WLW title held by “The Prince” Jason Jones in his very first match with the company coming up just short when Jone’s manager threw salt in the eyes of Espinosa.
Espinosa had victories over nationally known talents such as Jimmy Jacobs, El Generico, Jay Lethal, and Mike Sydal.
In 2011, Espinosa wrestled in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, as well as in the past in Arkansas, and Kansas.
Espinosa also made an appearance on All Worked Up (Season 3 Episode 12) when taped at a ROH event in Ohio. Also is the trainer of MWR talent and the 2011 PWI Rookie of the Year Ace Hawkins, as well as many others.
We are proud to announce that Brandon Espinosa as the 2011 MWR Wrestler of the Year.
1st Runner Up- Mark Sterling 2nd Runner Up – Jeremy Wyatt 3rd Runner Up – Ron Powers
Other wrestlers receiving votes : Derek Stone, Brian Ash, Trevor Murdock, Bailey Mannix, Ryan Phoenix, Jason Jones, Brian Breaker, Edmund McGuire, Mike Sydal and Gary Jackson.
Past Winners
2010 Mike Sydal 2009 Mark Sterling 2008 Jeremy Wyatt
In 2011, female wrestling star Stacey O’Brien , like all young girls, at times have been on Santa’s naughty list but on January 14th , 2012 she has promised to be nice as she meets Rebecca Raze in one on one competition that is filled with star studded card.
MWR caught up with the Catholic School girl who was busy helping Santa Clause this month delivering toys to the good boys and girls in her cute elf costume. She wanted to send this message to the welcome the AAPW fans to see her wrestle
This card could be the biggest show of the ever for AAPW as the AAPW Champion Edmund Livewire McGuire defends his AAPW Championship against the Old School Warrior AX Allwardt.
International superstars Colt Cobana, El Generico and Dragon Gate star Pac is scheduled to appear in action during the night.
Look for MWR for more updates on this Super show in the near future.
Ring of Honor Stars, Party Animal Radio and the fans are all smiles at the 5th Bar and Grill. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
By Brian Kelley
On the way to cover the red hot promotion in Kansas City Saturday to cover Metro Pro Wrestling I received a call from our good friends at Party Animal Radio. If anything that I have learn from the past is that when I hear from them, good times are just around the corner.
With Ring of Honor returning to ST Louis at the Collinsville Gateway Center, Dubray and I was already planning on checking out the hard hitting action with our good friend promoter Herb Simmons, Keith Smith and many other friends.
After hearing, the good news that there was going to be a special MEET/GREET/AND EAT!!! With the stars from Ring of Honor! I was on the road so I got on the wire to get ahold of my good friend Kari Williams to post the news straight to MWR. For a measly ten dollars fans could have a cheeseburger and fries with the stars from Ring of Honor!
Still the fans were treated to a Sunday matinée of Ring of Honor wrestling. My friends know I love wrestling but for me to miss Sunday NFL football, the show will have to be a guaranteed good time. With ROH World Champion Davey Richards announced to be in action that was all the info I need to know that the TIVO would have to tape the Denver Bronco game.
Steve Corino and Louie
Pro Wrestling Phoenix crew made the trip from Council Bluffs Iowa to check out the red hot ROH action.
Fans have fun before the ROH show.
Ring of Honor brings to the ring no nonsense, hard hitting action the way it is supposed to be. Filled with an awesome roster including the ROH Champ Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas formally of WWE fame as well as former TNA star and current ROH TV Champion Jay Lethal mixed in with the likes of MsChif , El Generico, Jimmy Jacobs, Steve Corino, Future Shock, Michael Elgin, and Tommaso Ciampa including a killer main event as the All Night Express (Rhett Titus and Kenny King) proved that they were real when they defeated The American Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards).
A frog splash from Rhett Titus and a shooting star press from Kenny King that allowed King to pin Edwards for the victory. Mutual respect all around after the match, but Edwards told his partner “See you at Final Battle” iPPV on December 23, 2011 – 7:30pm Manhattan Center (Hammerstein Ballroom) , New York , New York.
The 2011 Cauliflower Alley Club 2011 Red Bastein Friendship Award recipient Darla Staggs was in attendance for her very first ROH experience. Darla has been a fan and supporter of pro wrestling for many years, when I asked her what she thought of the show she quickly replied “I Haven’t seen wrestling like this in a long time….fantastic show!!!”
Darla Staggs is in the clutches of 25 year wrestling vet Keith Smith and his lovely wife Michelle.
This coming from a woman who was live for many of the great Wrestling at the Chase shows in ST Louis’s golden era of pro wrestling is quite a compliment.
I was happy to run into “ECW Original” Angel after the show, Angel is looking in awesome shape and ready to run over the competition and a ROH run for the King of the Streets would be one that I would be very interested in seeing myself.
Young rising local star Aiden Young may not have a title yet but still has a beautiful women to come check out ROH with.
SICW Promoter Herb Simmons was on hand to check out ROH. Fans can check out SICW this Saturday in East Carondelet Il along with CWC Champ Ron Powers.
Also in attendance was one of the top tag teams today the Kentucky Buffett of Alex Castle and Matt Cage, Aiden Young former GCW Star Mike Sharona and the Manager of Champions Travis Cook.
This time the party was at the 5th Quarter Bar & Grill and as usual, we got there early and sat with our friends Drew, Gary and Ben while waiting on the ROH Stars to show up as they showered and if they were like us, got lost in the big streets of Collinsville Illinois.
While we waited the waiter and waitress worked hard to take the fans orders and drinks. I was stunned to hear that their special on that night was Natural Light for only $1.00, so for $22.00 I got Dubray and I 2 hamburgers and a beer, and though some of you may be thinking that “oh yuck” Natty light but I actually like it so the night was starting off right.
These fans traveled from Quincy Illinois for Ring of Honor and take in the after party afterwards. Here they get an awesome picture taken with the top women wrestler ever , (Of course we are 100% biased as well as correct :)) MsChif.
The first ROH star to make her way to the bar was MsChif, who was game for some food herself with some friends. I spoke to some really cool fans that had driven from Quincy Illinois to check out ROH and was interested in getting their picture taken with Your Soul’s Tormentor – MsChif. Before She left she was more than happy to take her photo with the group of friends who made their way to check her out in another win in her hometown of St Louis against Mia Yim(w/ Prince Nana, Robert Evans, & Ernesto Osiris) via Desecrator.
The wrestlers takes their seats to sign autographs and take photos with some of the very best in the world today.
Fans could line up for pictures and autographs with the stars such as Kenny King, Eddie Edwards, Charlie Hass and Rhett Tittus.
The service was awesome at the 5th Quarter Bar & Grill and the food was maybe the best that I have ever had at a small bar. When I asked the waitress who they would choose a wrestler to have their picture taken with, they quickly giggled and chose the former ROH World Champion Eddie Edwards.
My friend Darla Staggs asked me last week at a show if I could build a promotion around one wrestler today who would it be. My answer Eddie Edwards. Edwards has the talent charisma and skills for many years to come along with one great match after another . Here he gets all the love from the girls in the house.
GOOD TIMES!!!
Has Edwards met his match???
Edwards had been smiles all night with the girls,Edwards the number one contender for the ROH title played around with funny poses along with the girls for MWR.
Awesome friends of MWR along with Ricky Cruz, International superstar (on the far right), see Cruz in action in East Carondelet Illinois for SICW this Saturday.
At one table was our friend Keith Smith with family and friends along with rising star in the Midwest Ricky Cruz chilling out with laughs and great food.
While walking around I noticed a couple that were just enjoying a beer, so I introduced myself and asked if they had ever heard of MWR. The couple stated they didn’t even know wrestling was in town and really wasn’t a fan but was kind enough to take part in the MWR Photo recap of the party. Her friend wasn’t interested in taking photos but she was able to get a photo with Charlie Hass and Delirious. Hopefully, the next time ROH comes to town, they will check out the show to see just how talented these guys were.
Dubray and POO DOO
MWR’S Dubray Tallman was even able to find local wrestling legend Poo Doo the Cow, coming out of the farm to get his drink on.
CHEERS
I am not going to lie to you; I was amazed that there were so few fans that took the opportunity to come to this event, , but I can understand when there was such short notice on the event but it was easily the best value for your money all year. The ROH Stars even after a show the night before in Louisville, KY and less than 24 hours made their way to STL only to give a 110 percent in the ring then make their way to be kind to each and every one of the fans in that bar giving them memories that will last a lifetime.
Let’s take a look at the rest of this awesome night of meet and greet with the ROH Stars and fans.
Fans party with Charlie Hass
Kenny King is a name you will soon not forget, as he seemed to enjoy the fans as much as they did him. Here he poses along with one half of the party animals themselves the Briscoe Brothers.
Eddie Edwards ,Rhett Titus poses with a fan in good fun.
You can see comedian Louie open up for the Iron Sheik’s comedy show this Saturday. My suggestion to Louie is a T-shirt would have been cheaper, and a MWR logo would have been a hell of a lot cooler.
Louie and the tatoo of the World Title.
Fans could have seen Tommaso Ciampa at Harley Race's WLW in the past, now he is one of top young stars at ROH.
Party Animal Radio's Mike Gordon.
ROH T.V. Champion Jay Lethal with the hottest girl at the bar that night, Dubray Tallman.
Shelton Benjamin and one of my friends Drew.
Nobody parties like Briscoe Brothers and Party Animal Radio Mike and Cody.
Dubray Tallman and Kenny King.
The hard working ladies of the 5th Bar and Grill.
I wished this photo would of came out better sorry guys.
ROH superstar Delirious
Gary, St Louis ring announcer Ben Simon and Dubray Tallman.
Not a wrestling fan but she was open for a lot of fun.
Rhett Titus
When you need to get great service , these three bartenders are the champs.
For the fans that missed this weekend’s events, you will not want to miss next Saturday as Party Animal Radio and ROSS ANTHONY PROMOTIONS have a fun filled weekend planned for you with former WWE World Champion the IRON SHIEK. For only $55.00 fans can have dinner with the Iron Sheik, fans will receive autographed photos from prior guests Tony Atlas and Harley Race free. Fans can also get a discount to the “Iron Sheik Stand up Show”, with the purchase of a “DWTL3″ ticket (you will still get the free autographs from Atlas & Race).For tickets call-314-669-4727 or 573-270-7218 or for more information visit the website at http://www.stlouiswrestling.webs.com.
Throughout the night fans were able to purchase raffle tickets for a chance at free tickets to these events as well as Party Animal Radio t-shirts. So please join us this Saturday for the Iron Sheik meet and greet dinner. A night you will never forget.
We are thrilled to have one of the top wrestlers in the world Eddie Edwards as the twentieth card in the MWR Trading Card Series. Edwards has wrestled around the world and can be seen in R0H on HDnet every Monday Nights.
Having been trained by not only the legendary Killer Kowalski, but the Pro Wrestling NOAH Dojo, Eddie has become a talent that is desired on wrestling shows all over the world since his 2002 debut. While he is most noted for his work in Ring Of Honor, Eddie is known to work for many companies in the New England area, as well as NOAH in Japan.
While he debuted in Ring Of Honor in 2006, Eddie probably gained most notoraity after forming the team of The American Wolves with Davey Richards in 2008. It wasn’t long after their formation that the two captured the Ring Of Honor Tag Team Titles from rivals Kevin Steen and El Generico in April of 2009. The feud continued well into 2009, only to be put to a halt after an “Anything Goes” match with Kevin Steen in Boston, Massachusetts at “The Final Countdown Tour: Boston” on September 25th that resulted in a serious injury for Eddie.
The next night, with his elbow broken, Eddie went on to team with Davey to take on Steen and Generico in a ‘Ladder Wars’ match, retaining their championship. It wouldn’t be until December 19th of that year that Eddie not only made his return to wrestling, but that the Wolves lost their tag belts, being defeated by the Briscoe Brothers.
With feuds against men like Steen & Generico and The Briscoes, the Wolves championship run also led to numerous memorable tag title defenses including a 45 minute draw again Tyler Black and Bryan Danielson now known as “Tag title classic”. While he is widely known as a tag team wrestler, when he captured the first ever Ring Of Honor TV Title, in a tournament that lead him to face his own partner, Eddie was able to show doubters that while he worked good with a partner, he may be even better on his own.
Add Eddie Edwards Website to your favorites by clicking here. : http://e-edwards.net/
For a complete list of Missouri Wrestling Revival trading cards as well as WWE , TNA and Japan sets check out the website Wrestling trading cards.com here.
Missouri Wrestling Revival is excited to announce that world wide superstar Davey Richards is now a part of the MWR Trading Card series.
Richards opponents can tell you first hand he is able to use his speed, wrestling ability and knowledge to go along with an explosive attack that can take the heart out of lesser men in the ring.
Trained early on by the talented Tony Kozina, Richards combines wrestling with Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to provide fans with an offense that often leaves them breathless.
Richards is no stranger to MWR as he headlined for the first ever Missouri Wrestling Revival Best of the Midwest DVD in his match with 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. The Best of the Midwest matches showcased the great talent in the area at several promotions.
Cover by MWR artist Dartallion Allen
To purchase your very own MWR Best of the Midwest DVD send $15.00 to Brian Kelley 305 west 3rd Salisbury Missouri 65281 Free Shipping
Davey forms one of wrestling’s most respect tag teams with Eddie Edwards to form The American Wolves. On April 10th they defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico to become the Ring of Honor Tag team champions.
Former ROH World Tag Team Champions Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards, The American Wolves (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein.)
Throughout the year they would defend the titles until December 9th when they lost to the Briscoe Brothers. Still Wrestling Observer Newsletter would honor them with the 2009 Tag Team of the Year. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Davey Richards as the number 77th rank wrestler in the world in 2009
Davey Richards punishes Bryan Danielson with crushing blows from his legs. (Photo credit Scott Finkelstein)
Most recently Richards challenged Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black for the title on June 19 at Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV. Black would be able to survive in a war worthy of MOTY, but like all great wrestlers even in defeat the match only added to the legend of Richards.
#1 The Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz– 2008 MWR Tag team of the Year. #2 Mark Sterling– 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year.
#3 The Hooligans Devin and Mason Cutter -2009 MWR Tag Team of the Year #4 MsChif– 2009 MWR Female of the Year #5 Mike Sydal – 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year #6 Jeremy Wyatt – 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year. 2008 MWR Match of the Year Michael Strider, 2009 MWR Match of the Year Tyler Cook #7 Santana G –Seen on TNA #8 Kahagas – The Tokyo Monster
#9 Mephisto– Hardcore favorite
#10 Tyler Black– Ring of Honor World Champion #11 Sir Bradley Charles– Trained by Lance Storm #12Brandon Espinosa – Multi talented superstar #13 Dave Vaughn – The Wrestling Machine #14 “The Future” Donovan Ruddick -The 6’9 Monster #15 Brandon Aarons – Current Triple Crown Champion in the Midwest.
For a complete list of Missouri Wrestling Revival trading cards as well as WWE , TNA and Japan sets check out the website Wrestling trading cards.comhere.
Davey Richards returns to the Midwest this Friday in Collinsville Illinois in a rematch against Generation Me (the former Young Bucks).
Straight from the Ring of Honor website lets take a look at this and ROH’S historic tour throughout the Midwest .
ROH officials announced on June 1st (http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/bangforbucks/) that Generation Me (the former Young Bucks) were making their return to Ring of Honor competition on July 23rd and 24th in Collinsville, IL and Chicago Ridge, IL respectively.
Last night, ROH officials finalized the first of Max and Jeremy Buck’s opponents; a team that GenMe wanted to face more than any other in Ring of Honor, the men that beat them in their last Ring of Honor appearance at “SoCal Showdown” (available on DVD ) – Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards – The American Wolves!
On that January night in Los Angeles, Eddie Edwards made Jeremy Buck tap out to the Achilles Lock and that loss has eaten up GenMe for months now. “We know in our hearts that we’re better than The American Wolves,” said Jeremy. “We know we can beat Eddie and Davey, and we know July 23rd will be our night.” Max added, “We have kept our eyes on Ring of Honor. We know Eddie and Davey have been wrapped up in their individual pursuits as of late and I know my brother and I have elevated our skills as a team to a whole new level. We are better than ever, and in St. Louis – Davey Richards’ adopted hometown mind you – we will prove that these young bucks, Generation Me, has always been the better team.”
It’s Generation Me vs. The American Wolves! Don’t miss the cutting edge of tag team wrestling as it comes to the St. Louis area!
Gateway Center
July 23rd, 2010- 8:00 pm belltime
One Gateway Drive
Collinsville, IL 62234
Tickets will be available to purchase at the door on the night of the show!!!
A special autograph session with Generation Me and Amazing Kong will take place prior to the event starting at approximately 7:00 PM.
Special Challenge – Tag Team Attraction
GenerationMe (formerly The Young Bucks) vs. The American Wolves More Info
Six-Person Tag Team War ROH World Tag Team Champions the Kings of Wrestling/Sara del Rey vs. The Briscoe Brothers/Amazing Kong More Info
Trios Grudge Match ROH World Champion Tyler Black/Jerry Lynn/Delirious with Daizee Haze vs. Austin Aries/Kenny King/Rhett Titus
Singles Match The Necro Butcher with Prince Nana vs. “Skullkrusher” Rasche Brown More Info
Hate: Chapter II
Kevin Steen vs. El Generico More Info
Pick 6 Contenders Series
(1) Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini vs. Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana
Gary the Barn Owl soared into the hallowed ring of professional wrestling before he was even old enough to spread his wings and take flight.
Back in high school, Peter Townsley, Pierre Abernathy and Gary “used to always want to be wrestlers and we just jumped around in the backyard like a bunch of idiots.”
Townsley, who, at the time, worked at the Gravois Grill in Fenton, MO, ran into Jordan Lacey, his wife, Dawn, and Hellraiser.
“We got the flyer, called the number and ended up wrestling out in a field doing God-knows-what, basically we had no clue what we were doing, and then we eventually met Nick Tyson and Adam Raw and then it kind of snow-balled into the LWA, which snow-balled into us training,” Gary said.
His initial training began with Lacey and the XWA and was then followed up by Raw and Tyson. Under those two, Gary trained every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday for approximately a year and half, until he officially began his career.
However, his passion for the sport was born long before he ever set foot in a wrestling ring.
“I can just remember everybody used to like football, and then I just did not want to watch football because I just thought it was boring… I remember seeing Macho Man, his hat was pretty shiny; I liked it,” Gary said.
Flying around the Midwest for nearly four years, Gary notes one simple detail that intrigues him the most about stepping between the ropes.
“I like the physicality. For some odd reason, I’m a glutton for getting my ass kicked. I love it; it’s a good time, and I just like entertaining people,” Gary said.
Along with Evan Gelistico, Jordan Lacey and Billy McNeill, Gary helps to form The Bearded Men From Space Station Eleven—a group that Gary has associated himself with for as long as he can remember.
“When I was born I had a beard. I was the wierdest looking kid, I can show pictures but people will kind of laugh and gawk, so I just keep those at home. So, honestly, ever since I was born I’ve been a member [of the Bearded Men]. My mom has a beard, that’s really awkward, but she’s momma. Momma from Space Station Eleven,” Gary said.
The group formed because the Submission Squad was ganging up on Gary, and he needed help, so he joined forces with Gelistico, who was having his own problems within the Sexual Dynasty, of which he was a part. Lacey and McNeill—who is credited with naming the faction—enlisted as well, and the Bearded Men have been going strong for nearly two years.
Gary and Gelistico flew the coop, so to speak, and returned with AWA-PPW Tag Team Titles, which are from Indiana. On his own, Gary currently holds the U-30s belt, from IWA-Texas, based out of the San Antonia and Dallas area.
Despite the plethora of gold he currently holds, Gary’s greatest feat thus far was his LWA championshp reign.
“My biggest accomplishment is probably being the LWA champion…because I started off as just a trainee here, and they gave me the ‘Gary the Barn Owl’ gimmick, and at first I didn’t like it, and I started really warming up to it and getting in to it. Just basically, becoming from say your opening card guy and now I can main event, open a show, I can do anything because obviously I’m the greatest thing ever. Not really, but you know,” Gary said.
Locally, Gary can be seen wrestling for Lethal Wrestling Alliance (LWA). However, for one keen on travelling, he can be spotted in promotions such as NWA-CSW (Kansas and Missouri), IWA-Texas, PWI-Texas and PPW-Indiana, among others.
Gary the Barn Owl Fast Facts:
Most Important Lesson From Wrestling: Wrestling has taught me respect. That’s the biggest thing. A lot of people might say it, or not, but just respect, and how much you put in and how much you get out of it, you have to work really, really hard to make it to the point where you’re making it a living. So, those guys on TV, even if you don’t like them or you don’t like them because they’re not good or bad, those guys bust their ass, and I give them all the credit for it.
Favorite Match: (One of three favorites) I wrestled Mike Quackenbush and Evan Gelistico in February. That was a really fun match. Evan and me go way back. We met when the XWA/LWA started. We used to hate each other. But now we’re cool. We’re like brothers. He’s like a brother from a different mother—or alien, I really don’t know. We wrestled Quackenbush in a three way, and that’s just overall learning experience was fantastic. Mike Quackenbush is a great athlete, has a really good mind for wrestling and he brought a whole different style to what we were used to.
Dream Matches: I’d say A.J. Styles from TNA. Out of anybody in WWE, I’d wrestle Paul London because I really like Paul London. Either him or Brian Kendrick. It’d be really cool if it was Brian Kendrick and London verus me and Evan, that’d be a good match. Let’s see, anywhere on the indies, I’m a really big fan of El Generico, I don’t know why, I just really like El Generico’s work.
Who Has Taught Him the Most: I’ve learned the most from Nick Tyson, he’s the one that really got me focused because it’s hard to get me focused on certain things. But, he really drilled it in my head the respect thing, and just you can go out and have a good match, and he’d tear me apart. We’d watch it, and he’d tear it up, and about the small things that make things look even better, that I don’t notice it, but the fans notice or other people notice.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 