Editors Note: It was with great pleasure that I received the information that PWP in Council Bluffs, Iowa was preparing to launch their first ever PWP Hall of fame inductees. I will admit that the first man to be inducted is a dear personal friend of mine, Gary Giaffoglione. Gary has been the official PWP photographer for the past 10 years capturing the awesome action in the ring, as well as offering his talents to the wrestlers for promo shots. posters and so much more.
It is no secret to anyone that I cherish the friendships that we have made with MWR in the lovely state of Iowa. Gary, was one of those that I quickly became friends with on that first trip to PWP. In those early years, Gary was instrumental in helping me discover how to properly use a camera, as we also shared stories of our families and life in general.
People may question, why put a man in that just takes a photo? In this crazy world of pro wrestling, you will find that when the good times are happening, everyone is there for you. Yet, to find someone that will be there for you when the times are not so bright, then you have a true friend. During my years at MWR, I have found that to be true at every promotion I have covered, at times they had huge crowds, other times there may have been less than 20 paid in the house. Regardless of the size of the crowd, Gary has been a positive influence within PWP, offering his talents, as well as top notch equipment, while sharing that wonderful smile and attitude around the ring for the past 10 years.
In my mind, he is one of the best photographers in the country. Congrats Gary.
The second man to be entered into the Hall of Fame, is another man that is well deserved of this achievement is none other than “Baby Face” Tony Cortez. Cortez has thrilled fans in the ring with his charismatic personality and never say die attitude. It has always been a pleasure covering him in the ring as a photographer, because of his ability to sell with some great expressions. At Pro Wrestling Phoenix he has been a rock, capturing tag team gold and PWP Heavyweight Championship in the past. In the past he has always been great to work with and one of the top guys on on the mic. In fact one of his promos that he did for MWR with his partner Hype Gotti happen to be among my favorites that we ever did for the site as well as one of the very first MWR promos we ever did in 2008.
Congrats to Cortez for this much deserved honor.
From the offices of PWP
Ok fans, here we go – it’s time to announce the 2 individuals who will be inducted into the very 1st PWP Hall of Fame class, on Saturday May 23rd!!
First, one of the hardest working, most loyal, unsung heroes in PWP history. “MR. G” – GARY GIAFFOGLIONE. When we decided to create a Hall of Fame, it was agreed that we would not only honor competitors, but those who have helped make PWP what it is over the last 10 years. Gary is one of those people. He is much more than just an incredible photographer – he’s a beloved member of the PWP family, and nobody deserves this honor more.
Secondly, one of the most decorated, talented, and successful stars in PWP history.
“BABYFACE” TONY CORTEZ!! Tony held the PWP Championship for more than THREE YEARS, combined over 2 reigns. A former PWP Tag Team Champion as well – nobody encompasses the word “champion” more in PWP history than Tony Cortez. As we head to the 10th Anniversary Spectacular on May 23rd – Cortez has shots at both the PWP Championship and Tag Team Championship once again. In theory, Cortez could leave on May 23rd as PWP Champion, 1/2 of the PWP Tag Team Champions, and PWP Hall of Famer! Cortez will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by his long time partner, HYPE GOTTI.
The 2015 PWP Hall of Fame inductions will be exclusive to VIP ticket holders.
Just $15 – VIP Tickets get you:
* Admission to the 10th Anniversary Spectacular
* First choice of seats
* Admission to the 2015 PWP Hall of Fame inductions
* Exclusive Q&A with SCOTTY 2 HOTTY
* Private meet and greet with SCOTTY 2 HOTTY
VIP tickets available right now at CD Tradepost at 84th & Giles – or at the door the day of the event.
VIP activities will begin at 5 PM.
Note: If you have already purchased standard tickets for this evening and would like to upgrade to VIP, you can arrive at 5 PM with your tickets and simply pay the difference.
From Brian Kelley- Missouri Wrestling Revival Owner and Editor
It is with great excitement that I am to announce that for the very first time the 2014 MWR Yearbook will be on sale this weekend. This is the the fourth yearbook celebrating and honoring the hard work of the men and women of pro wrestling in the Midwest.
This yearbook features a great cover from our friends at Curtain Jerker Designs that jump starts an action packed 300 pages and 500 plus photos and artwork of your favorite moments in the world of wrestling in the MWR Coverage area.We are honored to have World League Wrestling announcer Dan Gier deliver an introduction for you as you will have the opportunity to check out the Year-in-review by each month. The 2014 MWR Award recipients are documented in the book as we also remember the men and women we lost in 2014. A new feature called “Who do you love”, asks some of the stars of the Midwest who their favorite wrestlers of All-time are. Mike Wilson returns with the Shooter Spotlight while the fan favorite section of friends and family is filled with many of the great people that have supported wrestling in 2014. The book also features the MWR promotions complete results and much much more.
The book would not be possible without the support and friendship of the MWR promoters. To each of them I am very thankful for helping make MWR the official voice of pro wrestling news in the Midwest. I would also like to thank the wrestlers, referees and ring announcers that have been positive with the growth of MWR. Most definitely we would like to thank all the fans and people that have helped MWR throughout the past 7 years become what one friend stated MWR has become, “An institution in the Midwest.”
In this years’ book we would like to thank the contributions of these fine men and women that help make the book a huge success.
A.K. Edwards ,Ben Simon , Brandis Outlaw , Chris Howser , Chris Roedel, Cody Murphy ,Crystal Mccormick Heather, David McCutcheon , David Schmida, Debbie Chmidling , Dee Clark, Derek Sharp, Drew Abbenhaus, Dubray Tallman, Eleanor Harris , Gary Giaffoglione , Jack Tierney , James Head ,Larry Matysik, Luke Roberts , Mark Taggart ,Miranda, Cantrell, Michael Laio ,Michael Van Hoogstraat ,Miss Natural, Patrick Brandmeyer, Paul Andrews ,Peyton Mitchell ,Raven Johnson, Stephen Drew. (I pray I didn’t forget anyone)
The book will debut this Saturday at SICW in East Carondelet, Illinois and the special price for everyone that purchase the book at a promotion that we cover is still ONLY $20.OO
The MWR Yearbook tour will be moving along fast and furious in 2015 in the following weeks. Be sure to catch up with MWR fan relations Dubray Tallman to pick up your very own MWR Yearbook.
March 28th New Breed Wrestling
April 11th MMWA
04/11/2015 MMWA (St. Louis, Missouri) @the Historic South Broadway Athletic Club 2301 South 7th Street Tickets 1-314-776- 4833
April 17 St. Louis Anarchy
April 18th ST. Louis Anarchy
St. Louis Anarchy (Alton, Illinois) Alton Knights of Columbus 405 East 4th Street Doors Open at 6:30pm, Show starts at 7:00pm Front Row $15 in advance, $20 at the door (only 50 seats available) Second Row $12 in advance $15 at door General Admission $10 in advance $15 at the door
Do not forget to add this titles to your collection
What a great year 2010 was for pro wrestling in the Midwest. Shows throughout the Midwest showed a steady growth in an economy that is struggling.
The biggest companies in the World, WWE and TNA both had pay per views in the Midwest. Fans were able to meet the stars at TNA’S fan fest. The ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame honored Dory Funk JR, Bobby the Brain Heenan and Baron von Raschke with their inductions to the hall of fame during the celebration.
Wrestling returned to Kansas City in a big way when Metro Pro Wrestling debut at the historic Memorial Hall with special guest Tommy Dreamer and a TV deal on Metro Sports. Led by former WWE Superstar Trevor Murdock, the Metro roster has to step up their game if they are to be the best if they are to stand out of the 3 time WWE Tag Team Champions shadow.
We were happy to add New Midwest Wrestling to our coverage area.At MWR we have seen some of the NMW talents in past in Dan the Man and Ryan Phoenix but we quickly saw that Bobby Houston, Eric Logan and NMW Champion Jonathan Magnus are just a few that are worthy of seeing in action as well.
Once again we were able to enjoy another great PWE show at the Lincoln Balloon Festival. PWE later in the year saw Donovan Ruddick and Mason Beck go up against the fun lovin former WWE Star U-Gene and the Mississippi Madman.
We were able to see PWP get out of the grasp of the Murder Militia in a classic War Games match while on the other side of the state 3XWrestling continued their standard of providing the fans with great wrestling and an up and close look at their great website including the monthly Outside the Ring program.
In ST Louis MMWA-SICW was the 2009 MWR Promotion of the Year, but they did not rest on their laurels. They continued to train young wrestlers while bringing in some of the very best in Mark Sterling and Mike Sydal, fans where also thrilled to see old favorites return like Danny Boy and Ron Powers.
AAPW had one of the very best feuds in the Midwest with Shane Rich turning his back on his good friend Edmund “Livewire” McGuire.
NWA Dynamo has brought back some of the GCW flavor and packed the house in a great show in the summer with Pete Madden and Mike Sharona going to war with Nikki Strychnine and Makaze in the main event.
HVW had a slow year but was proud to boast that HVW Original Santana G had made her way to Florida with a great opportunity to valet on Spike TV for TNA with Orlando Jordan.
World League Wrestling is primed to be at their very best with the young talent training at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy. Don’t be surprised to see the talents of Jason Jones, the Cancun Kid, Lucy Mendez, Jack Gamble, Brian Breaker and Ethan Wright hold titles throughout the Midwest and beyond in the near future.
IHW proved that they were one of the best with entertaining shows that grew more and more fans each time. Brandon Aarons has turned into the one of the biggest fan favorites in all of the Midwest. Eric Allen and Sean Vincent would test the skills of the rising young star.
MECW mixed hometown flavor with a dose of Windy City Wrestling, including former WWE Star Mike Anthony and the one and only Bailey Mannix along with teen heart throb Evan Money.
IWA Unlimited provided the fans of Olney Illinois with free wrestling each Wednesday. High flying and hard hitting action gave the wrestlers a chance to improve their skills in a great environment.
IWA Productions packed the house with special guest The Honky Tonk Man but it was the local fans that stole the show when Christian Rose and Danny Cannon tore the roof off the place.
NWA Supreme shows may not have that many shows but the ones they did have where filled with some of the best stars locally and nationally.
MWR wrestlers have been active working to get to the top. Mike Sydal was announced as the 2009 PWI Rookie of the year while Midwest stars Mark Sterling, Ace Hawkins, Brandon Espinosa all made appearances with Ring of Honor.
The fans and friends of Barry Ryte showed their support for their guy after he was diagnosed with cancer causing him to back out of the 2010 ECWA Super 8 tournament. Barry has shown in the ring that he has the heart of a champion, and that fighting spirit has helped him It has been announced that he has been cleared to wrestle in 2011. If we had an inspirational wrestler of the Year he would have won hands down.
Fans were blessed to have the Champion of the World Tyler Black make their way to their hometown as Tyler Black met Jeremy Wyatt at 3Xwrestling in Des Moines Iowa, while in Illinois Black went one on one with Brandon Aarons.
This fall word got out that the Future Donovan Ruddick had made his way to Florida with a developmental contract for WWE. He joined the before mentioned Black who has since lost his title to Roderick Strong but we all know the best is yet to come for Tyler Black.
I hope that you have enjoyed the coverage of all of your favorite promotions. It is with the hard work of Dubray Tallman, Mike Van Hoogstraat, Bill Smith, Gary Giaffoglione, Matt Murphy, Greg Anthony , Dartallion Allen, Mark Campos, Josh Ray and Rob Schamberger that makes the site what it is today.
We would like to thank the promoters and wrestlers that support the site for the past three years.
Last but not least thank you so much to the fans of pro wrestling in the Midwest. Take the time to see a wrestler before they become the next Superstar.
On January first we were proud to announce that Mike Chapman was named as the 2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. For more info on Mike Chapman click here.
Now with further ado I give you the 2010 MWR yearly awards.
2010 Wrestler of the Year
Mike Sydal-
Mike Sydal (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
The wrestler of the year was a close vote this year as the surge of Mark Sterling coming within votes to be named for the second year in a row for MWR Wrestler of the Year. Meanwhile Donovan Ruddick had a great push thanks to great performances in 2010 against Dave Vaughn, Mephisto, and the Mississippi Madman. Hard work would pay off for Ruddick as the opportunity that many felt was long overdue, came to pass when he was signed to the WWE developmental contract late this fall. Jeremy Wyatt and Trevor Murdock both garnered several votes thanks to what many voters voiced their respect for each of these men. Last but not least just on the outside of the voting range was Brandon Aarrons who and his former tag team partner Brandon Espinosa .
Mike Sydal toured the country in 2010 wrestling in matches each and every week. Promoters loved him, fans cheered him and the country noticed. His hard work and dedication combined with a true desire to improve earned made him the second wrestler that took part in the WLW/Noah camp that won the PWI Rookie of the Year.
Sydal was just getting started, during Wrestlemania weekend he was in California wrestling with Ring of Honor. He would continue wrestling with Ring of Honor training at their training center before making appearances on Direct TV’S HDNET against Tyler Black, Christopher Daniels and more.
In the fall Sydal returned to much fan fare. At Metro Pro Wrestling, Rock and Roll Mike Sydal was once again on TV with Metro Pro Wrestling against the former WWE Tag Team Champion Trevor Murdock.
At 3XW he was involved in one of the most emotional matches of the year when he was force to face “The Unbreakable” Zach Thompson. Thompson defeated his High Flyers’ partner Mike Sydal following a Dublin Driver in a very emotional and hard fought Loser Leaves 3XWrestling match set up by 3XW Commissioner Todd Countryman in May. Fans rejoiced when Thompson overcame the odds to defeat Brian Ash in November to allow Sydal to once again return.
Throughout the year of 2010 Sydal popped up just about everywhere good wrestling could be found.
Sydal has earned the respect of his peers and promoters and it showed in the 2010 in the final vote. Out of 14 awards committee voters the lowest Sydal got were 16.
We would like to congratulate Mike Sydal as the 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year.
First Runner up– Mark Sterling Second Runner up– Donovan Ruddick Third Runner up– Jeremy Wyatt
2010 MWR Tag team of the Year
Attitude Inc. (Guy Smith, Spencer Powers, and Michael Shard)
New Midwest Tag Team Champions : Attitude Inc – Spencer Powers, Michael Shard and Guy Smith
Attitude Inc is a flashy tag team that has electrified the ring at New Midwest Wrestling for the past year. All three men are former NMW Heavyweight Champions who have come together and found success. Like the Freebirds, Attitude Inc have mixed partners to their advantages. Their success and talent has won over the awards committee.
At the start of the year they dismantled the faction the Sin Club of Steve Bishop, Dave Parker and Dareian Frost in impressive fashion.
In July the they outlasted the tag teams of Logantyre (Eric Logan and Justin McEntyre) , The New Immolare (Tom Arson and Ryan Phoenix) and the Full Metal Jackals( Danny Cannon and Alex Castle) in an exciting four way match to win the NMW Tag Team titles.
In consecutive months of October and November they defeated the up and coming tag team the Full Metal Jackals (Danny Cannon and Alex Castle) to retain the NMW Tag Team Titles.
Though Attitude Inc has their hands full with the tag team of the Uninvited (Rip Mystic and Tom Arson) heading into 2011, the team can hold their head up high that MWR has named them the 2010 MWR Tag Team of the Year.
First Runner up– Gentleman’s Club- Devin Carter and Casanova Second Runner up- Steve Fender and Mark Sterling Third Runner up – The Hooligans -Devin and Mason Cutter
2010 MWR Female of the Year
Amy Hennig
Amy Hennig (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
The current World League Wrestling Women’s champion has been dominate in 2010. Hennig has trained at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy and has all the tools to make it to the top of the wrestling world.
Matches with Lucy Mendez, Santana G and Angelus Layne were must see matches in 2010.
You can catch her brother Joe every Monday night on WWE, do not miss the chance to see her in the Midwest while you still can.
First Runner up -MsChif Second Runner up- Santana G Third Runner up- Lucy Mendez
2010 MWR Promotion of the Year
3Xwrestling
3XW’s fifth year proved to be the best yet, featuring a mix of incredible wrestling, packed crowds, strong business relationships within the community, and a continuing commitment to charitable efforts.
Despite the common perception that interest in wrestling is on the decline, 3XW enjoyed consistently growing crowds throughout the year, routinely packing the Des Moines Social Club each month for events thanks to a loyal – and growing – following and strong television, radio, print and word-of-mouth advertising, not to mention the most talented roster of wrestlers in the entire Midwest.
This past July, 3XW also had the honor of being the last wrestling promotion to hold matches in historic Veterans Memorial Auditorium, a building with 55 years of wrestling history. The athletes of 3XW competed in the same building that NWA affiliates, particularly Central States, held matches years ago, not to mention some major WWE/WWF/WCW moments.
3XW’s webshow, Outside the Ring, enjoyed an increasing number of views, as did 3XWrestling.com, which was visited by thousands of fans each month.
First Runner up- Independent Hardcore Wrestler Second Runner up- MMWA-SICW Third Runner up- Metro Pro Wrestling
2010 MWR Match of the Year
Jeremy Wyatt vs. Tyler Black – 3XW – April 2, 2010
Spring Showdown at 3Xwrestling was a monumental night of pro wrestling featuring one of the top wrestlers in the Midwest proving to the world that he could hang with the Champion of the World.
The two wrestled to a 30-minute time limit draw in an incredible wrestling match that earned a standing ovation from the crowd after the final bell. The last minute of the match saw referee Jeromy Robb inadvertently get crushed in the corner by both men and fall to the canvas. Black quickly nailed Wyatt with a tremendous reverse brainbuster and covered him for the pin, only there was no ref to count the pin. As Black was checking on the ref in the corner, Wyatt slowly rose to his feet and grabbed Black from behind, slamming him hard with his patented Kansas Tumbleweed (Lightning Spiral) and covering him for the pin with 20 seconds remaining, only for the ref to still be out. Wyatt screamed and pleaded for the ref to get up to no avail and he even counted the pin himself. The time then ran out before a winner could be determined but the fans gave a standing ovation.
First Runner up- MECW November 20, 2010 – Bailey Mannix vs. Eric Allen – 30 Minute Ironman Match
Second Runner up- The Mississippi Madman vs. The Future Donovan Ruddick with MR Late Nite at Pro Wrestling Epic August 28th, 2010 Lincoln, Illinois
Third Runner up- Danny Cannon vs Christian Rose ladder match from IWA Productions OCC show in January 2010
For a complete list of nominations sent from fans, promoters and wrestlers around the Midwest click here.
MWR photographer Gary Giaffoglione was at the huge Pro Wrestling Phoenix show this past Saturday for the Year of the Phoenix 2011.
The fans got to see a great night of wrestling that ended in a title bout between “Babyface” Tony Cortez and powerhouse Preston Maxwell. After the dust settled it would be Preston Maxwell with the belt around the waist.
We hope to have pictures along with a full recap of the aftermath of Year of the Phoenix in the near future. Remember you can find all your PWP news at MWR and the Pro Wrestling Phoenix Website here.
With a plethora of great shows these past few months, it has been hard to keep up with all the exciting news flash, photos and happenings around the Midwest.
MWR has been active with some of the top stars in the country while meeting many of you the great fans, some for the first time while others we know quite well.
We have spent almost every weekend on the road covering the top promotions in the Midwest.
Let’s take a look at some of the sights of the past few months with MWR, the Fans and Superstars around the Midwest.
August 7- Granite City Illinois- High Voltage Wrestling
HVW returned from their summer break to with top stars Kahagas taking on Trent Stone , the Midwest Sweet heart Santana G going up against her arch rival Amy Hennig and the Great Cheyenne with MsChif watching.
Dan Walsh (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Would it be just by chance that the MWR Wrestler of the Week was MTV’S Dan Walsh who would give away a MWR T-Shirt in August only to see him get the HVW Livewire title soon after? Hey Dan we are just playing, you earned it….with a handful of Trent Stones tights.
August 21 – Council Bluffs Iowa – Pro Wrestling Phoenix
The trips to Iowa seem to take so long to get their, which has been a reason for us to scale back from going to PWP and 3XW. One problem they are so GOOD!! MWR fans don’t worry we have no plans what so ever to stop covering these two exciting promotions.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix delivered on this evening with some exciting wrestling action. We were on hand when Axel Greece assists Ryan Slade and Zac James cheat Chris Havius and Donnie Peppercricket out of the PWP Tag Titles. The show also saw the war rage on between Abu Colossus and Preston Maxwell.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix Champion Tony Cortez (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The MWR Wrestler of the Night was the PWP Champion Tony Cortez. Cortez was able to survive the onslaught on Jayden Draigo to retain the championship in a feud that has become quite personal.
In the near future look for a phot recap from their last show in October from PWP/MWR Photographer Gary Giaffoglione
August 28- Lincoln Illinois – Pro Wrestling Epic
The Balloon festival in Lincoln Illionis is a BIG deal and with PWE providing a FREE show if you attend you can not miss it.
PWE delivered with the biggest match in years in the Midwest literally when the PWE title was on the line between the Mississippi Madman taking on “The Future” Donovan Ruddick led by MR Late Nite.
Ohhhs and AHHHS were heard as the two behemoths battle for supermecy and who is truly the top big man. Nothing was settled decisively, but the crowd went home to tell their friends about the Madman and Future. The match that shook the Midwest .
Evan Money explodes on Eric Allen (Photo credit Brian Kelley)
“The Kid” Evan Money was the MWR Wrestler of the Week as he went on to defeat Eric Allen with a frog splash.
September 4th – Kansas City Kansas- Metro Pro Wrestling
We were thrilled to support Metro Pro Wrestling for several reasons; first off the wrestling scene in the KC market has been dry for some time now. With Metro Pro Sports having TV, showcasing several of the top stars in the country today and oh yeah our former partner in crime Josh Ray is the current ring announcer for this upstart promotion. Metro Pro proved to be a great time with a great upside going into 2010.
“Rock and Roll” Mike Sydal with Amber (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
Amber," The host of Dubi meets the Fans" Dubray and Brecca take in a picture after the show (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
All the girls love Tyler Cook (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
From the looks of Brecca’s face WLW Star Ethan Wright did not learn the Masterlock from former WLW Champ Chris Masters. (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
September 11 – Waterloo Illinois – Independent Hardcore Wrestling
IHW has been on a roll in 2010 with some great matches in front of a packed crowd. On this night we were thrilled to debut the Tony Kozina MWR Trading Card. Kozina is one of the most well diverse and exciting wrestlers today. During the night Kozina wrestled one of the Midwest most impressive young men in the game Chris L.O.G.A.N
Tony Kozina (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Let’s take a look at a Video recap of this great show from IHW
September 22- Olney Illinois – IWA Unlimited
Our first trip to Olney lived up to the hype that has been told to me. A weekly FREE Wednesday show how can you go wrong. A great small venue filled with some of the top young talent in the area.
IWA Unlimited fan favorite The Intimidator gives away a free MWR T-shirt to start the night off. (Photo Credit Tim Dunahee )
Everyone that I talked to loved the stars of IWA U and looked forward to the hump day of the week. If you have the day off and live in STL I urge you to take the drive to see what you are missing.
September 25 – Hillsdale Missouri- MMWA-SICW
A great day for the community of Hillsdale as MMWA-SICW teamed up with the Hillsdale Police force to provide a free wrestling show. MMWA-SICW are always fan friendly and if a free outdoor show was not enough, the team work also offered free BBQ and back packs filled with treats from the police force given to them by the stars of MMWA-SICW.
Ace Hawkins is the MMWA-SICW Santa Clause in September while sporting the MWR T-shirt
The MWR Wrestler of the day was none other than Ace Hawkins. Ace fresh off of his appearance at Ring of Honor not only gave away a free MWR shirt but bicycles from the kids and some awesome ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame shirts before having a great match against Brandon Espinosa.
September 25- Wood River Illinois – MECW Double shot evening
One of the best kept secrets in the Midwest, is the fact that some of the best talent in Iowa makes the long trip to the STL to go to prove that they are among the best in the Midwest. Jimmy Rockwell, Devin Carter, Zach Thompson, Ryan Slade and even self proclaimed wrestling genius Chad Mylan has put an end to Gabriel Brimstones stranglehold in the Independent title when his man Kwong won the belt in recent months.
Iowa is not the only area that is well represented as the upstate Illinois wrestlers BroMance (Knight Wagner and Jordan McEntrye) with Erin currently holds onto the MECW Tag Championship and Matt Mayday, Mike Anthony and Chris Logan have all brought their own flavor in the company.
MECW Champion Bailey Mannix (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
On this night the MWR Wrestler of the Night was the champ himself, Bailey Mannix. Mannix is still one of the most underrated wrestlers in the game today.
October 2- Kansas City Kansas – Metro Pro Wrestling
Metro Pro Wrestling heated up with the brand new Metro Pro Wrestling TV Champion Trevor Murdoch taking charge. With an appearance from wrestling great Harley Race the fans where able to see some of the great from the past mixed in with some of the best today.
What has the best Wrestler on Gods Green earth Harley Race along with Ethan Wright and Jeff Strong so mad, could it be because of something that former MWR Josh Ray is doing? See it on METRO SPORTS in Kansas City (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
If fans in Kansas City want the best bang for their buck they need to give Metro Pro Wrestling a chance. You won’t regret it.
October 9- Eldon Missouri – World League Wrestling
One of the biggest nights of the year brought several of the most influential men in the game today. Co-Owner of Pro Wrestling Noah was in attendance along with Harley Race and Cauliflower Alley Club’s Karl Lauer. The MWR Wrestler of the Night was Midwest knockout Lucy Mendez who gave away the very first MWR pink t-shirt.
Midwest Knockout Lucy Mendez has the attention of Cauliflower Alley Club’s Karl Lauer. (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
Wrestlers from around the world took the week long camp in hopes of making it to the show.
MWR Photographer Bill Smith with the representatives of Pro Wrestling NOAH (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
WLW Super fan Vincent Heather gets an autograph Steve Fender trading card from the man himself
Look for a Full photo recap of this show in the near future from MWR Photographer Bill Smith
October 10- Marceline Missouri – Modern Championship Wrestling
Just down the road from my house was a new promotion was a rare Sunday show that featured local favorite The Iceman. Brian Blade won the belt at the very first show and has been a thorn in promoter Dustin Watson’s side ever since.
Larry Stilfield with Modern Championship Wrestling Champion Brian Blade (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
October 16- Glen Carbon Illinois – NWA Dynamo/High Voltage Wrestling
We were on hand to present the High Voltage Wrestling tag champs the Hooligans the 2009 MWR Tag team of the Year plaques. To be honest we offered the exciting tag team Full Contact Dojo (Jonathan Gresham and Ric King) the chance to be the MWR Wrestlers of the Week to throw out a t-shirt as a way of being nice.
In a shocking development they defeated The Hooligans to become the NEW HVW Tag Championship . No HVW Champion was safe as “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt defeated Kahagas and Dan Walsh won the HVW Livewire belt.
The HVW Tag Team Champs Jonathan Gresham and Ric King with the lucky fan who caught the MWR shirt Rebecca Haynes (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Look for a photo recap as well and interviews with all of the new HVW Champions here at MWR in the future.
October 23 – Springfield Illinois – New Midwest Wrestling
NMW invited us and invited us and I am glad that they did, we had debut once before and was very impressed and happy to have added them in our NMW Coverage area. The last show I photographed the most dangerous ( and fun matches) to be a photographer at in my carrer during the4 team NMW Tag Team scramble match and returned for the biggest Battle Royal, rumble style of the year for NMW. All for the enjoyment of you the fans.
The MWR Wrestler of the Week was up and comer Christian Rose. Look for more information about this exciting night of wrestling at MWR soon.
Christian Rose (Photo Courtesy of Jon 'Skippy' Edgecomb)
There you have MWR fans, the itinerary of where Dubray and I have been in just the past tthree months. We may not be able to keep up with the miles that the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling does but who can, that man is a machine.
I would like to thank you the fans, the wrestlers, and the promoters for making
Missouri Wrestling Revival – The Wrestling Press of the Midwest.
MWR fans please support your local professional wrestling and we hope to see you at a show.
Brian Kelley Owner/Editor of Missouri Wrestling Revival
Our trip to Council Bluffs, Iowa turned out to be on a beautiful day. With the fall season upon us and school around the corner for both us we knew we had to make our way to Council Bluffs Iowa just in case we were unable attend later due to time.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix blessed to have a great photographer in GaryGiaffoglione there on most shows so we always have a MWR presence at a PWP show. PWP has always been great to work with and if you remember they are the premier promotion for fresh baked cookies at their concession stand. We took home eight rice krispy treats if that tells you anything. Hey they are that good
Brian was excited about seeing Gary once again, and had brought him up a complete set of the MWR Trading cards that have several that feature his photo work such as the Mike Sydal, Sir Bradley Charles and the chilling Jeremy Wyatt card that looks a little sinister. Gary made the trip worth it by giving me a hug (You know I need my attention, I am Dubray of course) so the night had started off right.
Prior to saying our hellos to the staff, we decided to find the restroom that was located in the hallway. Before I got done Brian was talking to some fans that were there an hour early waiting for the doors to open. Brian told them what we were doing and Nancy stated that her favorite was the BIG Abu Colossus. She stated that every time he came out prior to his match she liked to get up and do a dance to let him know that she was on his side. We promised her that if Abu was there on the night she would be among the Dubi Meets the fans.
Nancy Mcbride with Abu (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
The doors opened at 6:30 so off the work I went to find fans that were interested in being a part of this edition of Dubi meets the fans. Brian and PWP must have advertised it good or they remembered the last time we did it at PWP and didn’t want to miss it this time because there was a ton of people wanting to get their picture with the PWP Superstars.
Our MWR Wrestler of the night was none other than the PWP Champion Tony Cortez. Cortez wore the MWR shirt prior to starting the night off with impromptu win against Zac James. Before the match started he threw the shirt to Ben Castillo from Fremont, NE. During the intermission he took the time to meet the young fan.
PWP Champ Tony Cortez with Ben Castillo (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
One fan that was a lot of fun to watch during the matches told me his name was Daniel “The Power Deaf” Gilchrist from Glenwoood Iowa. When the wrestlers would kick out just in time for the final 3 count he was really into it. He wanted Jayden Draigo but Draigo I was told has been a terror at PWP for some time and can be uncontrollable at times so Brian asked if he could choose someone else. He quickly chose fan favorite Matty Starr.
Daniel “The Power Deaf” Gilchrist with Matty Starr( Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Ron Blair had no hesitation to who he wanted to have his picture with it was the ever popular Donnie Peppercricket.
Ron Blair and Donnie Peppercricket (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Young Michael Barnes from Council Bluffs Iowa was at PWP to see the exciting Jaysin Strife in action. Strife was more than happy to get his picture with Michael.
Michael Barnes with Jaysin Strife (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
A regular of Pro Wrestling Phoenix was John Striffler from Omaha Nebraska who told me that he had been a big of wrestling for over sixty years. John told me that he always enjoyed coming to Pro Wrestling Phoenix and tried to make every show. John told me that he was a fan of Chris Havius who was one half of the PWP Tag Team Champions along with Donnie Peppercricket.
John Striffler and Chris Havius (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
As we were taking pictures I was told that little bitty Kaycee’s favorite wrestler was Tony Cortez. Cortez was nearby and snapped the shot of the youngest fan to ever take part in the Dubi meets the fans.
Kaycee and PWP Champion Tony Cortez
The last time we were at PWP Matty Star was in high demand and on this night it was no different. Starr has been making waves in 2010 where ever we go and we are not the only ones that noticed because just like Daniel “The Power Deaf” Gilchrist, Joshua Pope was all smiles as he posed with Matty Starr.
Matty Starr with Joshua Pope (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Abu Colossus had his hands full on this night against Preston Maxwell but before his match after intermission he took a snap shot with Nathan Gilchrist.
Nathan Gilchrist and Abu
Adam was a fan of the PWP Tag Team Champions, Havius and Peppercricket and may have been the last person to get their pictures taken with the duo as champs. They would take on the Beautiful Bodies, and would retain the titles but you will have to wait for the recap here at MWR (Or click on the PWP Website if you can’t wait) to find out who would leave Battle of the Phoenix 2010 with the belts.
Chris Havius Adam and Donnie Peppercricket (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
The last fan that I will introduce you to was really excited to be at PWP and was very excited to have their pictures taken with the PWP wrestlers was Mike Firk. Mike would ask to have his picture taken with Matty Starr, Chris Havius and Donnie Peppercricket as well as catching me after the show excited about getting his picture taken with the lovely Angelus Layne and Jaysin Strife.
Mike Firk with Angelus Layne and Jaysin Strife. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
I looked around to see who my pick on this evening would be and noticed that Sir Bradley Charles had just got done meeting the fans and selling the awesome looking SBC shirt to a fan and had a moment so I asked him to be my Dubi Meets the fans choice and Jaysin Strife was nearby so why not add him as well.
Jaysin Strife, Dubray Tallman and Sir Bradley Charles (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Fans I hope that you enjoyed this edition of Dubi Meets the PWP fans and for more pictures of these fans with their favorite wrestler please click here to see them.
We hope to have a full recap of this show along with MWR’S Introducing Angelus Layne.
Till next time be good and I hope to see you at the show.
Helloooo wrestling fans as the great Bill Kersten would say. I am thrilled that today we are celebrating our 1,000 post here at Missouri Wrestling Revival. Throughout the past two and half years you have been able to come to MWR site to check out upcoming shows, interviews and stories of the top stars of not only the Midwest but around the world.
MWR started out simple enough from one of my best friends Josh Ray who had the dream to bring attention to wrestling in the Midwest. He worked hard to get the site going and along with myself and Kari Williams the site was off and running.
Thankfully we had a good friend Peter Hahn whos sister Rachel, is a wonderful graphic artist that came up with the logo that has became the face of MWR.
I have been so busy getting ready for school, preparing for my sons school year and other projects that I have yet to unveil some great new logo’s from our good friends at Awesome bomb radio so no time is better than the start of a new thousand. Adult MWR fans take a chance to check out the Awesome Bomb Radio for some wild and crazy interviews with some of the top wrestlers in the game today.
Everyone at MWR has worked hard to be respectful and polite to each promotion, wrestler and fans that we have gone across.
I have a strong belief that to be successful that no one can do it alone. In the history of MWR there have been some wonderful supporters of the site that is vital to MWR’S place in wrestling today. I am going to attempt to thank everyone that has made MWR possible. At every promotion we have worked with there has been not only promoter, wrestlers but also referees, ring announcer, security, video crew and fans that I have nothing but love and respect for. Several have become close friends, while others I have not seen in a long time, though time has past by and we may have not seen each other this post is still for you.
1) The Fans: I hope that you have found MWR a place that you come to enjoy. You are the most important piece to the puzzle to making a show a success. At times we are very busy at a show but I want you to know that I thank you for clicking on the site and we are always excited to get to meet you. Your support for the hard working men and women of the sport keeps the hope alive for pro wrestlers to live their dream. If you have not checked out a local show near you I urge you to check out a promotion soon.
We have made many Friends thanks to the MWR site. Drew and Gary are two great guys that I met at local shows, they knew us from the work we do thanks to MWR. During the Wrestling Legends on tour the three of us got to pose with some of the top wrestling stars ever in the sport. These are just two of the many fans that we are proud to call our friends.
2) The Promoters: These guys are judged, hated and sometimes forgotten. It takes a special person to risk there money and spend their time to run a show. The cold hard fact is that it is a LOT of work to be one and at times luck to be successful in this profession. Without them doing the ground work a show never gets off the ground. They have opened their doors to us and I hope they know we have been honored to try our best to get the word out about the dates of their show.
3) The Wrestlers, managers and referees: Call it a sport or call it entertainment, one can not deny that it takes true talent to make a show a success..
During the years I have been all around the Midwest checking out shows in the big cities and the small towns and I can say that I have no doubt that there is no athletes that cares more for their fans that the wrestlers.
We have been at a few shows that have had less than 30 people, that did not stop the wrestlers from going out there and giving it their all, then took the time to come meet the fans.
I watched time and time where they have took that extra moment to talk, pose for pictures and sign autographs to the kids of all ages and thanking them for their hard earn money to watch them do what they love.
There have been many shows where the wrestlers have donated their time and skills with no pay to support a fundraiser for a local family or school.
No matter what state we are in, or the three letters of the promotions every wrestles have the same goal and that is to entertain you with the best of their abilities.
This past weekend I was in Lincoln Illinois for the Arts and Balloon Festival where the a huge crowd witness some exciting wrestling action. One of the many talented wrestlers in the Midwest today, Knight Wagner asked if he could do a promo commemorating the moment that so many fans had a chance to see what wrestling was like in our area.
I was honored by the kind words that he said in the promo for our website in hopes that you the fans will check us out to find out where you can see the next wrestling show in your area. I want to share with you the words of Knight Wagner.
To be honest there have been many such compliments given to the MWR family from many many wrestlers that understand that this site is built for the fans, the promoters and wrestlers themselves.
.
It has been a pleasure to work each and every one of you. I have seen some of the craziest, weirdest and breathtaking matches ever in the past two plus years at MWR. The love that you have for wrestling is only equaled by the desire to give the fans their money’s worth. MWR could not be as successful or fun without your cooperation
4) Dubray Tallman: The old saying is behind every successful man is a good women. Thankfully I have Dubray to help support me while we drive the six hours roundtrip for many shows. There is no group of friends that live close enough that we can ride with to make the trip faster or cheaper. In less than a year and half we have made over eighty shows in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. At times the site takes away from what we can do elsewhere or together as it takes time to write and edit everything. Prior to the show Dubray works on one of the most popular articles that we have Dubi meets the fans. Often Dubi Meets the Fans is the among the top post for weeks on end . Dubray I love you.
5) Josh and Sara Ray: The founder of MWR is also one of my best friends. Josh has a great mind and love for the business. If only the two of us lived closer no telling how much more successful MWR would be. They don’t get much better than Josh and Sara
6) Kari Williams: MWR’S number one writer, you have read Kari’s articles from the inception of the site. Young and talented there is no doubt that you will find Kari’s work in a much bigger forum one day. Dubray and I always are thrilled to see Kari and her mother Joan.
7) Matt Murphy: Matt is one of the most underrated wrestling minds today. He has always been willing to give his advice and assistance for the site. In fact I didn’t take his advice early on and paid for it. Lesson learned, listen to Matt Murphy. Seriously Matt was kind enough to have his book showcased here at MWR in a weekly article that many MWR fans loved. If you missed it, there is a link at the top of the page that you can go to do catch up. MWR fans if you have read this article or book PLEASE take the time to review it on Amazon.com here.
8) Greg Anthony – Anthony brings to the site, a fan that is talented enough to excel in the sport today as a wrestler. I am never bored and often surprised to what he has to say in the MWR favorite the Golden Circle. As with Murphy if you have missed any of his articles I urge you take a look at the top of the page and enjoy.
9) Patrick Brandmeyer– As much as I love local professional wrestling, the truth is at times it can be nearly impossible to find out information on the past as well as the current history of the business. I often look to my good friend Patrick Brandmeyer for the what, how and why in the St Louis wrestling market and beyond. If a promotion wants a good source of advertisement then most defiantly contact Brandmeyer to make his way to your show.
10) ST Louis Wrestling Community and the Nose Bleed seats- Many people think that the man known as the Crimefighter and his website the ST Louis Wrestling Community are a competitor of the MWR website. The truth is that I have always enjoyed working with Crimfighter and his colleagues from the Nose Bleed SeatsChris Lee and MOAV5706. I often use the site and their advice for articles that you read here. They have had some great podcast and they are the number one source for all your wrestling in Central Illinois. Check them out here.
11) MWR T-shirts– Nothing brings a smile to my face than seeing a fan or wrestler wear a MWR Shirt. In the four states that we cover we have given away or sold 100’s of our shirts to wonderful people such as yourself. We started out with free drawings during intermission to a lucky fan.
Fans like this wonderful women has been thrilled to catch a MWR T-Shirt from a Midwest Superstar (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogsraat)
Then one day at PWP I was taken photos when Murder Militia’s #1 Brett Young came to the ring wearing an MWR shirt . That kicked a light bulb in my head, why don’t we have a wrestler wear to ring and unlike the greedy Young who kept his shirt, we have them throw it to a lucky fan. This promotion has been more than a success and I would like to thank all the wrestlers who have worn the shirt in the past in this promotion. The fans I feel have had a lot of fun in catching them . Most recently one fan told me that her daughter was so impressed with catching the t-shirt and having her picture taken with the wrestler(Jimmy Karryt) that she has that picture of her and him as the background picture on their computer. You can not purchase moments as special as that.
Words can not describe how important my friend Nick Ridenour has been this year in working with us to have quality and affordable t-shirts with the small budget we have.
12) MWR Top Draws – A very popular feature at MWR is the art work from MWR’S Dartallion Allen JR. Allen brings to life your favorite stars in a cartoon style. Mwr fans look in the very near future a chance to vote for who you think Allen Jr should draw in the MWR Classic Wrestler Top Draw. Till then take the time to click above to see one of Midwest brightest artist today.
13) MWR Trading Cards– This is my new passion and a set that I take great pride in. A worthy collectable for the fans of MWR, the set features the stars of the Midwest and around the world that we have all come to love or hate. We started off with the MWR award winners for 2008 and 2009, card number one was the 2008 MWR Tag team of the year the Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz with Pnut, the three who is awesome in promos looked just as good in a trading card.
“The Future” Donovan Ruddick takes the time to pose with young fans that had purchased his MWR Trading Card prior to him autographing the collectable that fans have been clamoring for the past few months.
Since then we have added a who’s who of stars in the Midwest including three people that I am forever grateful who brought worldwide recognition to the set, site and other wrestlers of the series and they are international stars MsChif, Davey Richards and Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black.
A big thank you goes out to Alyssa Major for her amazing talent on these cards.
As of press time we have announced Nineteen trading cards and each and every individual brings their own flair and worth to your collection. Look for many other superstars of the ring to grace their presence in the set. In fact I am so excited to name them that I need to stop writing about it.
For a look at these card check out our checklist at the number one site for wrestling trading cards Wrestlingtradingcards.comhere.
14) MWR Photographers– People that know me, know that I love photos of wrestling. Often I will go to a website and see results from a show but never know what that person looks like. At MWR you get a chance to put a name with a face in an exciting fashion
I am blessed to be able to have some of the great photographers in the Midwest at MWR that allow us to use their work and expensive equipment for the site. A very underrated aspect to the scene is a photographer, these hard working professionals are able to capture that moment when your favorite wrestler goes for that high risk move, or the final moment when a wrestler wins the championship. With pictures you capture history.
Mike Van Hoogstraat, Gary Giaffoglione, Bill Smith and Scott Fieldstein are regulars with MWR who donate the pictures for you the fans to enjoy. I love all of these guys for their contribution and friendship.
15) Absolute Wrestling Radio: Amazingly when I wrote this article for 1,000 post I had somehow forgotten to recognize the AWR family. It’s not that they were not worthy or I hadn’t thought of them its just that I thought I had them done. Make no mistake about it that AWR was very crucial to MWR inception to the wrestling world. Based out of St Louis AWR has been a place where fans can listen and call in to talk about the WWE, TNA , local wrestling and MMA.
Mark Bland Matt Kreuger and Andy Echle have been a lot of fun throughout the time that I have known them and have created some of the most memorable moments in MWR history. They have always done a wonderful job getting the word of MWR out to the masses. We look forward to all of your hard wok and friendship.
Promotions
In the past two and half years MWR has covered and worked with each of these promotions in one form or another. I don’t want to thank anyone in particular because of the fear of forgetting anyone. Once again there are many great people that are in each of these promotions who have made a positive impact for the MWR site.
3XWrestling
All American Pro Wrestling
All American Wrestling
Central States Wrestling
Great American Wrestling
High Voltage Wrestling
IWA-Mid-South
Independent Hardcore Wrestling
IWA Productions
Lethal Wrestling Alliance
New Midwest Wrestling
New Breed Wrestling Alliance
NWA Supreme Wrestling
NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling
Metro East Championship Wrestling
Metro Pro Wrestling
MMWA-SICW
Pro Wrestling Epic
Pro Wrestling Next
Pro Wrestling Phoenix
Pro Wrestling Next
Rampage Championship Wrestling
World League Wrestling
I hope that you check out these promotions live in the very near future.
Thank you MWR Fans and we hope to celebrate 1,500 soon. Till then look for all the exciting developments and happenings in the world of Pro Wrestling in the near future at MWR.
Sincerely,
Brian Kelley
Owner/ Editor of Missouri Wrestling Revival
My good friend Josh Ray and I spoke recently about the celebration of the MWR 1,000 POST. He stated that he had an article he would like to share with you so we started MWR post 1 with Josh Ray so it is only fitting that we end 1,000 with my good friend Josh.
By Josh Ray
Even though I left Missouri Wrestling Revival in the talented hands of Brian Kelley and Kari Williams a year ago to pursue other pro wrestling opportunities, as founder of this website/community I am extremely attached to any of MWR‘s successes and failures. It doesn’t matter whether the ideas came from my own mind or the mind of a friend, because once it is implemented by the site, it becomes part of the family.
As family, career, and life in general have siphoned time from one of my passions, most of my Midwest pro wrestling knowledge comes in spurts from MWR. It is a great site that has helped in more ways than it will ever get credit for, and that is due to a combined effort from contributors to MWR, promoters, wrestlers, behind-the-scenes staff, and of course fans! When Brian and I chatted last week and he informed me that the 1000th post was fast approaching, I wanted to get involved.
A lot is said of a wrestler’s desire and love of the business. Sometimes paid in hot dogs and other time not paid at all, these men and women travel at great physical, emotional, and financial expense because they love to entertain and they strive to improve. Unfortunately, there are other pieces of this puzzle that often go overlooked. These overlooked pieces are evident in those train wrecks that inevitably occur. Great wrestlers can make a great match, but those that work in supporting roles (the overlooked pieces I am referring to) are what make an entire event a success. In fact, those working in these supporting roles can make or break everything from the attendance to the safety at the show.
Those in these supporting roles include the promoter himself/herself, the booker, the referee, ring announcer, managers/valets, sound man/woman, camera crew, photographer, security, bloggers/journalists, and other volunteers. These men and women are no less a part of the wrestling business than the wrestlers themselves, but they often do what they do with little or no fanfare. There is no World Wrestling Entertainment developmental program for most of these roles, and many serving in these capacities are expected to do the work for free to pay their dues and to be a part of the show.
Even WWE legend Shawn Michaels acknowledged many of the great supporting members of WWE during his retirement speech on the March 29, 2010 edition of Monday Night RAW:
This is really gonna sound strange to you guys, but there’s a whole lot of people in those big ‘ol trucks out back, there are these guys here holding the camera, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and of course the greatest announcer of all time Jim Ross… but I want to thank all you guys. You guys always made me look better than I ever really was and I so appreciate that.
I want to follow in those great footsteps in this, the 1000th post on Missouri Wrestling Revival, by naming my own MWR “Supporting Roles” All-Star Team. This is by no means definitive and is solely based on my opinion with some input from trusted friends.
Supporting Roles All-Star 1st Team
Booker – Matt Murphy
I have talked with Matt numerous times and know his credentials. This would be the guy to go to in order to get the matches lined up… and the first guy I would talk to to straighten out any backstage issues.
Referees –
Brandon Schmidt
Eric Davis
Both men work hard and want to continue learning. You’d be hard pressed to find two more competent officials to ref a show.
Ring Announcer –
KL Snow
The man with the green socks has a great voice for ring announcing and is one of the nicest men you’ll meet in and out of the ring. He no longer operates in the area, but is worth the money to bring in.
Video –
Skylar Pierce
This guy shoots and edits wrestling video on a regular basis and continues to improve. Watch 3XW’s Outside the Ring on Youtube to see the progression of his video work.
Camera – Jenny Bessman 3XW’s video team under the guidance of Skylar Pierce is my logical choice, with Jenny getting the by name selection, but without excluding the video talents of Sean Wilkerson. These guys keep the 3XW machine moving in the right direction by continuing their line of DVDs and providing footage for the 3XW web show Outside the Ring.
Security –Brandon “Bubba” Wacholtz
When I put together the MWR show for November 2009, “Bubba” was my first choice for security. Very professional in a security capacity and anyone that says otherwise has probably deserved being removed from a show.
Backstage Photographer –
Michael R. Van Hoogstraat
Many of the great Midwest wrestler photos from backstage that you see on this site and across the Internet come from this man!
Ringside Photographer –
Gary Giaffoglione
You feel right there in the middle of the action when Gary is at the helm.
Mouthpiece –
Magic Man
I extended the offer to Magic Man a long time ago… whenever I have a video camera he is always welcome to jump in front of it.
Mouthpiece –
Chad Mylan
Quite honestly, I mark for very few things in this world… but I mark for Chad Mylan. I am a Mylanite.
Booster –
Chuck Maddox
A genuinely nice guy with a love for professional wrestling that many do not come close to matching. Chuck is the guy you’d want to work with on any marketing plan or budget.
Journalist/Blogger –
Kari Williams
The resident workhorse at MWR has a career beyond this site that is right around the corner. I am very proud to have met her and often go to her for writing advice.
That is all I have for this, the 1000th post on Missouri Wrestling Revival. Remember, if its worth supporting then support it. If not then run the other way and something better will eventually come along!
Derek Cornell and his tag partner Brian Gott have a strange pre fight ritual. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Cornell tries to figure out the up and comer David Clark(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A big leg drop from Cornell (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Brian Gott with the assist to his partner. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The Power of Dave Clark would be too much for Derek Cornell .(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
1) David Clark defeated Derek Cornell in a hard hitting contest.
Draigo taunts the crowd as he toys with Layne. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Layne hits Draigo where it hurts. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Jayden Draigo smiles as he takes the air from Angelus. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
After toying with Angelus Layne, Jayden Draigo is despicable when he takes a cheap shot after the match. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
2.) Jayden Draigo defeated Angelus Layne. This was a case of Draigo toying with Layne, beating her mercilessly and refused to pin her. Instead he constantly dolled out more punishment before finally pinning her. Afterwards he cowardly attacked her with his Kendo stick.
Jimmy Rockwell looked to be on a roll till….(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Preston Maxwell gets chopped in the corner.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A major win for Preston Maxwell via Gator choke. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
3.) In what most would consider an upset, Preston Maxwell defeated Jimmy Rockwell with the Gator Roll Choke. Maxwell used the move in May to defeat Supafli and now used it to submit Rockwell.
A battle of wills between a master of the sport and one of the rising stars.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The former PWP Champion was ruthless early on.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Up and over goes Wyatt.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Wyatt makes Starr pay for his victory.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
4.) Matty Starr earned his biggest win in PWP ever when he pinned “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. Afterwards, Wyatt showed his anger by hitting Starr with The Lightning Spiral and berating him. After intermission, Matty came back out and told Wyatt he wasn’t finished with him!
Zac James shows off his PWP Anytime Anywhere Contract that he can use for any PWP title shot anytime he choses. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A big knee drop from Superfli had James reeling. Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Zac James has his hands raised after stealing a win. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
5.) “The Passion” Zac James defeated Supafli. He brought a chair into the ring and when the referee took it from him, he smashed the clipboard that contains his PWP Anytime Anywhere Contract over Supalfi’s head and got the pin. James still has the contract that he can use for any PWP title shot and any time he chooses.
Derek Cornell distracts the ref to give Gott the advantage. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Gott looked to slow down the red hot SBC. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
SBC heats up. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Down goes Gott for a big win by SBC. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
6.) Sir Bradley Charles scored another impressive win in PWP by defeating Brian Gott. SBC is on a roll in PWP!
One half of the PWP Tag team champs #1 Brett Young.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Brett Young was having too much fun. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Joey Daniels and his partner Young looked good early on. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
No its not Superfly Jimmy Snuka that’s #1 Brett Young. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Chris Havius with a big move for his team. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Chris Havius with a clothesline on Daniles. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A glorious day as Havius and Peppercricket embrace after defeating Young and Daniels to become 2-time PWP Tag team champions. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The PWP Tag Team Champions Chris Havius and Donnie Peppercricket.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
7.) Chris Havius & Donnie Peppercricket won their second PWP Tag Team Championship by defeating #1 Brett Young & Joey Daniels in a very exciting tag team match up, much to the fans delight!
One of the top wrestler in the country Jaysin Strife looks to become the PWP Champion once again. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Strife takes it to Cortez. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A big move from the challenger Strife puts the champ’s title in jeopardy. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
“Babyface” Tony Cortez shows true heart and looks to come back. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A cheap shot from that low life Jayden Draigo on the PWP Champion. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A big win from “Babyface” Tony Cortez on Jaysin Strife. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
8.) In a match that will go down as one of PWP’s best ever, “Babyface” Tony Cortez defeated Jaysin Strife to retain his PWP Heavyweight Championship. During the match, Strife was down on the outside and Jayden Draigo came out and superkicked Cortez in the face! Strife did not see this and covered Cortez, but Tony was able to kick out. After the match, Tony demanded that Draigo face him, and Draigo refused and talked more trash on Cortez before leaving.
Thanks to all the fans for coming out for a great night of action! PWP will kick off our summer tour on July 24th at Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene (just down the road from Horseshoe Casino) in Council Bluffs, IA! This will be an outdoor show and it is going to be a blast! Directions and details to come very soon!
The show started with a shocking return, as Jayden Draigo made his way to the ring. Draigo was a staple of the Omaha area wrestling scene for many years, but left PWP on very bad terms back in early 2006, so to see him again in the PWP ring came as quite a shock to many. Draigo went on to explain that the 4 men who had been collectively known as The Murder Militia had been on top of the company for a long run, but lacked the vision and guidance to bust through to the next level – which he was there to offer. He promised the PWP faithful that change was on its way.
*** Matty Star defeated Stephen Saint. After the match, The Murder Militia’s “Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt returned to PWP, and laid out both men. Wyatt went on to state that he was back, and coming for “his” PWP Heavyweight Title.
Jeremy “The Rebel” Wyatt and Saint double team Starr.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
You can not trust the Rebel as Saint soon found out.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
This brought out Jaysin Strife, the man who took the title from Wyatt – Strife and Wyatt then debated over their past accomplishments, which finally brought out “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon. Cannon said they all had done a lot to be proud of, but instead of talking about it – why not lace up their boots, and see who was the best in a 3-Way Dance later in the evening.
James feels the splash of the DOG.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Ryan Slade chokes Maddog while the ref is distracted. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
After a little help with his friend Slade, James puts the boot to Maddog.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
*** “The Passion” Zac James defeated Mad Dog McDowell, due to interference from his partner, Ryan Slade.
Abu slams the young star David Clark to the mat. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Abu continues the schooling on young David Clark. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
*** Abu Colossus defeated David Clark. Clark’s stock continued to rise, even in defeat, proving that this rookie is not to be taken lightly. However, Abu showed everybody once again that he is undoubtedly one of the strongest forces in PWP.
The Canadian Sex Icon Ryan Slade is one of the Midwest wrestlers to look out for in 2009. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Corbin works the arm of Slade. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
No that’s not the Undertaker that’s Northstar Express’s Darin Corbin.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Corbin delivers a big blow .(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
*** “The Canadian Sex Icon” Ryan Slade defeated Darin Corbin via DQ, stealing a page out of Eddie Guerrero’s playbook, making it look like Corbin had hit Slade with a flag pole, even though he did not.
Jimmy Rockwell had a great 2009, here he send Cortez for a ride as he tries to take the PWP Title from Cortez.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Rockwell is dead on here as the match was full of big hits.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
A big mistake from the challenger allows Tony Cortez to get back on track.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione
*** PWP Heavyweight Champion, “Babyface” Tony Cortez came out and stated that he would be a fighting champion, but would be choosing his own challenger for the night, he chose “The Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell. Cortez obviously underestimated Rockwell, as Jimmy nearly had the match and the title won at several points. In the end however, Cortez showed that he truly is one of the very best, picking up the win.
After the match, Jayden Draigo came back out, to confront Tony Cortez. Draigo spoke about the history the two shared, both being pioneers for independent pro wrestling in the area, and even talking about how Draigo was the one to initially train Cortez. Jayden offered Cortez a spot in the Murder Militia, telling him to at least consider it.
Chirs Havius defends the PWP Tag titles against the Murder Militia ALONE!!(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Mark Sterling feels the blast of Chirs Havius’s chop (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Jaysin Strife looks for a tag from Havius. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Jayden Draigo pulls Strife out of the ring and sends him into the guard post.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Joey Daniels has a smile because he knows that when Mark Sterling gets the sharpshooter it is all over!!(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione) 491
*** Up next, The Murder Militia’s Mark Sterling & Joey Daniels were to challenge Chris Havius & Donnie Peppercricket for the PWP Tag Team Titles. An irate Havius came out alone, saying that he just found Donnie bloodied in the back. Sterling & Daniels kept yelling for Havius to simply forfeit the titles – however Havius insisted on fighting, even if it was 2 on 1. Havius held his own, but took a severe beating – until Jaysin Strife ran out, hoped into Chris’ corner, and stepped up as his partner. Strife cleaned house, until he was pulled out of the ring, and sent into the ring post by Jayden Draigo. With Strife out of the picture, Havius was overwhelmed by the odds, and Sterling & Daniels became the new PWP Tag Team Champions. The new champions celebrated with Draigo as they made their way to the back.
#1 Brett Young works the arm of the PWI Rookie of the Year Mike Sydal.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Brett Young leans on Sydal on the way to victory…with a little help from Draigo. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
*** The Murder Militia’s #1 Brett Young defeated Mike Sydal, but not without even further interference from Jayden Draigo – again, Young and Draigo celebrated victory on their way out.
Jayden Draigo leads Jeremy Wyatt to the ring. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Arik Cannon feels the pain from Strife’s right hand.(Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
Jeremy Wyatt wins yet another Main event match. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
*** In the main event, “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt, Jaysin Strife, and “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon squared off in a fast paced, epic encounter. In the end, The Murder Militia’s Mark Sterling and Brett Young pulled Cannon out of the ring and held him as Joey Daniels laid a beating on him – while the referee was trying to get order restored, in the ring, Jayden Draigo hit Strife with a Super Kick, followed by Wyatt hitting The Lightning Spiral. The referee slid back in just in time to count the three, making Wyatt the winner.
After the match, Wyatt and Draigo put the boots to Strife, as Tony Cortez made his way to the ring applauding and smiling. Cortez got in the ring, and raised the arms of Draigo and Wyatt – but then in a shocking moment, Cortez hit a double Flatliner on both men, to a huge ovation from the crowd. Helping Strife up, Cortez and Strife then fought off the other members of the Murder Militia, before Draigo called them all back to regroup. The night ended with Cortez and Strife standing tall.
PWP Champ Tony Cortez and Jaysin Strife united against the Murder Militia. (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The Murder Militia appears to be stronger than ever, having reclaimed the PWP Tag Team Titles, and now with the guidance and vision of Jayden Draigo – however, the PWP resistance is far from dead as well. What will happen next? We’ll just have to wait and see!
We now look to Saturday February 13, 2010 – where Pro Wrestling Phoenix will hold it’s 50th EVENT!!
Photo comments by Gary Giaffoglione/GG HotShots.comPWP Photographer
2008 was a very remarkable year for Pro Wrestling Phoenix. We came back from a four month hiatus in February. We had lost the rights to run shows at our old building, and had some trouble coming up with a new one. Once we decided on the Armory, we were skeptical about how many people could even find the place let alone who would show up. At “Year of the Phoenix 3” on February 16, we couldn’t have been happier with our second biggest crowd ever about 130 people. That night saw a lot of great action, and is notable for being the night “The LONRs” Showtime Darrien Sanders and Mark Sterling won the PWP Tag Team Championship by defeating “Pride and the Passion”, Zac James and Tyler Pride This caused massive problems between Zac and Tyler. At this point “Babyface” Tony Cortez was still PWP Heavyweight Champion, and was able to retain the title in a 3 Way Dance over “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt and Abu Colossus. Hype Gotti began an intense losing streak as well.
“Try and Stop Us Now” on March 15 had one of PWP’s best matches ever, a bout between “The Anarchist: Arik Cannon and Ryan Cruz, one half of the Northstar Express. I highly suggest checking this one out; you can find it on YouTube. “A New Era” in April saw the Northstar Express and Arik Cannon both getting title shots in PWP. However, “The LONRs” and Tony Cortez both pulled through, retaining their respective titles.
March 15 Wyatt vs Strife- Could be the most high flying and technical match I remember, there was so much nonstop action from both Wyatt and Strife- Gary Giaffoglione/GG HotShots.com PWP Photographer
This led to our “3rd Year Anniversary Spectacular” on May 10. “The LONRs” once again retained the PWP Tag Team Championship by defeating Ben Sailor and Nate Bash. Hype Gotti continued his losing streak, this time losing to Domino Rivera. This show also saw one of the greats Jerry Lynn show up to wrestle Arik Cannon in an absolute classic PWP match. Zac James finally agreed to fight Tyler Pride, but was only the beginning. A very big surprise also happened when PWP Alumni Payday Patterson showed up to answer Brett Young’s one shot challenge in a very memorable match. Chris Havius made his return to thank the fans, and was attacked by Stephen Saint. The big news here however, was Abu Colossus was able to win the PWP Championship in a 4 Way between Tony Cortez, Jeremy Wyatt and Jaysin Strife, thus ending his 20 month reign as champion.
May 10 Wyatt vs. Abu, Babyface Cortez vs. Strife, again so much action I couldn’t capture it all among these four.-Gary Giaffoglione/GG HotShots.com PWP Photographer
We started the summer off with two shows in July. The first show saw Chris Havius try to get some revenge on Stephan Saint, however the match ended in a double disqualification. Jaysin Strife finally beat Hype Gotti one on one. Afterwards, Tony Cortez confronted Jaysin about some things that had been happening, especially in last months main event where he helped pin Tony. He attacked him, and it looked like Hype was making the save, but he shocked everyone when he too attacked Strife. It took Vic Victory coming out with a chair to run those two off, and it looked like Simply the Best was back together. Victory and Strife put their differences behind them. Abu solidified his status as champion when he was able to pin Tony Cortez in a one on one match.
Our second July show was our huge Battle of the Phoenix show. This saw 25 contestants get a shot at becoming #1 contender. And who was more fitting to win than #1 Brett Young. He earned a shot at Colossus in August. This was a big night for Brett Young as he also defeated Arik Cannon in a singles match. Also on this show, “The LONRs” were once again successful over Northstar Express, Zac and Tyler tangled again, and Strife and Victory got their first taste of Simply the Best.
August was very intense, Tyler Pride finally defeated Zac James in a must see street fight to open the show. Stephen Saint defeated Chris Havius by cheating in a First Blood match. Afterwards, Chris challenged Stephen to a FANS BRING THE WEAPONS match at the next show. Brett Young fell short of his chance at gold when Abu Colossus once again dominated him. This led us to September, Malicious Mayhem and one of the most insane nights in PWP history. Chris Havius and Stephen Saint put it all on the line in a match that included tables, ladders, chairs, light tubes, thumbtacks, bibles and more. Chris Havius came out on top and both earned the fans respect that night.
This was the easiest to chose, of all the shots taken in 2008 this Weapons Match between Chris Havis and Stephen Saint will forever be in my conversation of “what are some of your best shots”. September 21, 2008 Malicious Mayhem… would be the #1 Choice of my Best PWP Shots of 2008.- Gary Giaffoglione/GG HotShots.com PWP Photographer
October 25 was a special night for PWP. The Northstar Express had their last chance at the PWP title, if they lost, they would never get another shot at the LONRs. They did pull through to become PWP Tag Team Champions. Also, the showed was named Night of the Rebel, because Jeremy Wyatt, who hadn’t lost a singles match in probably a thousand years in PWP, defeated Abu Colossus to become the current reigning PWP champion. Since then he has defeated both Abu Colossus and Brett Young to retain. The Northstar Express’ reign was short lived, as they were defeated in a three way dance by Simply the Best, also including Jaysin Strife and Vic Victory. Afterwards The duo challenged Simply the Best to a Texas Tornado Tag Title match in December, with the added stip that whoever was pinned in the match would leave PWP forever.
December came and new Tag Champs AGAIN, as Strife and Victory pinned Hype Gotti not only to win the titles, but to send him packing from PWP. Hype Gotti asked for one more match, and that is January 17th VS. Jeremy Wyatt for the Title. Regardless of winning or losing, he is gone from PWP. But he said he is going to retire as champion and go out with a bang.
What do we have to look forward to in PWP in 2009? You can bet that everyone has their sights set on “the Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt and his coveted Title. Look forward to your favorite regulars as well as new talent looking for chances at gold. Strife and Victory are the Tag Champs, but for how long? The LONRs won’t sit idly by and watch them take all the glory. Don’t forget about the Northstar Express either. It is a very exciting time for Pro Wrestling Phoenix, please check us out at www. prowrestlingphoenix. com for all the updates and add us as friends at www.myspace.com.prowrestlingphoenix.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 