Throughout the history of sports there have been teams that were good, maybe great but they were unable to beat that important rival or win that big game.
Not to long ago my favorite American League baseball team the Boston Red Sox just could never seem to get that convincing win against the hated New York Yankees or win the World Series. From 1920 through 2003, the Yankees won 26 World Series championships and 39 pennants, compared to only four pennants for the Red Sox. To make matters worse, in every year that the Red Sox won the pennant — 1946, 1967, 1975 and 1986 — they lost the World Series four games to three, leaving them with no World Series titles.
Back to pro wrestling I give you a classic case of two such wrestlers that are very good but just as hated as the Yankees, this rings true with the Ego Express of KC Karrington and Steven Kennedy of their dominance of the popular Bum Rush BrothersOutKasT and Shorty Biggs.
The history goes back to Gateway Championship Wrestling in 2006 when the Ego’s were the GCW Champions and the Bum Rush chasing the titles. The Ego’s would be able to retain the titles in exciting and close matches during their reign. The Bum Rush Brothers would be able to win the GCW tag titles against the European Union (Even Gelistico and Pierre Abernathy).
The Ego Express’s Steven Kennedy and KC Karrington (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Fast forward to today and we find that some things never change. On May 1st in Pevely Missouri for NWA Dynamo, the Egos would once again defeat the very popular BumRush Brothers. The two teams went at it with the Ego’s taking every shortcut and cheapshot they could do to edge including with having the feet on the ropes to edge out the win. In the end it would draw the ire of the usally good guys of Biggs and OutKAST to attack the Ego’s after the match
In Glen Carbon on May 22nd Illinois NWA Dynamo returned with a one on one match up between KC Karrington and OutKast. The Bum Rush Brother would earn a hard fought victory but the taste of victory would be short when Karrington blasted OuTKaSt with a chair leaving him laid out.
A month would pass before the Egos and the Bum Rush Brothers met once again on May 26th but the time away did not cool off the tension between the two. A back and forth battle that once again looked to have the Bumrush Brothers with the bragging rights but it would be an outside interference that would cost the Bum Rush Brothers the win when Karrington ultimately propelled his team toward a win by throwing baby powder—which the ring announcer tossed to him—into the eyes of Biggs
Controversy would be the talk of the night when I was in Glen Carbon IL on July 24th when the two teams were set to face each other in individual competition. Steven Kennedy was set to take on OutKaSt while Shorty Biggs was to meet KC Karrington. Word got around quickly that Shorty Biggs was not in the building due to car trouble. One wrestler who would like to remain anonymous told me that he over heard the Ego’s laughing that there was no way that Biggs car would ever get him to the building that night.
I didn’t think anything of it as I took photos of the match between Kennedy and OutkAst. In a very good match the fans were thrilled to see the Kennedy miss the Magic Bullet and win with the roll up. While the fans clapped and gave their approval, I knew it was the intermission so I hurried to get my good friend and fellow photographer a beer for helping us. I was halfway there and to my amazement or should I say disgust when I looked back to see KC Karrington enter the ring and double team OutKaSt in one of the most vicious attacks in recent memory.
Patrick Brandmeyer was on hand at High Voltage Wrestling when the Ego Express and the Bumrush Brothers once again went at it. Here is the quick play by play from Brandmeyer “K.C. Karrington was thrown out of the ring and appeared to suffer a knee injury, drawing ring announcer Wesley Cox and the referee over to check on him. This conveniently left no one to count the pin when OuTtKaSt had Steven Kennedy covered after a double-team powerbomb. Karrington turned out to be playing possum and eliminated Shorty Biggs from the equation, then tripped up KaSt as he attempted to climb the turnbuckles. The Egos finished off KaSt with a double neckbreaker and SSK got the pinfall.”
The Bum Rush Brothers are desperate to get that big win from their rivals.
Have faith Shorty and OuTkAst all you have to do is look at the 2004 American League Championship series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. John Sterling, Yankees radio announcer before Game 4 stated “The Yankees have a stranglehold on the series and yes the Yankees even had a one run lead going into the ninth inning of that very game.
What happened was the biggest choke in the HISTORY of sports, the Red Sox would go on to not only win game number four but become the first team to ever win a series down 3-0.
There was a bittersweet ending to the story when the Red Sox would have to take on my very favorite team the St Louis Cardinals to win the 2004 MLB World Series.
Moral of the story, even the most talented and low down teams like the Yankees and the Ego Express can’t win all the time.
We caught up with the Bum Rush Brothers after their hard fought loss at High Voltage Wrestling and they had this to say to the Ego Express.
Want more of what could be the feud of the year? NWA Dynamo returns on August 28th when it will be KC Karrington going one on one with Shorty Biggs. This and much more action at NWA Dynamo Wrestling !
Editors Note: To all the Yankee fans, know that some of my very best friends are huge fans of the NY, and this article is meant as a fun rib on them. If you still feel the need to send hate mail go ahead but do not miss August 28th when Shorty Biggs attempts to bring the momentum back to his team by defeating KC Karrington.
“Superstar” Steve Fender (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
One of the best kept secrets in the Midwest is “Superstar” Steve Fender. Fender is currently one half of the arguably one of the best tag teams in the game today with Mark Sterling. Fender and Sterling are currently the WLW Tag Team Champions.
Fender has wrestled around the world including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Pro Wrestling Noah.
Fun fact: Fender became the first American to train at the Pro Wrestling Noah Dojo and has the drive and talent to take on stars Takao Omori , Samoa Joe and Trevor Murdoch.
Fierce and methodical Fender wears down the toughest of opponents until they begin to doubt themselves, then its all over.
When MWR’s Josh Ray returned from Iraq, Fender and Steve Anthony was chosen as a Welcome home match at High Voltage Wrestling. The match was so good that we added it in the first MWR Best of the Midwest DVD.
We are proud to announce that the MWR Trading Card #17 is none other than a true Superstar in Steve Fender.
#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 – Midwest Sweetheart #8 Kahagas – The Tokyo Monster #9 Mephisto – Hardcore favorite #10 Tyler Black – Ring of Honor World Champion #11 Sir Bradley Charles – Rising star trained by Lance Storm
#12 Brandon 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. #16 Davey Richards – Arguably the best in the world today.
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.
We caught up with one of the hottest female wrestlers today “The Midwest Sweetheart” Santana G. Santana G was excited to invite all the wrestling fans to join her next month at High Voltage Wrestling.
In a special attraction match between three of the most attractive and talented women to grace todate HVW will deliver a three way dance featuring Amy Hennig, the Great Cheyenne and Santana G. Fans of women wrestling will also have the chance to meet the top women’s wrestler in the world MsChif who will be HVW’S special guest.
Also in action the High Voltage Wrestling Champion Kahagas returns from Florida to defend his title!
Kahagas (Photo Credit Harmony Hardy)
This and much more when High Voltage Wrestling returns!
The Ring of Honor offers his hand out of respect after his match with Brandon Aarons (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Brandon Aarons is one of the hottest young stars in the Midwest today
Since defeating Gary J in the semi finals then outlasting Billy McNeil, Adam Rich, & Eric Allen to claim the IHW first ever St Lois Wrestling Invitational cup on June 14th
2010 has been a banner year for the young star since he parted ways in the very talented tag team B.A.B.EWatch with partner Brandon Espinosa. Big wins against would follow him and on February 6th Brandon Aarons defeated Mephisto, Sean Vincent, Billy McNeil, Eric Allen, & Steven Kennedy to become the NEW IHW champion
Aarons has been on a red hot streak since then racking up wins against the likes of Steven Kennedy and Eric Allen plus the big win against the Pro Wrestling Epic US Champion and 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling in Mt Pulaski Illinois.
He would become a MWR Triple Crown winner by upsetting Kansas City Killer and 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year Mike Sydal to become the High Voltage Wrestling Livewire Champion at NWA Dynamo Wrestling.
Just last month Brandon Aarons step up to the plate to take on the Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black at PWE in an impressive showing before “The Apex” Blake Steel attacked him (Aarons) thus giving the PWE US Champion a bittersweet victory over the World Champion.
The best is yet to come for this rising Midwest star. It is with great pleasure that we announce that the MWR Trading card number 15 is “Irresistible” Brandon Aarons.
#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
#12 Brandon Espinosa – Multi talented superstar
#13 Dave Vaughn – The Wrestling Machine
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.
"The Future" Donovan Ruddick (Mike Van Hoogstraat)
BIG, POWERFUL and dominating are three words that describe Donovan Ruddick. No wrestler in the Midwest is more feared than the man called the 6”9 monster.
The former High Voltage Wrestling champion was honored in the 2009 Pro Wrestling Illustrated top 500 wrestlers with great matches with the 2008 MWR wrestler of the Year Jeremy Wyatt, Gary Jay, Rebelucha and Kahagas while being led at times by the Magic Man.
People with power have always gravitated to greatness and that is why when he parted ways with the Magic Man, managers looking to get to the top have quickly “leached” or signed on to lead him to the top of the sport. At MMWA-SICW“The Manager of Champions” Travis Cook just this past month had Ruddick within seconds of defeating Dave Vaughn for the coveted title.
Then shocking developments at Pro Wrestling Epicsaw Ruddick turn on his good friend the Mississippi Madman then aligned himself with up and coming manager Mr. Late Nite. That decision would prove wise for a quick moment when Mr. Late Nite signed an immediate title shot for Ruddick against the HWC Champion Jimmy Karryt. Karryt would show true heart but the odds and the true power of Ruddick would be too much for the young star on that night.
Fans will be looking forward to the clash between the Mississippi Madman and a rematch from the “Wrestling Machine” Dave Vaughn to end the year but you will not have to wait to get your hands on this MWR Card featuring the wrestler many feel that lives up to his name and is the Future of Pro Wrestling. Donovan Ruddick.
#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
#12 Brandon Espinosa – Multi talented superstar
#13 Dave Vaughn – The Wrestling Machine
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.
Brandon Espinosa (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
If you have been to a local show in the Midwest the chances are good that you have had the pleasure of seeing Brandon Espinosa in action. One of the hardest working men in the sport today, Espinosa is also one of the most booked wrestlers in the sport.
Whether it is in singles action or as a tag team with former partners Mike Sydal and Brandon Aarons in B.A.B.EWatch Espinosa is capable of taking home the win and stealing the show.
That is why during last year’s MWR revival show Espinosa and Aarons was chosen to team against the 2008 MWR Tag team of the Year the Northstar Express’s Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz. Little did we know that the loss for B.A.B.EWatch in that match would be the catalyst that would cause the team to be no more.
Since then Espinosa has been on a mission to prove that he is the hottest star in wrestling today. Big wins at MMWA-SICW saw this former HVW Livewire Champion capture both the MMWA-SICW Light Heavyweight title as well as the MMWA-SICW Battle Royal Championship.
We are thrilled to have the talented Brandon Espinosa be a part of the MWR Trading card series.
#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 – 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 Champion #11 Sir Bradley Charles– Rising star trained by Lance Storm
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.
We would like to congratulate MWR readers Pete Sakaris from Nebraska and Brandon Brown from Missouri for answering the “Who’s the Superstar in the picture contest”.
The First question was who in the picture is the son of a former WWE Hall of Famer?
That none other was the son of WWE Hall of Famer Ted Dibiase, Mike Dibiase. Mike’s Brother Ted is currently a WWE Superstar.
Brandon will receive an autograph 8×10 of Mike’s dad Ted Dibiase.
Ted Dibiase
Before Ted became a household name he put himself up against some of the best in the world right here in the Midwest. Dibiase would capture the NWA Missouri Championship twice in ST Louis, Mo.
Dibiase defeated Dick Slater on August 12, 1977 and would earn his second reign on November 21, 1981 against Ken Patera.
Dibiase would go onto to be one of the most hated/loved wrestlers in this generation as the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase. Pro Wrestling Illustrated would name Ted Dibiase #32 in 2003 in the PWI Years.
The current NWA Missouri Champion is Davey Vega who defeated Dingo in Glen Carbon Illinois last year on October 16th.
The second question was who was the former NWA Central States Champion in this photo?
Pete answered correctly when he named Derek Stone who was on the top nailing Mike Dibiase with the ten punch. Derek Stone became the NWA Central States Champion by defeating Michael Barry, Griz and Gary Jackson in Coffeyville, KS on November 16. 2002
Fun fact: both Mike Dibiase SR and his son Ted would also rein as two time NWA Central States Champion. Mike Sr defeated the Spoiler and The Viking while the future Million Dollar Man pinned Bob Slaughter and “Bulldog “Bob Brown.
The current NWA Central States Champion is the 2009 Missouri Wrestling Revival Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling. Sterling defeated Michael Strider to become the NWA Central States Champion in 2009.
Pete will be receiving the must have collectable the Mark Sterling MWR Trading Card , which is number two in the set that celebrates the hard working men and women in the Midwest wrestling today.
This picture was taken at CSW in Lawrence Kansas in a three way match between Derek Stone, Mike Dibiase and Mason Hunter. Special thanks goes out to my friend Retro Rick for having information up about this show so I could find some information about it.
I would like to thank everyone for partaking in this contest. Look for exciting information coming from Missouri Wrestling Revival. In the future we have several superstars that will be announced into the MWR Trading Card set, we have some exciting fun promotions in works with our friends at High Voltage Wrestling, Independent Hardcore Wrestling and one with MECW in December that I am thrilled about. Keep checking MWR for all these great announcements
We will also be having more contest, plus we hope to be at these shows to allow you to catch a shirt from a Midwest Superstar at these showsNew Midwest Wrestling on July 9th in Springfield Illinois, World League Wrestling on the17th in Park Hills Missouri, NWA Dynamo on July 24th in Glen Carbon Illinois, MECW in Woodriver Illinois on July 31st and High Voltage Wrestling on August 7TH IN Granite City Illinois.
If you are a promotion or wrestler that would like to include yourself in one of our contest by donating DVD’S, T-shirts, Autographs and other fan collectables please contact me at flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com to discuss how we can work together to give back to the fans while having a little fun.
Coming up in the next couple of days join us for a MWR Awards presentation from 3xwrestling with info for their exciting show coming up this Friday in Des Moines Iowa with the return of the Northstar Express and Arik Cannon and a main event rematch between 3XW Champion Jeremy Wyatt and Rory Fox in a ladder match, a Dubi meets the fans from Pro Wrestling Epic and the announcement of the MWR Trading card #12.
Last but not least do not forget to join us in Springfield Illinois to catch a shirt from a NMW Superstar and join Dubray in the first ever Dubi meets the NMW Fans. Last night MWR received information on some new exciting matches added to this Saturdays show.
Missouri Wrestling Revival fans you are invited for a night of wrestling that you will not want to miss. The top four women wrestlers in the Midwest will be in the same building at High Voltage Wrestling On August 7th as Amy Hennig , Santana G and the Great Cheyenne battle it out in the biggest match of the year in the Midwest that does not involve MsChif!!!
That’s not all, the NWA Women’s Champion MsChif will be in the house that night to sign autographs and watch this monumental match!!
Missouri Wrestling Revival will be honoring MsChif with the 2009 MWR Women Wrestler of the Year plaque and do not miss the opportunity to come purchase a MWR Trading Cards from both MsChif and Santana G themselves!!
Plus the 2009 MWR Tag Team of the Year and current HVW Tag team ChampionsThe Hooligans will be presented their 2009MWR Plaques and you will get to see them in action that evening,
Plus VH1’S Tool Academy Chaysn Rance debuts and much much more!!
Sir Bradley Charles (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The 10th card of the Missouri Wrestling Trading Card series was none other than the current Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black. Many wrestling experts in the Midwest feel as if the man that is honored with the number 11 MWR card has all the tools to make to the top of the sport as well.
That mans name is Sir Bradley Charles, a name you may not be too familiar with yet!
Sir Bradley Charles or SBC is a second generation athlete who has excelled in football, baseball and was an important member of his high schools soccer team that would go on to win a State Championship.
SBC is a student of the game and could not have a better trainer than Lance Storm Wrestling Training Academy. Since then SBC has wrestled in Canada and Australia before making his way back to the Midwest. In a short time SBC has turned heads at 3XWrestling, Pro Wrestling Phoenix, High Voltage Wrestling, Metro Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Epic.
We are excited to have royalty in Sir Bradley Charles as a part of the Missouri Wrestling Trading card set.
For a complete checklist of the MWR Trading cards check out Wrestling trading cards.comhere.
The Midwest is having a banner year in 2010. Davenport Iowa’s Tyler Black proudly wears the Ring of Honor World title and could very well be the best wrestler in the World today, TNA and WWE have both held PPV’S in St Louis to start the year.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix and 3XWrestling have each celebrated their 5 year anniversary and Metro Pro Wrestling this very weekend has brought Wrestling back to the limelight in Kansas City.
Oh yes, what a great year 2010 has been and it started out perfectly when Pro Wrestling Illustrated and their readers voted Midwest very own Mike Sydal as THE 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year.
Not a day goes by that people don’t ask me where is Mike Sydal. In 2009 he wrestled in almost every MWR Promotion but the former High Voltage Wrestling Livewire Champion and one half of the 3XW Tag team Champions with Zach Thompson has been plying his trade outside the coverage area.
Thanks to our good friend Scott Finkelstein I give you a recap of one of my favorites wrestlers and yours Mike Sydal from March 14th this year at Pro Wrestling Respect. Coming soon will be photos of his match with the one and only Christopher Daniels.
Sydals partner Alex Payne starts the night off for the team against Orange Cassidy (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Sydal takes the legs out from under Shane Hagadorn. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Classic Mike Sydal (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Hagadorn is overwhelmed by the speed of Sydal. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Wisely Hagadorn brings Sydal to his partner Orange Cassidy (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
With the world knowing that he is the PWI Rookie of the year everyone is out to make a name for themselves against the talented Mike Sydal. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Life does not look good for Sydal. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Come on Ref!!(Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Sydal has had enough. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Alex Payne flies out of the ring onto Shane Hagadorn. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Orange Cassidy gets twisted(Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Payne hits a belly to back suplex on Cassidy.(Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Sometimes you make that move that you wish you could take back.(Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Hagadorn resorts to cheating to get the win. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Mike Sydal in pain after the cheap shot from Shane Hagadorn. (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
Shane Hagadorn and Orange Cassidy defeated Alex Payne and Mike Sydal when Hagadorn pinned Sydal after a Kidney Punch (possibly with an illegal object).
Missouri Wrestling Revival 