By Kari Williams
Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt

Fans noticed white tape around nearly every wrestler’s arm at South Broadway Athletic Club on June 13 as they made their way to the ring. The name “Faith” appeared on that tape. Whether loved or hated by the crowd, virtually the entire locker room paid homage to MMWA-SICW Ring Announcer Tim Miller’s two-year-old niece who died in a car fire on June 1. The night was dedicated to Faith Miller.

AJ Williams honors the memory of two year old Faith Miller, the niece of MMWA-SICW Ring Announcer Tim Miller (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

The returning Johnny Courageous took on A.J. Williams in a number one contender’s match for the Junior Heavyweight Championship. Williams came to the ring wearing a shirt commemorating the life of Faith Miller, much to the delight of the fans and Tim.

Johnny Courageous delivers a flying body press on the exciting young AJ Williams (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

These two fan favorites wrestled a fast-paced, highly competitive bout worthy of main event status. Courageous gained a slight lead from the bell and never quite let go of it. Williams’ willpower was evident, as he did not give in easily. In fact, he went to the top turnbuckle on more than one occasion in hopes of delivering the final blow of defeat to Courageous. Multiple near falls and closecalls emerged as the athletes began running out of time. The bout ended in a time limit draw, with a number one contender for Vaughn’s belt still undecided.

Phil E. Blunt and Dave Vaughn prepares to go to war with Gary Jackson and Jerome Cody (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Alexis Lightfoot defended her Women’s Championship against Destiny Diamond in the only championship match of the evening. The hatred between these two has grown tremendously since Diamond’s debut in the company. Diamond controlled the early portion of the bout, but choking Alexis on the ropes fueled the champion’s desire to retain her belt. Alexis came at Diamond with a flurry of forearms and punches, bringing victory closer. In spite of Diamond’s attempts to deter Alexis, nothing worked and Alexis retained her title in just over four minutes.

Phil E. Blunt and Vaughn had their hands full against World Heavyweight Champion Gary Jackson and Jerome Cody. Both teams worked well together, using frequent tags and double teams as much as possible. In typical Connection fashion, Blunt and Vaughn resorted to illegal tactics to control the battle.

Arguably the two best at MMWA-SICW, Jackson looks to submit Vaughn (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Vaughn returns the favor and brings the pain to the World Champion (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Gary Jackson delivers an elbow to an old “friend” (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Just before the 10-minute-mark, Blunt connected with a piledriver on Jackson, but the champion kicked out. Neither team could gain a clear advantage, which lead to frustration and anger for both teams. Cody launched from the top rope with a flying crossbody onto Vaughn, and chaos erupted shortly thereafter. Both teams were disqualified for the use of a chain, which came into the scuffle.

When the match ended, Blunt tried convincing Jackson that Cody only wanted to be his partner to get closer to the Heavyweight Championship, which caused some tension between the two men.

The previous contest showcased the return of the former MMWA-SICW Junior Heavyweight Champion Kahyman as he took on Lumberjack Gabe (with Abe) in his first match in over a year. Gabe proved his power by shoving Kahyman to the mat. Looking more determined than ever, Kahyman simply smirked to the crowd and bolted toward Gabe, who quickly ran to the outside toward safety. The referee threw out Abe due to interference, and Gabe used the distraction to take control and dictate the pace of the match.

Kahyman is back, better than ever! (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Kahyman slowly worked his way from defeat, began targeting Gabe’s leg, and followed suit with a standing drop kick that knocked Gabe to his feet. Kahyman controlled the match from this moment on, hitting a swanton bomb and covering Gabe for the pin. Kahyman would have won the match at this point, but Abe emerged from the back and broke up the pin in plain view of the referee. However, the referee did not disqualify Gabe, and the match continued. Kahyman won via roll up when Abe attempted to interfere again and nearly collided with his brother. Junior Heavyweight Champion Dave Vaughn charged the ring to attack Kahyman after the bout. He was restrained and forced to the back.

Dave Vaughn is restrained from attacking Kahyman. The match that the fans have been clamoring for, Vaughn vs. Kahyman is just around the corner. (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt

Shaft, accompanied by Travis Cook, wrestled the Big Texan. They started off with a shoving contest, of which Texan easily got the upper hand.

The Big Texan shows his power to shaft early in the match. (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

After the big slam, Travis Cook gives Shaft some encouraging words. (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Cook then called for a time out to help Shaft regroup, but Texan still dominated. At one point, Texan choked Shaft, who retaliated in the same manner. Moments later, Cook interfered and proceeded to jump up and down, run around the ring and prance toward Phil E. Blunt—recently arrived at ringside—and the two high fived as Cook proclaimed, “I’m a bad man!” Having gotten the advantage, Shaft began to target Texan’s ankle. Inbetween punishing his opponent, Shaft stopped to argue with a fan, giving Texan a chance to take the advantage, but to no avail. Shaft walked away with a roll up victory as he grabbed the tights for added leverage.

“The Exciting” Jaysin Static. (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Where did he go? (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

lade chops Jaysin Static on the way to a big win. (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

“The Exciting” Jaysin Static and Blade went at it in the second match of the evening. Static started off on the right foot, but after a mid-ring collision, it looked as if he injured his knee. Blade targeted the injury and almost pinned Static, but the exciting one’s determination never faltered. In fact, Static had control of the match from the five minute mark almost to the end. The exciting one nailed Blade with an impressive superkick, but it was not enough to put the larger man down for the count. Blade pulled out the win only moments later at 6:41.

In the opening contest, Moondog Rover tried to best Lumberjack Abe, despite Lumberjack Gabe’s presence at ringside. Rover weakened Abe’s left arm early on but could not put a stop to his opponent, who quickly changed the direction of the match. In spite of Abe’s determination, the moment that Rover resorted to his dog-like tactics, Abe lost his focus and never regained it.

Bombs away from Lumberjack Abe (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Gabe appeared to sense his brother’s pending defeat, causing him to take Rover’s bone and taunt him. This act allowed Abe to sneak up on Rover and get a quick roll up victory.

Lumberjack Abe steals a win to start the night. (Photo Credit by Mike Van Hoogstratt)

Continue to check mmwa-sicw.com and myspace.com/sbacstl for upcoming news on the Christmas in July shows.