Wrestling fans, we were excited last week when our friend Herb Simmons invited us to East Carondelt Illinois for MMWA-SICW action for their special TV taping.
Danny Boy at one time was considered the best in the area….Some things never change as he has once again earned his way to the top. Do not miss Danny Boy vs. Mark Sterling for the very first time..with the title on the line. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Then we were told the Classic Wrestling Champion Danny Boy Hawkins would defend his title. Hawkins won the tournament last month with a tough final victory over Brandon Espinosa and to prove that he will not back down from no man his opponent is none other than……………Mark Sterling.
Sir Bradley Charles future is bright but here he has his hands full with Mark Sterling at Metro Pro Wrestling ..Sterling looks to make Danny Boy’s reign as the CCW Champion very short this weekend for MMWA-SICW (Photo Credit Brian Kelley) .
Sterling is considered by many to be the top wrestler in the Midwest today and will look to add the CAC Championship to his resume.
Mike Sydal is not only loved by the fans and the girls but here his peers show true respect for him as Sir Bradley Charles, and MWR photographer Gary Giaffoglione and “The Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell support the Mike Sydal super hero T-shirt...Get one for yourself.
Also announced at MMWA-SICW is the return of the 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year and most recently 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mike Sydal. Sydal has been seen at Ring of Honor throughout last year, so we urge you to take the chance to see this rising star live while you still can before he is called upon from the WWE.
You will also have the chance to purchase his very own MWR Trading card #37 and have him autograph them himself before they are gone!!
Look for MWR Trading cards from these Superstars that night (if there not already sold out!!)
#2 Mark Sterling-
#5 Mike Sydal
#6 Jeremy Wyatt
#12 Brandon Espinosa
#13 Dave Vaughn
#37 Mike Sydal
Oh but that is not all. The one and only Jeremy Wyatt will be live and in action for the very first time at MMWA-SICW.
Wyatt has been one half of the Missouri Wrestling Revival Match of the Year for three years in a row!!!!
True evil makes his way to MMWA-SICW this Saturday. Can MMWA-SICW handle the aggression of Jeremy Wyatt ? (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
Often hated but never underestimated, I am thrilled to find out which MMWA-SICW Superstar will have the task of meeting the Rebel.
The night of action will be taped to air on Channel 8 in Illinois (Wild World of Wrestling will continue on 981) with legend Larry Matysik calling the play by play as your favorite MMWA-SICW Stars provide a night of action that you will not forget.
We will also be having a MMWA-SICW Superstar throw out a MWR T-shirt to one of the great fans in attendance.
You will not want to miss all the hard hitting action from East Carondelt including your favorites such as Gary Jackson, Ron Powers,Brandon Espinosa, Dave Vaughn and many more.
Join myself, Dubray Tallman and Mike Van Hoogstraat for this must see event this Saturday.
East Carondelet Community Center)
823 State St East Carondelt. Il 62240
We are less than two weeks away from MMWA-SICW ‘s big event that you will not want to miss. ‘
Calling the action play by play for Charter Cable Channel 8 will be the one and only Larry Matysik at the East Carondelet Community Center on January 22nd.
Sponsored by Mueller Funiture from Belleville Illinois and Schrieber Towing form Cahokia Illinois MMWA-SICW will be having an 8 man tournament for the a brand new title the Classic Wrestling Champion.
Lets take a look at men who will have the goal to become the first ever MMWA-SICW Classic Wrestling Champion.
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Brandon Espinosa
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Dave Vaughn
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Chris Hargas
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Waco
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Gary Jackson
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Danny Boy
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ron Powers
MWR’s pick:
A tournament with some of the best today will go at it full force. Ron Powers comes off a big victory of the Big Texan in December. Dave Vaughn is a marked man after taking out Travis Cook after his match with Espinosa last month, which MWR has heard may have retired the wily leader. How will The Big Texan, Waco and Brandon Espinosa do without the man who lead them to glory in 2010?
We had many sources tell us that Danny Boy could have very of been the best wrestling in St Louis, prior to his announcement to walk away a few years ago. Danny Boy has been impressive and may be the most popular wrestler in the company.
Chris Hargas has the skills and the power to overcome the odds, though he has been hit and miss at matches in the past, can this be the year of Hargas. Last but not least is the man who we can not put our money against, the “Great One” Gary Jackson. Jackson can talk but he ALWAYS backs it up.
Our Pick: Gary Jackson.
Wild Card: Brandon Espinosa- A true Ego Maniac if there ever was one. With or without Cook he is one of the best.
Now it is your turn to pick the man who will become the first ever Classic Wrestling Champion.
Hello All, this is Dubray Tallman with “Dubi Meets the Fans of MMWA-SICW” The house was packed at East Carondelet, Saturday, December 11, 2010.
This was an important night for us as the fine people at MMWA-SICW was honoring the hard work that we do at MWR with a presentation in front of their fans and we finally caught up with Larry Matysik to present him with the 2009 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award .
Also on this exciting night was the best of the best 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling going one on one against the one and only Mike Sydal. This night also featured two grudge matches starting off with a leather strap match showing the wrath of the powerhouse Ron Powers taking on the Big Texan with Gary Jackson as the special referee. Bad blood and respect was on the line in a grueling 2 out of 3 falls match between the former MMWA-SICW Champion Dave Vaughn and Brandon Espinosa led by Vaughn’s ex manager Travis Cook.
I won’t lie as I was nervous as could be heading to the show as this was the first time that I had been to a show without Brian, who was in Granite City, Illinois covering NWA Dynamo/High Voltage Wrestling. I was fortunate to be able to catch a ride with our good friend and MWR photographer Mike Van Hoogstraat and Larry Eddicott to the show.
The nerves would soon be long gone as everyone at MMWA-SICW made me feel very welcomed as they prepared to bring the fans the best show they could to end the year. While they got ready to open the doors I caught up with some good friends along with Larry Matysik who are two great guys.
Danny Boy (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
I had found the MWR Wrestler of the Night in MMWA-SICW fan favorite Danny Boy.
Danny Boy was able to wear the MWR Holiday green and red shirt to the ring prior to his match. Mission accomplished for the MWR wrestler of the night, I found my Santa hats that I was going to give everyone who sat in the front row. I decided to just give them to the children, and they seemed very happy about wearing them. I made the mistake of running out of the hats and one cute little girl was in tears. Being a mother of three myself I that hit at home and thankfully I was wearing my reindeer antlers and was able to make her happy by giving them to her but I made her promise me that she would wear them.
MMWA-SICW Promoter Herb Simmons and Dubray Tallman. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Herb Simmons presented us with a great plaque from MMWA-SICW that Brian was thrilled about, and my speech to Larry Matysik went off without a glitch so I was feeling good and off to find some friends to be a part of Dubi Meets the Fans.
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The first set of fans I met were Devan and Dylan, from East Carondelet and this was the first time they had been to the matches. They were excited about seeing some girls wrestle, and asked for me to choose a wrestler for them. I chose young Chase King for them and King is shown here holding Dylan’s sister Jaelyn.
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Marla Bradshaw was super excited to get her picture with Ron Powers, she was all smiles and happy as a lark, she couldn’t wait to get her hands wrapped around this beast of a man.
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Marla’s son Cody also wanted to choose a wrestler, so he went with the young high flyer Ace Hawkins.
Prior to Danny Boy’s match with Tony Raze, he threw out the shirt to Sarah Kinkade. Danny Boy would go on to pick up a big win on the hated “Lockdown” Raze.
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Look for a full photo recap from Mike Van Hoogstraat in the near future at MWR, and I hope all the fans have had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Till next time, be good and I hope to see you at the shows in 2011.
When you say the name Larry Matysik to a wrestling fan in St Louis, you get the same warm feeling that St Louis Cardinal fans get when you mention former ST Louis Cardinal announcer Jack Buck. Admiration and great memories quickly come to mind.
Both men were the fans best friend when it came to providing them with the much desired information about what was transpiring in the sport that they were into.
Buck was the man to hear the play by play of Cardinal greats such as Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee and Bruce Sutter. Fans watched as Matysik called play by play in matches that saw “King Kong” Brody, Dick “the Bruiser, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski, Pat O’Connor, Harley Race, Buddy Rogers and many more in action.
St Louis promoter Sam Muchnick was wise enough to know that for wrestling to succeed in St Louis, a sports town that he would have to bring the same respectability that the Cardinals brought to the city.
Wrestling at the Chase
A main piece to the puzzle would be the Voice of Wrestling at the Chase. The television program which broadcast from 1959 to 1983 from the majestic Chase Hotel would be the face of wrestling in St Louis.
Larry interviewing David Von Erich after beating Harley Race
Matysik has been much more than a man calling the play by play of great matches in St Louis. At the young age of 16 in 1963, Muchnick hire Matysik and would be very supportive and helpful in the career that saw Matysik also man the publicist and office manager, as well as book the matches.
In 1984 he would begin working with Vince McMahon and then WWF (now WWE) till 1993.
Matysik has since gone on to write some of the must read books in the industry including
1) Wrestling at the Chase: The Inside Story of Sam Muchnick and the Legends of Professional Wrestling
Wrestling at the Chase is a fond, informative, amusing, and even poignant look at the who’s who of professional wrestling and legendary St. Louis promoter Sam Muchnick.
St. Louis was the capital, and Muchnick the ruler of professional wrestling, before Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment took over. What happened in St. Louis paved the way for today’s multi-billion-dollar sports entertainment industry. The centerpiece of this magical operation was “Wrestling at the Chase,” a television program which broadcast from 1959 to 1983 from the majestic Chase Hotel.
Larry Matysik was Muchnick’s protégé and longtime announcer for the television show. With an insider’s eye for detail and accuracy, he recalls funny and amazingly touching tales about the characters who created professional wrestling as we know it. Ric Flair, “King Kong” Brody, Dick “the Bruiser,” the Von Erichs, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski, Pat O’Connor, Johnny Valentine, Dick Murdoch, Harley Race, Buddy Rogers, Jack Brisco, and Andre the Giant are all prominently featured. So is Muchnick himself, the Damon Runyan of wrestling, a man who helped mould the bizarre business of circus and sport. The savage twists of the politics of wrestling are on display as well, particularly the changes that rocked the mat world during the early ’80s.
2) Drawing Heat the Hard Way
Thrilling but flawed, entertaining despite the swerves and double-crosses, captivating even when repugnant… professional wrestling has enjoyed the attention and loyalty of untold millions for nearly a century. How and why is precisely what Larry Matysik examines in his third book, Drawing Heat the Hard Way: How Wrestling Really Works.
Wrestlers have their own private language, and in the unique world of wrestling “drawing heat” is a very good thing: the successful generation of crowd reaction and fan excitement. The Hard Way? That’s both exactly what it sounds like and something no one in the industry plans for: a legitimate and unintentional wound suffered because something’s gone awry. In Drawing Heat the Hard Way, Matysik explains what it takes to win the hearts and minds of wrestling fans, and how, at times, mistakes, controversy and unexpected turns of events have damaged the reputation or forever changed the business he loves.
If anyone understands wrestling, the problem-child offspring of whatever “real” sport is, it’s Matysik. Drawing Heat the Hard Way takes on the way wrestling is booked or planned; analyzes the roles of wrestlers and announcers, and explores steroids as an industry and fan issue. It also considers wrestling’s power-brokers, from those who influence the business by reporting on it, like Dave Meltzer, to those who make the final decisions on what gets broadcast every week, like the omnipresent Vince McMahon, and even to those who influence the sport with their pocketbooks — the fans themselves.
At times humorous, occasionally heartbreaking, always insightful, Drawing Heat the Hard Way is ultimately an objective take on what it means to be a wrestling fan, from someone who knows the business inside and out.
3) Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling’s Rebel
The most unpredictable and charismatic grappler of all time? The brute that made brawling an art before the term “hardcore” was coined? The confrontational businessman who fought for every penny he felt he deserved?
“Bruiser” Brody had no peers when it came to blood and guts, controversy and independence. Most wrestling promoters portrayed their top talent as exactly that kind of free-spirited, take-no-guff personality. They didn’t mean it, though — which explains why so few would admit to respecting Brody even as they featured him time and again.
So why did they give him work? Simple. “Bruiser” Brody delivered the goods in the ring and at the box office.
In the 1970s and early 80s, Brody was one of the few performers, along with Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, to be recognized as a national star. With his fiery personality, Brody also conquered the international market.
Nearly two decades after his murder in Puerto Rico, Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling’s Rebel delivers a complete portrait of Brody’s remarkable life. Co-authors Barbara Goodish, Brody’s widow, and Larry Matysik, a close friend, offer a first-time opportunity to truly understand one of the sport’s most complex and controversial human beings. Goodish’s account of her husband’s horrific murder and its aftermath is both heartbreaking and compelling, while Matysik’s insider knowledge of the business puts Brody’s place in wrestling history into perspective. With a foreword by WWE announcer Jim Ross, Brody offers readers the unvarnished truth about one of the greatest wrestling legends of all time.
4) An electronic book- From the Golden Era
This unique digital publication offers a complete record of every twist and turn, of every performer, of all the battles from television’s legendary Wrestling at the Chase, and every card presented at both the historic Kiel Auditorium and The Arena (Checkerdome) during the glory era of the St. Louis promotion.
Wrestling at the Chase announcer and St. Louis insider Larry Matysik adds background about the personalities, business, secrets, and politics to make this electronic book a revealing, in-depth account of three decades of wrestling’s golden era. Featuring everything from attendance figures, to booking strategies, to insights and NWA championship bouts, From the Golden Era: The St. Louis Wrestling Record Book is the once-in-a-lifetime document that every serious wrestling observer must have.
Matysik has also been instrumental in keeping the history of one of the highest rated wrestling television programs Wrestling at the Chase alive with Classic St Louis Wrestling, hosted by Matysik himself. In 2007. Matysik headed a team to bring to St Louis the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame.
He was joined in this effort by promoter Herb Simmons, webmaster Mitch Martsey, sports journalist Keith Schildroth, and longtime fan Nick Ridenour. The Hall of Fame was created to honor the role St. Louis played in helping to establish professional wrestling in North America. Today the hall can be seen at the historic South Broadway Athletic club.
In 2011 fans in St Louis will once again be able to hear the Voice himself call wrestling matches when he returns to TV on Sunday February 6, 2011 at 11:30 am and then rebroadcast on Sunday evening at 10:30pm on Charter Cable channel 8. The matches will be taped in East Carondelet Community Center on Saturday January 22nd.
Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat
We were thrilled and excited when Matysik agreed to accept the 2009 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award. Earlier this month at MMWA-SICW, MWR’S Dubray Tallman had the honor to present the plaque to a true gentleman and ambassador of pro wrestling, Larry Matysik
Once again, thank you so much for your positive contribution to pro wrestling Larry Matysik.
Please join us at MWR on January 1st when we will announce the recipient for the 2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award.
MWR’S Dubray Tallman is excited to be a part of MMWA-SICW’S final show of the year.
A packed show filled with first, feuds and a legend, there is no reason for you to miss this show that has something for everyone.
MWR will give away one free MWR Christmas bag to one lucky MMWA-SICW fan in the 50/50 drawing. So get their early and bring your Santa hat with you.
Lets look at this great card.
The 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling returns to MMWA-SICW this weekend. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Mark Sterling is highly considered the top wrestler in the Midwest. The current MWR Wrestler of the Year debuted a few months ago so it was with great excitement when promoter Herb Simmons and I spoke that he was to return to action at MMWA-SICW.
His will face off against the Mike Sydal.
Mike Sydal has taken on some of the best in Ring of Honor including Christopher Daniels on HDNET in 2010 (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
This will be the very first time that Sydal, the 2009 Pro Wrestling Illustrated wrestler of the Year will wrestle for MMWA-SICW. Sydal has had a banner year in 2010, making his way to wrestle for Ring of Honor for several months all around the country and on Direct TV’s HDNET ROH Monday night wrestling. In Kansas City fans have seen Mike Sydal on their TV screen for Metro Pro Sports wrestling.
Now for the first time Sydal will be coming to their TV in St Louis.
Ron Powers is one of the most intimidating men ever in the Midwest. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Who will win this sure to be classic match and where will you be when it happens? There is only one place to be and that is in East Carondelet on Saturday.
Fans of the big men of wrestling, will have their gift in the match of Ron Powers going toe to toe with the Big Texan. These two have fought inside the ring and outside the building with no definite answer to who has the edge. The pressure will be on both men as Simmons has mandated that this be a Leather strap match.
Travis Cook and The Big Texan has gave MMWA-SICW a hard time throughout 2010. Here they have words with St Louis great Keith Smith. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
This is setting to be the war of all wars so therefore a special ref has been assigned to maintain control in this war between two behemoths.
Gary Jackson is once again the man at MMWA-SICW. This weekend he has been called on to maintain order between Ron Powers and The Big Texan. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
That man is the new MMWA-SICW Champion “Gorgeous” Gary Jackson.
Dave Vaughn had been the MMWA-SICW Champion for most of the year. Now he will have to be the hunter instead of the hunted. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Last month tensions was up in sell crowd at East Carondelet during the battle between Dave Vaughn and Brandon Espinosa.
Vaughn is looking to regain the momentum back after losing the MMWA-SICW Championship from Espinosa’s teammate The Future” Donovan Ruddick in Travis Cook’s group ‘The Elitism’.
Espinosa is one of the very best in the game today and with Travis Cook in his corner he looks to keep Vaughn from moving back up the ladder with a big win in this 2 out of 3 falls match. Promoter Simmon’s issued a stern warning to Travis “the crook” Cook that if he interferes there will be a price to pay.
MWR'S Dubray Tallman (Photo credit Brian Kelley)
For the very first time at East Carondelet, fans will have the chance to be a part of Dubray Tallman’s Dubi meets the fans. For those who are new to the site, Dubi meets the fans gives you the chance to have your picture taken with your favorite MMWA-SICW wrestler and have it posted right here on this very site.
If you love Wrestling at the Chase, then take the time to wish Merry Christmas to the voice of Wrestling at the Chase Larry Matysik who will be in attendance. ST Louis’s own Matysik is one of the greatest people ever in the sport of wrestling and is always great with the fans.
We are also honored that MMWA-SICW has invited us for their Christmas show. Simmons sent this from the offices of MMWA-SICW. “The MMWA-SICW will be honoring the MWR for all the work they do for the wrestling industry. Its our hope a representative from MWR will attend as our guest and be recognized fo all the hard work they do.
Mark your calendar Saturday Dec, 11th at 8:00pm bell time.
Harley Race with Larry Matysik and the late Mickey Garagiola in the back take in wrestling at MMWA-SICW.
The 2009 MWR Lifetime achievement recipient, Larry Matysik will be a guest on the wrestling show Over the Top Radio tonight on www.kqcklive.com to listen live. There should be a phone number or you can chat on your computer to ask one of the most influential men in the sport questions.
Just who is Brian Schenk
From the radio stations Website: Tonight we will see the Iron Sheik defend his WWF Title against Hulk Hogan in an awesome match from The Madison Square Garden!” Those were the words I recall hearing back in January 1984 on my favorite TV show – PRO WRESTLING! Since that day, I have been I have been involved in some way, shape or form with wrestling. In 1992, I was watching a public access TV show back in Illinois, where I am from, and a couple of dudes were rambling on about wrestling. It was odd, because I would eventually befriend these two and join them as a host. Strange how things turn out.Well, things went their way after a bit and I was on my own. I soon hooked up with my friend from Kindergarten, Dan Bartels, and Off The Top Rope was born! He was the perfect FRICK to my FRACK and we had a great run from 1994 up until 2005. I started broadcasting school (waste of money, don’t do it!) in June of 1996, and was blown away with the possibilities of hosting my own RADIO show one day.
Then, BOOM, I interned at a station soon after entering school at WEEF AM 1430 in Highland Park, Illinois from 1997 thru 2005.
It was a lot of fun and over the years, I got the chance to meet and interview a lot of the stars I grew up watching in my youth. Both on the TV side on camera and either in the studio or over the phone for the radio part. Lots of great memories and fortunately, I have kept in touch with many of them. I soon moved over to another station – WKRS AM 1220 in Waukegan, Illinois in 2006. I was on that frequency until May of 2007, when I moved here to Arizona.
It would have been one heck of a commute, that’s for sure. So, here I am with KQCK AM 1510 in San Tan Valley,Arizona and I am looking so forward to this opportunity ahead of me. The ownership, location, and presence of the fine radio station is second to none, and everything feels just right. I also appreciate all of you who are fans of the business and those who will listen as often as you can.
Back in the saddle one more time were ST Louis Hall of Fame members Larry Matysik and Mickey Garagolia last month at MMWA-SICW (Photo Credit Mike Van Hioogstraat)
Everyone here at Missouri Wrestling Revival would like to send out our thoughts and prayers to the pro wrestling ring announcer and commentator Mickey Garagolia and we all hope for a speedy recovery who at the time is in the hospital.
Mickey’s brother Joe was a beloved figure in the St Louis community for his time playing for the ST Louis Cardinals while becoming a World Series Champion in 1946 defeating the Boston Red Sox. When his career was through he became the first play by play announcer for Wrestling at the Chase along side Larry Matysik .
Mickey would join his brother to work with Sam Muchnick as a ring announcer and commentary while becoming an important piece in the puzzle of why St Louis was the standard of Pro Wrestling for so many years.
Throughout the years Wrestling at the Chase was the third most watched show in St louis trailing only local news and the ST Louis Cardinals Baseball games.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Garagolia name was important to the success of wrestling at the time, due to the fact that so many people respected baseball that when Joe and Mickey were involved in wrestling it brought positive attention to sport from a town that will always be proud to be considered a baseball town .
In 2007 the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted Mickey in the Hall of Fame along with greats such as Penny Banner, Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Larry Matysik, Gene Kiniski, King Kong Brody, Dick the Bruiser, Ric Flair, Bill Longson, Sam Muchnick, Pat O’ Conner, Joe Schoenberger, Johnny Valentine, and Fritz Von Erich.
Most recently Mickey was on hand at MMWA-SICW in East Carondelet to help celebrate 51 Years of Wrestling at the Chase with friends Herb Simmons and Larry Matysik.
Once again we wish one of Pro wrestling’s great supporters the best and hope to see him at a show real soon.
Match info from Patrick Brandmeyer
Photos Mike Van Hoogstraat
Captions Brian Kelley
Herb Simmons, Mickey Garagolia and Larry Matysik speaks to the great Terry Funk..(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Larry Matysik and Mickey Garagiola were in the house and we heard from Terry Funk via telephone.
Jaysin Static has been improving with each month.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Manson would counter Static’s non stop energy with cheap shots throughout the match. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Isick Manson d. Jaysin Static after a mulekick to the groin(unseen by the referee).
Travis Cook brags that his man has true knockout abilities. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan proves his punching power!! (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Travis Cook hyped the punching power of The Big Texan, showcasing it by having Waco hold wooden boards for Texan to break with his fist(covered by a “protective glove”).
Travis Cook sings Oh Canada as Chris Hargas looks on. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Sean Vincent’s uses his experience to out maneuver young Chris Hargas. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Sean Vincent gets warned from the ref. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Hargas nails a suplex.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
A big knee to the face of the Canadian.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Dead on is Hargas. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Hargas had Vincent frustrated because no matter what he could do he just couldn't defeat him, thus causing him to get caught using the Canadian flag allowing Hargas to get the win. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
-Chris Hargas d. Sean Vincent(w/ Travis Cook) by DQ when the referee caught Vincent using the Canadian flagpole as a weapon.
Brandon Espinosa shows new comer Chase King why he is one of the best in the Midwest. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Another win for Espinosa.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
-Battle Royal Champion Brandon Espinosa(w/ Travis Cook) d. Chase King with the Trendsetter.
St Louis legends Mickey Garagolia and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Orton would play a key part in the tag team main event
–Cowboy Bob Orton made an appearance to speak to the fans in attendance.
The MMWA-SICW Champion Dave Vaughn. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Two of the very best in the business “The Future” Donovan Ruddick and Travis Cook. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ruddick picks Vaughn up with ease. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ruddick was intense and determined to become the MMWA-SICW Champion. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Vaughn gets the leg up just in time to change the momentum of the match. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Big shoulder block from Dave Vaughn. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Chaos on the outside. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Spear by the Champ!! (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Cook and Future felt like they had the match won but the champ would retain in a 20 min draw. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Dave Vaughn fought “The Future” Donovan Ruddick(w/ Travis Cook) to a 20-minute time-limit draw to retain the Heavyweight Title.
Max Archer lands a big one but….(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan proves to Max Archer not to try trade punches with him. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–The Big Texan(w/ Travis Cook & Waco) d. Max Archer via knockout punch.
Fan favorites Danny Boy and Ron Powers. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
A strange site to say the least…Travis Cook leads Gary Jackson into battle with partner Waco. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Danny Boy locks up with the Great one.. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Gary Jackson goes for the early win.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Gary Jackson and Waco work over Danny Boy in the corner. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Travis Cook enjoys the scene as Gary Jackson and Waco hands out the punishment. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Waco attempts to make Danny Boy submidt. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Danny Boy comes alive while Ron Powers itches to come into the ring.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ron Powers was pumped up to get into the match to meet his arch enemy Gary Jackson.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ron Powers gets vicious on the outside against the former MMWA-SICW Champion Gary Jackson. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan looks to use his knockout power to take out Danny Boy. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton counts the 1-2-3 as Powers pins Waco in a big main event to end the night.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Ron Powers & Danny Boy d. Gary Jackson & Waco(w/ Travis Cook); the referee was knocked out and Texan entered the ring, but accidentally took out Waco with the gloved knockout punch. Powers rolled up Waco and Cowboy Bob Orton jumped in the ring to make the three-count.
MMWA-SICW returns to East Carondelet on Saturday June 19th to celebrate both Fathers Day and their 51 year anniversary of Wrestling at the Chase first aired in May of 1959. Last year they had the great Harley Race in attendance along with Gene Kiniski and Baron Von Raschke via telephone talking to the packed house.
This years event in sponsored by Premier & Firestop Company who is bringing to you two explosive main events worthy of the occasion. General Manager Sean Walsh will be on hand with all his union friends to cheer on Ron Powers as he and Danny Boy have an all out war against Gary Jackson and Waco. Premier Insulation & Firestop have purchased ads on the radio and local newspaper’s including the Labor Tribune inviting all their union brothers and sister to join them in East Carondelet on Saturday June 19th at 8pm. Sean grew up watching Wrestling at the chase and felt like he wanted to help support a local wrestling show that gives back to their community.
That’s not all, the MMWA-SICW Championship will be on the line when Dave Vaughn defends his title against Travis Cook’s protégé 6’9 235 lbs Donovan Ruddick. This is the match that we have all been waiting for. Can the champion withstand the power of Ruddick or will Vaughn’s wrestling ability be the edge in this battle between two of the best in the Midwest?
Also on hand will be the voice of Wrestling at the chase Larry Matysik and Mickey Garagolia to celebrate the occasion.
MWR fans bring your fathers and sons, heck bring the whole family for a fun filled evening.
MMWA-SICW at the community Center at 823 State Street
There is no one today that compares to “Big Thunder” Gene Kiniski , stated legendary St Louis announcer Larry Matysik. At 6”4 272 pounds Eugene Nicholas “Gene” Kiniski quickly made an impact with his size and energy that would not stop.
Born outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Kiniski was a natural athlete earning him a scholarship to the University of Arizona . After collage he played with the Edmund Eskimos football team. An injury would force his football to come to an end.
Pro Footballs loss was Pro Wrestling’s game. Kiniski would train with Dory Funk JR and Tony Morelli. He quickly earned a chance at the NWA title held by the great Lou Thesz.at the Olympic Auditorium on November 3, 1954. The veteran Thesz would defeat Kiniski in two straight falls but this would not be the last time these two would meet. .
After earning a reputation in the states at one of the top bad guys, Kiniski would return home finding one of his main rivals in Whipper Billy Watson. The two were would enjoy television exposure on CBS where their exciting feud was often featured.
Kiniski’s rival Watson would end Thesz’s 6 year stranglehold on the NWA title on March 15, 1956 in Toronto . Kiniski was a true threat to the NWA championship for the remainder of the decade.
In the Midwest Kiniski was often involved in the hottest feuds in Sam Muchnick’s Wrestling at the Chase. Wild Bill Longson would wrestle his last match in a tag team war with partner Whipper Billy Watson after Kiniski slammed Watson on the outside allowing Rip Hawk to get the pinfall.
In front of a sellout crowd at the Kiel Auditorium Kiniski would get a huge win against arch rival Whipper Billy Watson in the very first Texas Death match in St Louis . A back and forth battle that saw Kiniski get the win after 6 falls…yes 6 falls when Watson could not continue after the devastating backbreakers of Kiniski. This win led to him getting two opportunities at the NWA World title then held by Pat O’ Connor in St Louis.
Kiniski would be unable to defeat O’ Conner but he would go on to win titles wherever he went, enraging fans with his sarcasm and referring to himself as “ Canada ’s greatest athlete”.
On July 11 1961 he would win his very first world title by defeating American Wrestling Association Champion Verne Gagne. His title would be short lived as Gagne would regain it 28 days later. Kiniski continued to Main event wherever he went because the promoters knew he could deliver. The remainder of the 60’s Kiniski traveled the world challenging the best wrestlers of his day.
In Japan he headlined with wrestling legend Shohei “Giant” Baba while trips to the then WWWF (WWE) had him going against Bruno Sammartino in the historic Madison Square Garden .
Back in St Louis a young Nick Bockwinkel was set to debut in St Louis against Kiniski but Fritz Von Erich attacked Kiniski with the deadly claw thus keeping him from taking on the future world champion. Bockwinkel would go on to meet Don Plechas and win his first match in 2 out 3 falls. On May 14th 1965 Kiniski would get his revenge from Von Erich in a Texas Death Match at the Keil Auditorium
St Louis would also be the place that Kiniski would get his biggest career win on January 7 1966 when he defeated NWA World Champion Lou Thesz in two out three falls. Matysik recalls it as such Thesz won the first fall, Kiniski was awarded the second fall by DQ when Thesz threw Kiniski over the top rope. The St Louis wrestling fans were very respected and educated just as the St Louis Cardinals fans are today. At first the crowd booed because Kiniski was so hated but it quickly became cheers because they knew how special a NWA Title change was. Lou Thesz would show respect by shaking the new Champions hand cementing the special occasion.
NWA World Championship (Atlanta, GA 4/14/67) NO SOUND
Kiniski would be a fighting champion traveling around the world from his home country in Canada to Japan and throughout the states taking on the best in Thesz, Dick the Bruiser, Terry and Dory Funk Jr and many more during his three years of greatness.
It would be Dory Funk JR. that would defeat Kiniski in Tampa Florida on February 11, 1969 to end his title reign. Kiniski would continue to headline around the world winning titles and drawing big houses.
After Kikiski’s days were long gone, Kiniski and Matysik was driving by the Kiel Auditorium, they spoke of the changes of wrestling throughout the years. Kiniski put it in perspective “I don’t begrudge anyone in the business making money but be sure to let the fans know there was matches in that building that will never be done again.
The loving father of two sons, Nick and Kelly who followed in their dads footsteps to become pro wrestlers. Kiniski referred the main event of the inaugural NWA Starrcade (Ric Flair vs. NWA World Champion Harley Race in a steel cage) in 1983.
Special referee Gene Kiniski (a former NWA World Champion himself) checks Ric Flair for foreign objects. Kiniski has been brought in to guarantee a fair match(Photo WWE)
Kiniski was inducted into the Tragos/Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Newton, Iowa in 2004 and a member of the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame – Hall of Fame [2007].
On April 14, 2010 Kiniski at aged 81, passed away from cancer at his home in Blaine, Washington.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 