Dirden vs Wyatt for Franchise Title at MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET
“Dirdey” Jake Dirden is the first 2 time PGP Franchise champion, his second title reign kicks off with a monstrous challenge. The massive Frank Wyatt on December 19th. Like storm fronts colliding, Dirden and Wyatt are a looming natural disaster waiting to descend on the Lawford Theater(225 W Main, Havana,IL) at MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET. Dirden spent almost a full year chasing former champ “Bad Wolf” Blake Belakis, now that he has the prize in his hands Jake is determined not to let it go any time soon. Easier said than done in the PGP, Frank Wyatt is huge, powerful, battle tested, well versed in the Proving Ground(“One Man Riot: Frank Wyatt in singles, Drunken Vikings as tag and Viking War Party in trios) and well used to winning titles (current Zero 1 heavyweight champ), trust me when I say this will be ONE HELL OF A FIGHT!!! Jake Dirden has never been better, gaining strength and experience on his climb up the indy mountain with his Aziatic Spike becoming one of the most feared finishers in the business. Frank Wyatt is flat out tough to stop, bringing all the destruction and mayhem that a “One Man Riot” would suggest and pummeling opponents into submission on a regular basis. This battle of gargantuan proportion takes center stage in the eye of the most furious storm of the winter, the double damn awesome spectacular MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET!!!
MIRACLE OF MAIN STREET is locked and loaded, 7 matches of pure indy gold…This card is seriously freakin’ amazing, a true holiday treat of adrenaline fueled deluxe wrestling action, let’s take a look.. PGP Tag Team champs, Team IOU(Nick Iggy and Kerry Awful) put the titles on the line against Alpha Class(Danny Adams and Paco Gonzalez) in a full tilt championship spectacular…Justice Jones battles Big Gator when giants collide inside the ring….Craig Mitchell versus Johnny Wisdom in rising star indy gold action…Classic Tag Team warfare with The Academic Standard(Mason Conrad IV and G.P.A.) meeting The Curse(Fire Lord Draconis and Ovirload)…Krotch takes on Randy Ray (with the massive Bull Bronson in his corner) in a highly anticipated singles match up…Buckley Tournament qualifier has last years winner “Bad Wolf” Blake Edward Belakis taking on Mallaki Matthews for a coveted spot in the 2nd annual Ryan Buckley Memorial Tournament….AND NOW we add a Franchise Title match featuring champion “Dirdey” Jake Dirden versus the massive “One Man Riot” Frank Wyatt…Holy Cow, this is one sweet indy show to round out a great 2015 for Proving Ground Pro!!! There’s enough indy gems on this show to cover a rap stars wrist watch, MAKE PLANS RIGHT DAMN NOW!!!
This can’t miss night of independent professional wrestling happens December 19th (Saturday) at the historic Lawford Theater (225 W Main, Havana,IL) with the doors opening at 6:30pm and the MIRACLE starting at 7pm. Whether you’re buying as a gift or working it into that holiday budget, you won’t find more entertainment value for your dollar than MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET, only $12 adult and $7 kids gets you every bit of the action….Keep that cost to a bare minimum with the supercharged advance ticket value of $10 adult and $5 kids available in Havana (Grandpa’s Diner, Lawford Theater) or Petersburg (Huebner Tire, Styles & More) or message us here on Facebook and we’ll hook you up!!! There’s no good reason not to see you at MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET!!!
You don’t have to sign a binding contract to be part of the PGP family, we value everyone that takes the time to…..ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
A great two part interview with the former MWR Wrestler of the Year, and Dynamo Pro Wrestling Champion Jake Dirden that has just made a huge splash this past weekend on IPPV for FIP representing Proving Ground Pro with Team IOU.
Brian on his knees proposing with the “good guys” from SICW ,Brent Meyers, WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Cowboy Bob Orton, and “Old School” Chaz Wesson showing their approval with a thumbs up for the proposal as Dubray Tallman accepts the ring while the “bad guys” “The Tokyo Monster” Kahagas, Wyldefyre, Curtis Wylde and SICW Champion Flash Flanagan shows their disapproval. Special edit to Derek Sharpe who unfortunately had to take out Ron Powers on the good side because the room was not big enough….
Missouri Wrestling Revival has had the pleasure to support pro wrestling in the Midwest for the past 8 years by covering the biggest events, awesome matches and moments in hundreds of events. During that time we have provided a home for fans to come to so that they are aware of where to be and why, with over 4,000 posts and thousands upon thousands of photos of the young wrestlers in action looking to live their dream as a wrestling superstar.
While MWR has been blessed to have the support of promoters and wrestlers around the country, and have our very own Yearbooks on Amazon.com and MWR T-shirts sold around the world on ProwrestlingTees, our biggest achievement most definitely has been the positive relationship with the wrestling community and the fans around the country.
They say that behind every good man is a good woman. For myself that has been Dubray Tallman. I had met her over 11 years ago and during that time I wish that I could say that it has been easy, but alas we have had highs and lows that have been self-inflicted at times. Yet, there is no doubt that there has been no women that I have loved as much as I have loved her.
As we were dating early on, I took her to see Harley Race’s World League Wrestling and Kansas’s Central States Wrestling. At the events we would build a foundation of friends in and out of the ring that we still share to this day. Our life would change forever on a day that my friend Josh Ray, called to ask me if I wanted to contribute to a website called Missouri Wrestling Revival. Early on it was Josh, myself and a talented young writer still in High School from St. Louis named Kari Williams who hoped to present a professional positive view of the local wrestling scene in the Midwest.
Years would pass and both Josh and Kari would go on to bigger and better things in life, but Dubray and I would travel to over 40 events a year in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Iowa. The amount of miles, money and time to do this site has taken up a huge amount of the past decade for the two of us. Dubray has never been a wrestling fan, but has always been there to support my love for pro wrestling.
So when I decided that I should ask my true love to marry me, I wanted to do something special that she would remember for the rest of her life like the best anniversary gifts. One of my most vivid memories growing up was Macho Man Randy Savage proposing marrying Miss Elizabeth, and I wanted to provide Dubray a moment where she was the main attraction for our biggest moment to date.
The decision was where to have the big moment. First and foremost, Kansas City has always been like my first home as that is where we went for over a year to start to check out the stars of CSW. Today, wrestling is even bigger and better there as Metro Pro Wrestling is the place to be in Kansas City every other month. The Turner Rec Center is always packed with close to 400-to 500 fans that we are very close to. The promotionis also the home to my close friend and the Artist of Champions Rob Schamberger while having a great mixture of talent that we have supported in several promotions. So Kansas City would have been a great choice.
During the past couple of years our finances have been depleting as disappointments with jobs and our four kids going to college that our visits to Iowa has dwindled considerable. Still every time that we have made our way to the beautiful state of Iowa, it has been a true pleasure as the wrestling has been fun and the people are so awesome. We have seen that during the 2013 3XW Iowa Latino festival and this years Jeff Thompson Memorial event. I have long considered Iowa fan favorite Mark McDowell to be one of my best friends and it would be a pleasure to have done it at either PWP or 3XW.
Yet, St. Louis was the one place that I felt that it would be the perfect place to propose to Dubray due to the fact that it was the home of the majority of the promotions that we cover. It would allow a chance for all of our friends and fans of SICW, PWCS, WLW, Dynamo Pro Wrestling, New Breed Wrestling, MMWA,PWE, St. Louis Anarchy, Proving Ground Pro and High Risk Wrestling to make the trip to see put my heart on the line.
I decided that the SICW’s home of East Carondelet, Illinois would be the perfect place to do so as the the Community Center is always packed with fans that have become friends for years, and is the home of St. Louis’s only TV tapping SICW Wrestling Explosion. Add on the fact that promoter Herb Simmons and his wife Mickey have been very close friends and the ring announcer/commentator Dr. Drew was a friend of ours long before he earned a career in the sport, I had faith that they would do what they could to make it go as smooth as possible.
On the way home from the historic WLW Ric Flair/WWE/NOAH/NEW JAPAN camp event in Troy, Missouri in August I made the call to ask Herb if it was possible that I would be allowed to propose to Dubray in the ring in the near future. My idea was to have Herb announce that he was going to present us with an “award” to thank us for our support of pro wrestling in the Midwest. Beings that she was included in the announcement from Herb she would be required to be in attendance that night. A quick note, Dr. Drew would cement that thought in her head in a positive light when he announced during their TV show that the “Queen of MWR” Dubray and I would be there to accept the award.
Herb asked me if I would like to do it at the October event as it was going to be a huge night with the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame. I was concerned that we would be trying to take away the focus of the Hall of Fame induction, to which Herb stated that he believed that it would only add to the occasion. So with his blessing and help the day was set for the big announcement.
I have never been good on the mic, so it has always been a good that I have been working behind the scenes through the website and photos. When it was time to put my heart on the line, Herb was a 100 percent right, the time could not have been any better. Thanks to the huge night of honoring Bill Apter and Eddie Smith into the Hall of Fame, there was many friends in the building that may not have been there otherwise as friends came from Minnesota , Iowa and beyond.
During the week I had watched some proposals online to help me find the right words and actions to make her moment as special as possible. With time on my hands I also watched some proposal fails that were funny, but a possibility for us to be included if I was to total mess It up.
Before I knew it, we were in the ring accepting our award, and as we had planned Herb and Drew encouraged Dubray to show off our new plaque to the fans as I prepared to get on my knees to ask the biggest question of our life. The moment was a blur, but I will forever remember the huge pop from the crowd as she said yes. Throughout the night, friends and people I did not know were all smiles as they congratulated us on the big moment. Looking back I know in my heart that it was a huge success as among those that were happy for us, there were many young kids around the age of 7-15 that stopped me to congratulate me on doing it in the ring, they thought it was so cool. Kids are as honest as they come and anytime you can impress them (and not bore them lol) on a night filled with hard hitting wrestling action then you know it was a huge success.
Thank you to Promoter Herb Simmons and SICW for allowing us to have our moment in the ring and for all the boys and girls in the locker room who were more than happy to take a proposal photo for fun.
As always thank you to all of the fans and our friends for their sincere support and we look forward to seeing you in 2015.
16 teams of three entered the tournament and when the smoke cleared one remained in the 2015 Full Impact ProFALLOUT IPPV and that was none other than TEAM Proving Ground Pro of the former MWR Wrestler of the Year Jake Dirden and Team IOU of Nick Iggy & Kerry Awful.
Congrats from MWR to Proving Ground Pro on the historic win.
Proving Ground Pro is proud to bring you yet another monster announcement for LIVING PROOF! At PGP we always strive to bring you that great wrestling experience in and out of the ring. With that being said our special guest for LIVING PROOF (May 23rd at Roots) is none other than Ring of Honor star Michael Elgin!!!
When he has night off(a rare chance to be a fan) and wants to see a fantastic show he, enters the Proving Ground! Elgin is no stranger to PGP having competed for the Franchise Title. This time he won’t be in the ring but he will be meeting and greeting with all the great fans. Come meet Michael Elgin live at Roots located just outside Petersburg, Illinois south on Highway 97.
He will be selling t-shirts,autographed pictures,taking pictures and talking with you the fans. Don’t miss your chance to meet a former Ring of Honor World Champ and one of the best wrestlers today! Saturday,May 23rd (at Roots Event Center, 14305 State Hwy 97,Petersburg,IL) is your chance to get up close and personal with one of the best wrestlers on the planet, don’t miss it!!!!! Michael Elgin Meet & Greet plus a stacked card and still more to come, LIVING PROOF is gonna be Huge!!! I mean HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE HAPPENING hits Havana on April 18th when PGP returns to The Lawford!!!
Proving Ground Pro returns to the Lawford Theater(225 W Main, Havana,IL) at a time when the entire promotion has been thrown into chaos. The PGP Franchise title now rests with Blake Steel, after using both a low blow and a railroad spike to the eye, Steel took the title from “Dirdey” Jake Dirden. These controversial actions are yet to be addressed directly by Steel, in fact all we have heard from Blake is his refusal to honor Jake Dirden’s rematch for the Franchise title. Instead Blake Steel has chosen to take the title to Florida the weekend of THE HAPPENING (Saturday, April 18th) and compete at FIP and EVOLVE on the wwnlive ippv network.
Having already been in a position of stripping both Tag champs and a Cutting Edge champ in our promotions history we are reluctant to quickly strip our top belt from a new champ. At this time PGP has contacted Jake Dirden and apprised him of the situation, and offered him a deal…If Jake will offer up an open challenge for THE HAPPENING we will guarantee him a Franchise title shot at our May 23rd event(or strip Blake Steel at that point if we get a second title defense refusal). Jake has agreed to that. We have now opened up the PGP phone lines to see who might answer this challenge, as a bonus PGP will offer the taker of this open challenge a title shot in June if they are able to defeat “Dirdey” Jake Dirden!!! Stay alert for breaking news on this situation…We will have an opponent for Jake Dirden and answers from Blake Steel as soon as we can get them!!! As always, doors open at 6:30pm, first bell 7pm,$10($5 kids). Whatever happens, get to the Lawford on 4-18 and……..ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
Plus
Proving Ground Pro adds Ovirload vs Johnny Wisdom to THE HAPPENING
Two amazing athletes return to PGP on April 18th for a first time meeting in the squared circle. Ovirload had a breakout performance at our last show as half of the tag team MegaOvir, Johnny Wisdom made us take notice at last years LIVING THE DREAM show in a 6 man scramble. This time these two meet in a singles match with their skills on full display. This is two seriously red hot newcomers to PGP, amazingly high skill levels on each competitor makes this match a must see and puts the roster on notice that there are always new serious threats arriving in the Proving Ground. Ovirload vs Wisdom could be the match that steals the show and blows your mind!!! The Proving Ground is where you go to experience never before seen independent wrestling action! No one else but PGP will give you Ovirload vs Wisdom because it’s just that damn cool!!! Don’t sleep on a chance to be there live and in person
Check out the new Pro Wrestling Illustrated today that features a NEW LOW PRICE OF $6.99. Great articles featuring the best wrestlers around the world including Independent Roundup by Mike Bessler as well as the Arena Reports of MWR Promotions sent in by MWR Editor Brian Kelley and Patrick Brandmeyer for SICW, Proving Ground Pro, Pro Wrestling Championship Series, and Dynamo Pro Wrestling.
Send your love to PWI on having promotions in our area supported in the number one magazine for Pro Wrestling.
Jake Dirden to defend Franchise title versus Mark Sterling at NEW FRONTIERS
“Dirdey” Jake Dirden returns to the Proving Ground with his Franchise title on February 21st and he’s looking for a fight. Currently the main man in PGP, Dirden just keeps upping his game with refined skills and veteran wiles to accentuate his original foundation of massive power and leverage. If an individual exists that can derail the freight train momentum of the champ it would be Mark Sterling. This is the debut of Sterling and he may be new to PGP fans, but as always you’ll see exactly why this man comes in with a shot at the big prize. Sterling is the goods on the independent circuit, besting all comers for years now with that nearly perfect combination of ring science and pure athletic talent. Preparation and conditioning are staples of Sterlings game, this man has the ability to fight all night and fight a little longer. He’ll need all that and more when he meets “.Dirdey” Jake Dirden one on one at the Lawford Theater(225 W Main Street, Havana,IL) in the main event of NEW FRONTIERS!!!
Dirden versus Sterling is just one of the great matches you’ll get, it’s always a lead pipe cinch every bout on a PGP card is damn good professional wrestling. At only $10($5 for kids) it really is legitimately one of the best values you’ll find in the world of independent professional wrestling, no 40 milers, no unqualified talent that shouldn’t be in a ring, just pure awesome from opening bell to thank you, good night!!! Doors open at 6:30 and NEW FRONTIERS kicks off at 7pm! If you’re a fan of pro wrestling do yourself a favor, gather the posse, pack the wagon and……ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
Blake Steel vs Jeremy Wyatt inked for NEW FRONTIERS
If you need some hot stove to warm up your mid winter, Proving Ground Pro has the perfect prescription for you. On February 21st the historic Lawford Theater(225 W Main, Havana,IL) will see a fantastic match between two of the Midwest/Central States very best ring technicians when “The Apex” Blake Steel meets the debuting “Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt for a classic battle between the ropes. Blake Steel is fresh off the biggest single night of his wrestling career by winning the inaugural Buckley Cup ( besting Louis Lyndon, Ethan Page and Tommaso Ciampa in route to victory and earning a Franchise title shot for March in the process), but things are never easy in PGP as Steel receives far more than a mere tune up match when he faces Jeremy Wyatt for the first time. Jeremy earned the moniker “Belt Collector” by doing just that, accumulating dozens of championship belts in his storied career, simply put Wyatt routinely meets and beats the best this sport has to offer. Well aware of each others skill and reputation on the circuit, occasionally crossing paths in locker rooms at various shows, both are eager to meet in the squared circle and prove who is the superior athlete. This really is two of the very best, that’s fact, not hype, and this match should be appointment viewing for anyone who loves great pro wrestling. Steel versus Wyatt is the real deal, mark that date and don’t you dare miss this one, it’s going to be an epic fight!!!
Get ready for back to back sports metaphors when your friends at PGP knock it out of the park with NEW FRONTIERS, another slam dunk for action and excitement!!! Seriously, this is a great show at a great price, only $10($5 for kids) and Steel vs Wyatt is just one match on a stacked and jacked night of wickedly good wrestling!!! Doors open at 6:30pm and NEW FRONTIERS starts at 7pm. “Dirdey” Jake Dirden will defend his Franchise title, Cutting Edge champion Mario Crivello defends vs. Kyle Matthews and more huge match announcements soon to launch, MAKE YOUR PLANS TO BE THERE NOW! We hold this truth to be self evident, if you want great wrestling……ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
Wyatt vs Steel has every element needed to be an instant mat classic, and it’s just 1 of the great matches at NEW FRONTIERS!!! The Lawford Theater(225 W Main, Havana,IL) is ground zero for Proving Ground Pro action on February 21st. $10($5 for kids), 7pm first bell.
The Perfect Addiction w/ Lucy Mendez vs Team IOU w/ Paloma Starr added to NEW FRONTIERS
The Perfect Addiction(Randy Ray, Perry Winkle and Lucy Mendez) will be in full effect February 21st when they invade the Lawford Theater(225 W Main, Havana,IL) to battle Team IOU(Nick Iggy and Kerry Awful) and their partner, Paloma Starr in some great 3 on 3 tag team action!!!
The ever resourceful Perfect Addiction have combined ring skill and treachery to create a formula for success in Proving Ground Pro, putting this trio on the map and competition on notice. One duo that took notice is Team IOU, currently working their way to the top of the PGP tag team scene they see The Perfect Addiction as the perfect opportunity. In an attempt to neutralize potential outside the ring advantages being taken, Team IOU has recruited Paloma Starr to be their partner, forcing Lucy Mendez into the match and setting the stage for some spectacular tag team action.
The Perfect Addiction vs Team IOU and Paloma Starr is just one of the gems you’ll find at NEW FRONTIERS, this card is double stuffed with independent wrestling talent from top to bottom. Amazingly, only $10($5 for kids) gets you Jake Dirden (Franchise Champion) vs Mark Sterling, Mario Crivello(Cutting Edge Champion) vs Kyle Matthews, Yabo Gustobo vs Marion Fontaine, Blake Steel vs Jeremy Wyatt, Justice Jones vs Joey Avalon, Remi Wilkins vs Peter Schwanz vs Nelson Nice(3 man elimination) and the above added 6 man tag!!! That’s real deal damn good wresting brought to you Proving Ground style. Come see what all the buzz is about, doors open at 6:30pm and first bell is at 7pm. Find the wrestling worth looking for……ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
Wilkins vs Schwanz vs Nice triple threat match added to NEW FRONTIERS
Three of PGP’s best fight for a big win February 21st when Remi Wilkins, “Pornstache” Peter Schwanz and Nelson”Mr.” Nice light up the Lawford Theater(225 W. Main, Havana,IL) with this spectacular elimination match. Fast rising star Remi Wilkins returns to the Proving Ground, having won over plenty of the PGP faithful as a double tough competitor with an electrifying personality. Peter Schwanz has a personality that’s won over few if any fans to date, but he may bring some around based purely on his skills and abilities in the ring, like it or not this guy knows how to win. Nelson”Mr.”Nice has found his brightest spotlight at the side of “Dirdey” Jake Dirden, being the man who originally brought our current Franchise champion to the Proving Ground. Mr. Nice isn’t a one trick pony, he’s a very formidable competitor in his own right and should never be taken lightly. Looking to shake the image of “the Dirden whisperer” and establish his own reputation is fueling Nelson to reach that next level. Three combatants in the ring creates chaos and maximizes the need to be opportunistic, it also creates wildly unpredictable action for the fans! No matter who gets their hand raised, this match is a guaranteed winner!!!
Wilkins vs Schwanz vs Nice joins an already rock solid line up that features Jake Dirden vs Mark Sterling, Blake Steel vs Jeremy Wyatt, Mario Crivello vs Kyle Matthews and Yabo Gustobo vs Marion Fontaine plus more great matches still to come!!! At only $10($5 for kids) you’re getting a hella good show at a hella good price. This is Proving Ground Pro serving up independent wrestling with no frills, just top shelf in ring action you don’t want to miss!!! Doors open at 6:30pm and NEW FRONTIERS starts at 7pm. The price is so good you’re playing with house money, the action’s so hot you should bring a fire suit!!! There’s no need for a degree in advanced mathematics to triangulate where you need to be….ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
Cutting Edge Champion Mario Andrew Crivello vs Kyle Matthews at NEW FRONTIERS
Saturday, February 21st, the Lawford Theater(225W Main,Havana,IL) is the place to see PGP’s reigning Cutting Edge champion M.A.C. meet the debuting Kyle Matthews with the title hanging in the balance. Much awesomeness will occur as the treacherous Crivello battles one of independent wrestlings most technically sound competitors. Mario is still stinging from a tough loss to world class talent Tommaso Ciampa at the Buckley Memorial Tournament, expect him to be focused, intense and looking to remind people that he is a champion. A perfected art of villainy and a gifted knack for seizing opportunity has served Mario well in the Proving Ground so far, but NEW FRONTIERS is truly a new challenge.
Kyle Matthews is coming to make a statement by capitalizing on a chance to quickly capture a title that has a growing reputation and recognition. Cutting Edge is not only the title he’s after, it’s an apt description of Matthews talent in the ring as well. Coming out of Marietta,GA, Kyle has been lighting up the southeast for most of the last decade. Winning titles and meeting a who’s who of indy stars in promotions across the southeast, it’s time his skills get the wider notice they deserve. A sure way to do that is wresting the title away from the reigning champ, Kyle Matthews is fully capable of doing exactly that. Trained by the legendary “Nightmare” Ted Allen and battle tested by some of the best in the business, expect Kyle Matthews to impress!!!
Crivello vs Matthews is only one of the great matches on a fully loaded card of 100% wicked cool independent professional wrestling. Just $10($5for kids) makes this an amazingly affordable night of action(doors open 6:30pm, first bell 7pm)!!! Debuting stars, returning favorites and excitement galore are what we deliver and what you can count on at NEW FRONTIERS!!! There’s only one way to find matches this damn spectacular in Central Illinois….ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
NEW FRONTIERS slates Yabo vs Fontaine for The Lawford on 2-21
Proving Ground Pro has a completely awesome match to announce for NEW FRONTIERS(2-21-15, Lawford Theater, 225 W. Main Street, Havana,IL) as Yabo Gustobo will meet the returning Marion Fontaine in a one on one match sure to be wickedly cool!!! Yabo has been wildly effective utilizing a bag of tricks to accentuate an unexpectedly high skill level in the squared circle, getting him the last laugh on most of his opponents. Marion Fontaine is fully capable of matching the repertoire of his adversary with an astounding array of moves and a a PhD in ring psychology. Vintage styling with a modern delivery make Fontaine a virtual “human time warp” with perhaps the best mustache in the business. Classic clowning delivered with tightrope risk make Yabo a virtual “human circus” with perhaps the best footwear in the business. High flying, fast paced all out action, that’s exactly what you’ll get in this must see encounter, MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!!!
There will be a full card of fun and excitement at NEW FRONTIERS, title matches, tag team action and so much more, this is real deal, high quality, independent professional wrestling brought to you Proving Ground style. Only $10($5 for kids) makes this the right show at the right price!!! Doors open at 6:30pm with a 7pm first bell. Find out why this is Central Illinois’ best bet for damn good wrestling….ENTER THE PROVING GROUND!!!
With his win in the tournament Blake Steel has challenged the PGP Champion Jake Dirden for the title in a match that promises to be one not to miss.
Proving Ground Pro honored Ryan Buckley, the first solider killed in Iraq that was from Hillsboro, Illinois with the first ever Ryan Buckley Memorial Tournament filled with many of the top stars in the country.
Cpl. Ryan J. Buckley, 21, was with Army Spc. Richard Morris riding in a Humvee in Baghdad, when a blast from an explosive device killed Buckley, the gunner on the vehicle. Prior to the event a 10 bell salute was held to honor the war hero.
In the first round Blake Steel was able to withstand the quick strikes from young star Louis Lyndon In the second round Steel took it to Ethan Page with an impressive victory. Page was not done with Steel though as he assaulted him after the match targeting his left arm leaving Steel’s ability to move on in the main event in doubt. Yet, one of central Illinois’s brightest stars would not be denied as he entered the main event against his toughest test to date, the Ring of Honor Superstar Tommaso Ciampa. Blake Steel showed true heart and determination by not only surviving the war between Ciampa, but pinning him with the small package to lay claim as the first ever Ryan Buckley Memorial Tournament Champion.
Ryan Buckley Memorial Tournament Round One
Blake Steel pinned Louis Lyndon
Ethan Page pinned Mallaki Matthews Justice Jones pinned Tyson Dux
Tommaso Ciampa pinned Mario Crivello
Perfect Addiction – Randy Ray & Perry Winkle pinned Mike Outlaw & “Mr. Nice” Nelson Sixx Zero Gravity pinned Team IOU
Ryan Buckley Memorial Tournament Round Two
Blake Steel pinned Ethan Page
Tommaso Ciampa pinned Justice Jones PGP Franchise Champ Jake Dirden beat Abe Jackson & Jon Bolen by submission (triple)
Blake Steel pinned Tommaso Ciampa to win the Buckley Cup
The inaugural Ryan Buckley Memorial Tournament is set to electrify the Litchfield Community Center (1100 S. State Street, Litchfield, IL).
First round Buckley Cup matches are:
Tommaso Ciampa vs Mario Andrew Crivello
Tyson Dux vs Justice Jones
Louis Lyndon vs Blake Steel
Ethan Page vs Mallaki Matthews.
Team IOU(Nick Iggy and Kerry Awful) are ready to face Zero Gravity(CJ Esparza and Brett Gakiya)
.. Plus a PGP Franchise Title defense with “Dirdey ” Jake Dirden vs Phil Atlas more great non- tournament action. Only $10 ($5 for our fans 12 and under) with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project in the name of Ryan Buckley! !! Doors open at 6:30 pm and Buckley Cup starts at 7pm.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 