NWA World Champion Adam Pearce. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
By Brian Kelley
Less than 24 hours after Adam Pearce survived an onslaught from “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt at 3XWrestling in Des Moines, the NWA Worlds Champion made his way to Council Bluffs, Iowa for Magnum Pro Wrestling.
His opponent was hometown favorite “Babyface “ Tony Cortez, a man who has been in battles with many of the best in the Midwest. Cortez’s moment that he has been waiting for his whole life had come to that very moment on January 28th, the chance to prove that he was among the very best in the world.
From the moment the doors open you could feel the electricity spark from wall to wall, with the ring being the spark that got it going. World titles opportunity chances come to wrestlers very few if ever in a wrestler’s career.
In the past Cortez has succeeded and survived an epic war games steel cage match, defeated former friend Jayden Draigo, captured wins against the hottest stars of wrestling like Mike Sydal and “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon.
Champions have had to beware of the feisty Cortez as he has defeated Hype Gotti and Golden Boy” Vic Victory thus making him the only man to be a two time PWP Champion. Cortez has also won the PWP tag team championship with the before mentioned Gottie (Simply the Best) in a classic as MWR sponsored the PWP Tag team title match between the Northstar Express (Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz) on November 21st, 2008.
As we walked into the building that night, we had to wonder just how could Cortez keep up with the much favored NWA Worlds Champion Adam Pearce?
No doubt the Magnum Pro Wrestling fans were on Cortez’s side. As he entered the ring, the building exploded with cheers. I could see nor feel any doubt from the Magnum pro wrestling’s fans that Cortez was the underdog on this night.
When the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion came to the ring with his “ten pounds of gold” he was still all smiles but you could tell that the night before’s defense against Wyatt had him a little bit more focused than normal .
Pearce is a master strategist and agitator from the moment his music hits till the final bell ring. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
After studying hours of tapes of Pearce, I have come to conclusion that no wrestler enjoys taunting the crowd more than Adam Pearce, at first I thought it was a tactic to get under his opponents skin. I am now convinced that just like his rival from the night before Wyatt that he thoroughly enjoys seeing them in total anger. I was beginning to wonder if I would need protection to take photos at ringside the emotions were so hot from the fans in the front row.
“Babyface” Tony Cortez was up to the challenge of meeting the Worlds Champion. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Before I knew it the action was fast and furious as Cortez strategy was to move forward. From the get go it looked as if he had the right plan as Pearce was reeling from the quickness of the challenger. Like any smart champion Pearce found a way to slow down the momentum of Cortez and the fans mood by grabbing hold of him then taking him down with a headlock.
To slow down Cortez, Pearce brought him to the mat. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Cortez would fight to get back up once again hitting a belly to back suplex that seemed to have given the challenger the chance to get the pinfall. Any other man that may have been enough but Pearce did not become a 4 –time NWA’S World Champion by not taking a beating. Just as the ref was to hit the 3 count, Pearce’s shoulders came off the mat, keeping the Champion still alive in the match.
Knowing that this was his moment to shine, Cortez pulled out all the stops. Surprisingly the fans didn’t mind the least. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Back and forth they went, as Cortez turned his back, Pearce rolled him up but Cortez was able to kick out, moments later it was the challenger using his feet on the ropes for extra leverage but Pearce was still too strong.
A headbutt from Pearce dropped Cortez. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
One mistake against Pearce and many of men are done for the night, as was the case with Cortez, when Pearce locked in his pildriver, there was no escape for the hometown favorite.
Though Cortez fought with all his might, the champion was able to hit his patented piledriver. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Unlike many wrestlers who try to use the move but are unable to deliver it with enough force to get a win , Pearce knows what he is doing and the crushing blow sent Cortez crashing head first into the mat.
Three seconds later, the NWA World Champion Adam Pearce retained his championship and survived the Terror of the Midwest tour weekend against both Jeremy Wyatt and Tony Cortez.
Pearce remains the NWA World Champion. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
The cocky grin was still there on the champ , his eyes were glazed a bit. You could tell he now knew that the Midwest is in fact the “Danger Zone” for his title. Men like Tony Cortez, Jeremy Wyatt, Michael Strider and Kahagas all have their sights set on “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce.
Wrestling fans in Illinois should be thrilled about this coming Saturday’s All American Pro Wrestling’s “Main Event”. Let’s take a look at just 10 reasons why you should take the trip to Marion, Illinois whether you are from Marion or you are a fan that lives in St Louis. In no specific order and to be honest I could have done more than 10 reasons why you should join us.
1) First Show of the year! With the weather looking to be great, why not take the kids out to the park during the day then come in when it gets dark and cold as all of your favorite All American Pro WrestlingStars action is sure to be hard hitting and heated. AAPW has an Awesome card filled with some of the best stars in Illinois and around the World. Don’t be the only fan at work on Monday who did not make the biggest show in AAPW history.
Let’s watch "3G" Eric Wayne take young Jay Spade on a trip on pain.(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Let’s watch "3G" Eric Wayne take young Jay Spade on a trip on pain.(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
2) “3G” Eric Wayne to meet former WWE, ROH and a NWA World Champion – The third generation AAPW star Eric Wayne was set to meet ROH World Champion Davey Richards this past fall. Due to contract issues that match never happen. Wayne has been in the sport since 2006 and has had a taste of TNA and WWE in past. A win against the respected and VERY entertaining “BOOM BOOM” Colt Cabana could send a message to AAPW management that he is ready for a rematch against AAPW Champion Edmund “Livewire” McGuire that is if you don’t see him on your TV on Monday or Thursday nights.
3) “The Generic Luchador” El Generico vs. “The Man Gravity Forgot” PAC– Both of these wrestlers have traveled around the world. They have met in the past in thrilling battles that fans have raved about. Let’s take a look at
4) FREE STUFF: One lucky fan in attendance will walk away with two tickets to the WWE Royal Rumble in St. Louis The fan who travels the farthest to attend Main Event will receive an AAPW prize pack.
Christopher Hagstrom and the AAPW staff has been proactive in building a close relationship with their fans in 2011, in 2012 they will be running on all cylinders with great matches to start the year along with awesome promotions for their fans at the shows, on their website, and on facebook. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
MWR Fans be sure to be a fan of AAPW on FACEBOOK as they have been doing prize packs when they reach 800, 900 and 1,000 fans. Be a part of the growth of one of the Midwest hottest promotions in 2012.
Pokerface. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
5) Pokerface Open Challenge– One of the hottest stars in AAPW is the undefeated Pokerface. How good is he? In October, he was able to get a victory from the 2011 MWR Wrestler of the Year Brandon Espinosa in an exciting match-up.
The All American feels the explosive knees from Pokerface. Can anyone step to and defeat Pokerface? Join us this Saturday to find out. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
While MWR has not been liked his arrogance and attitude towards fans we cannot deny the talent this young star possess. Who will step to meet the challenge of Pokerface? Be there to cheer on the man who will look to end the undefeated streak!
Heath Hatton and Curly tenure as a AAPW tag team Champs has come to an end. Can Heath Hatton fly alone to success?? (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
6) Bad blood and grudges boil over as Heath Hatton looks to get revenge on “Golden Boy” Greg Anthony. Heath Hatton is one star that MWR has on the radar in 2012, in 2011 he along with fan favorite Curly won the AAPW Tag titles and feuded with Anthony and his tag partner “Serial Thriller” Shane Rich. Each man would find themselves alone as an injury would take out Shane Rich, while AAPW would fire Curly but this would not cool off the tension between these two.
Hatton has been on the search to work with the very best in the past couple of months as he has made appearances with both Harley Race’s WLW and Ohio Valley Wrestling. This could be his biggest match to date (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Last month Heath Hatton was forced to defend them alone against Team Overkill, and showed true heart in his efforts against Matt Cage and Christian Rose but it would be Greg Anthony who would cost him his tag team titles.
Now Hatton is ready to teach the veteran Anthony a lesson in respect. MWR has always enjoy Anthony here with his own article aptly named “The Golden Circle” in the past we do not condone his actions to this rising star and will be hoping that Hatton can do his wish.
In the past the Golden Boy Greg Anthony has used illegal help from his good friend Shane Rich, here rookie Aiden Young gets blasted from Anthony after Rich harassed him throughout the match. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
That may be easier said than done, Anthony who will be the first to tell you that he “Is the best of the best” and has the credentials to prove it. Down south he has been honored by the former website Rasslin Riot as the 2011 Wrestler of the Year, one half of a former Tag Team of the Year and been involved in the 2011Match of the year.
Shane Rich has been injured and has joined the AAPW announcing crew, but Anthony knows all the tricks in the book and looks to make life hell for the young rising star Heath Hatton. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Anthony has formed a successful tag team with NWA/WCW star Bobby Eatonwith manager Brian Thompson are called Midnight Gold.
In singles and tag competition he has captured wins against a who’s who in the sport including Jerry Lawler, Jerry Lynn, Buff Bagwell, Jay Lethal, Bill Dundee, Rock N Roll Express, Reggie B Fine, New Age Outlaws, Billy Gunn, Tracy Smothers, Flash Flanagan, and JC ICE.
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Mike Masters!! (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
7) Kevin Hunsperger needs your support!! MWR fans know Kevin as the play-by-play commentator for “Collision” and anchor of “News 3 This Morning” on WSIL TV. A great guy who has a true love for the sport. On the other side of the ring will be “The Masterpiece” Mike Masters.
Masters was on a roll early ion in his match with “Dynamite” Seth Knight but came out on the losing end, will look to take his frustrations out and bully our friend and AAPW announcer Kevin Hunsperger. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Masters is a perennial threat to the AAPW Championship in the past and pound for pound one of the best wrestlers in the Midwest. So how did Kevin get involved in a match with the AAPW Superstar Mike Master’s? Let’s take a look.
The 2011 MWR Female Wrestler Stacey O’Brien was so excited and appreciative when she was offered to be a part of AAPW’S “Main Event” when we saw her around Christmas time. Yet one thing is AAPW did not make it easy in the least when they brought in her former rival Rebecca Raze. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
8) See the 2011 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year Stacey O’Brien in action and receive her plaque from MWR’S Diva Dubray Tallman: It has been over four years since AAPW has hosted a women’s match inside the square circle. The fans asked for their return and AAPW has delivered with one of the Midwest finest Stacey O’Brien. O’Brien was the first ever MWR Female of the Year and has returned from injury to regain her spot as the top women in the Midwest with great matches against Lucy Mendez, Santana G, Miss Natural and MsChif.
While this award may be a great honor for the hard working woman who now trains with Harley Race at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy in Eldon Missouri, she now has a target on her back. Just as rap legend 2Pac sang during his peak “All eye’s on me” O’Brien is now the hunted.
Rebecca Raze
The first young women to try to make a name for herself will be a former foe, Rebecca Raze. It has been over 4 years since the two have met but one thing is for sure that they do not like each other in the least. The name Rebecca Raze could be one that you are not aware of but don’t discount her skills and her desire to knock O’Brien off the top of the women’s division.
During the night we are honored that AAPW has invited us to present the “Boston Brawler” with her 2011 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year Plaque and support women’s wrestling at AAPW.
9) See tag team wrestling the way it was meant to be: While newly crowned AAPW Tag Team Champions Matt Cage and Christian Rose of Team Overkill used some legal loopholes to get out of a title defense at Main Event AAPW has offered the fans a great tag match that could have ramifications for the rest of 2011.
The Money Makin Jam Boyz. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
The former 3-time AAPW Tag Team Champions the Money Makin Jam Boyz the Mississippi Madman and KC Jackson take on Roscoe Dwayne Harris and Jimmy Wayne Fargo otherwise known as the Convoy. Will the weight and power of Harris and Fargo be an advantage against the MMJB’s Jackson or will the Jackson be able to wear out the fearsome twosome and set them up for the Madman’s finisher the Fifth floor?
The winner of this match at AAPW’S Main event will earn a tag team title shot in the future.
10) Two years ago, Missouri Wrestling Revival announced the very first MWR Trading Cards. The set was produced to bring recognition to the wrestlers in the Midwest and the MWR site. From the very first featuring the tag team the Northstar Express, we have done our best to deliver you the fans with a great card that catches your favorites wrestlers in action.
At the end of the year we were at #60 in the set that includes the current Ring of Honor World Champion Davey Richards, former champ Eddie Edwards, Jimmy Jacobs and MsChif to former WWE Stars and Champions Trevor Murdock, U-Gene) EUGENE), former D-X member Road Dogg along with Hall of famers such as Larry Zbyszko, Dave Hebner and Larry Matysik.
With #60 we were excited to have the one and only “Generic Luchador” El Generico to be a part of this wonderful collection. To the best of my knowledge this will be the first time that MWR fans will have a chance to get their card autographed from the masked man himself in the MWR coverage area. El Generico is one of the most traveled wrestlers in the sport as he is a star with Ring of Honor and has taken tours around the world so fans do not miss this rare chance to see him in action and have you #60 MWR El Generico card signed.
Though we are always excited to add ROH and former WWE, WCW, and NWA stars to the set, our favorites are the stars of the Midwest that thrill us each and every weekend in the Midwest.
Many of these men and women are the future of the sport as during our two years we have featured two Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookies of the years in three cards. First we have the 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year as well as the 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mike Sydal. Sydal the brother of WWE Star Evan Bourne was featured in two cards, first the sold out card of #5 and then we provided an update of Sydal with the #37.
The most recent wrestler to be name the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookieof the Year is Ace Hawkins. We were excited to have this high flying star as the man who graced the # 55 card.
Both of these men have been in action at AAPW in the past but will not be there next week but you will be able to get your hands on the following cards and hopefully have them signed from them during the evening.
#38 Stacey O’Brien and # 43 The Mississippi Madman are two of our favorites. The Madman has been both the AAPW Champion as well as an AAPW Tag Champion.
One of the most charismatic wrestlers in the Midwest, he is always a fan favorite. This will be a great opportunity to meet all three of these stars to have your cards signed.
We love him here at MWR as does the AAPW faithful , he is the AAPW Champion with a familiar foe breathing down his throat, “The Old school Warrior” Ax Allwardt.(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
“The Old school Warrior” Ax Allwardt has his chance to become the AAPW Champion for the first time at AAPW’S Main Event. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
That is 10 reasons and we never did get to the main event between AAPW Champ Edmund McGuire and “Old School Warrior”Ax Allwardt. This match that could be featured on any main event in the country today and it will be right here in the Midwest next weekend.
Jay Spade has no fear as he goes to the rafters to get an edge. Spade is just one of the young stars that you will be seeing for years to come in the sport. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Always one to love himself, it is the Playboy Paul Rose. Rose never fails to entertain us and will be in action this weekend!! (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Plus stars such as Jay Spade, Bull Bronson, and “Playboy” Paul Rose will be in action during the night as well . So join MWR for a fun filled night full of action as well as many surprises during the night.
MMWA-SICW and promoter Herb Simmons will be giving you, the fans a Christmas show that you will not soon forget. First he has sent word that as a holiday gift for fans of women wrestling, there will be a debut at SICW of two of the best today going at it one on one.
It will be ST Louis’s own and arguably the best female wrestler to come out of the Midwest since Penny Banner and there is no doubtshe is the most popular star in St Louis today, Thats right “Your souls Tormentor” MsChif will debut for MMWA-SICW.
Fans young and old, are thrilled to see MsChif in action, can Serenity be a scrooge and get a victory over one of the very best females in the world?
Her opponent will be rising female star Serenity.
This will mark only the second time since these two have met. The first was March 27, 2010 at HVW during a tag match as Serenity teamed up with Florida star Jessika Haze in a losing effort against MsChif and the Midwest Sweetheart Santana G.
The experts are excited about this match up and feel as if Serenity, who at that time during their first match was very new to ring and not ready for MsChif . She has improved her game, to be not only be in a match with MsChif, but able to capture the biggest win in her career this Saturday night.
There has been no doubt that the name Serenity has been the talk of the Midwest in Central Illinois in 2011 , and many feel thst om 2012 it may be a year the year Serenity in the female division.
We were able to catch up with MsChif on her match this coming Saturday December 10th in East Carondelet , Illinois.
Fans at the MMWA-SICW in East Carondelet will be treated to a rocking and bruising Christmas as Ricky Cruz looks to get retribution on Ron Powers this Saturday. Fans last month got to see one of the most brutal beat down ever in MMWA-SICW history.
Let’s look back at a small recap from the last recap at MWR Mayhem in East Carondelet as Ricky Cruz feels the wrath of Ron Powers- World War 3 is just beginning.
Cruz admitted that he centered his efforts on the St. Louis area because it was the base for Powers. When Powers worked in Puerto Rico several years ago, according to Cruz, Powers used his piledriver and other assorted violent tactics to sideline several wrestlers – one of whom was Cruz’ older brother. That brother suffered neck damage and still has pain even after curtailing his career. Cruz swore to get revenge on Powers, especially after seeing Powers used a piledriver against Dave Vaughn on the floor Oct. 15.
Cruz promised to be “Powers’ judge, jury and executioner.”
This brought Powers to the ring.Ron denied knowing about Cruz’ brother. He also graphically described being a young kid with a big reputation alone in Puerto Rico, billed as the protégé of Bruiser Brody, fighting off attacks from unexpected sources and pulling out the stops in every match. He added that he had changed, was now a father of three himself and only carried on as a Wildman to satisfy the fans and promoter Herb Simmons, along with longtime mentor Larry Matysik. He apologized to Cruz, said he was ready to quit, would give Cruz the Classic title, and if he had injured the brother was sincerely sorry and wrong.
They were the first ever MWR Tag Team of the year, was showcased on the first MWR trading card and was one number short of being number one on the top 30 tag teams of the MWR years. No fan can forget the tag team of the Northstar Express. The only thing that matched how much charisma these two had was how much merchandise these two had on the gimmick table.
Seriously, great matches with just about every tag team you can name, the NSE quickly earned fans wherever they went.
The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role….You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange you put on a mask. -Jim Morrison
Change is inevitable. It happens every day; no one or thing is immune. Who we were, could very will be quite different than who we are now. Who we are now could very well be a lie.
I hope that’s the case of young KC Karrington.
KC Karrington (Photo Credit Stephen Jones)
When I first met Karrington, he was very young looking and one had to tell me that he was in fact a wrestler. I watched as this “wrestler” signed autographs and met with kids at a meet and greet in Wood River Illinois. Smiles were shared as Karrington took pictures with the young fans and told stories of his young ring career and the happenings of WWE.
KC Karrington was living the dream.
I was surprised to see Karrington improve with every match. His love of wrestling would shine in matches with his tag team partner Steven Kennedy, collectively known as the Ego Express. The two was always entertaining and their fast paced style kept fans on their feet.
The Ego Express wqas tested when they were set to meet the MWR 2008 Tag team of the Year Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz otherwise known as the Northstar Express. In a classic match, the hometown fans were thrilled to see them get a monumental win. The Ego’s were set to challenge the NSE for the title of the top tag team in the Midwest.
Or so it seemed…
Out of nowhere, Karrington announced that even though he would still team with Kennedy and the Ego’s, he had other plans. Those plans were to challenge the top wrestler in the Midwest at the time Jeremy Wyatt. “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt had been on a tear dominating every competitor that any promotion put in front of him.
Honestly, I liked Karrington and would be rooting for him but I gave him zero chance.
Karrington would not be denied. The hard work, dedication and desire to reach the goal would allow him to prove his naysayers wrong. He would go down as one of the few men to pin Wyatt in the past three years.
An impressive feat, for a young man who had been in the sport in such short amount of time. Life was looking good for KC Karrington.
Or so it would seem….
Refs have wisely kept their distance from Karrington over the last few months (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
Quietly with no fan fare, KC Karrington was gone. It would be almost a half year to the date till I saw KC Karrington. Out of nowhere came a wrestler that I had not seen before, jacked with muscles and full of ink he came towards me. I was shocked when the once looking “kid” had transformed himself into a powerhouse.
I was looking forward to getting down to what his secret to getting in shape so I asked him. I didn’t get two words out of my mouth when Karrington interrupted me and coldly stated “ Do not talk to me unless I speak to you first, you hear me? I am God, I am hear to save wrestling in the miserable state that it is in here in the Midwest. Your readers, the site, the fans and the wrestlers today better learn to follow me or they will PAY!”
It would not be long that the brutal feud of the Ego Express and the Bumrush Brothers (Shorty Biggs and OuTKaSt) would explode. After taking a loss to the ultra popular tag team of the Bumrush, Karrington would lose it. He viciously used a chair on OuTKaSt after the match. During the attack he repeatedly yelled out “I am GOD!
The feud would heat up as the summer went on as we chronicled here at MWR at this post. Déjà vu it happened again on July 24th. OutKaST after earning a hard fought win against Kennedy would find himself taking a shot from a chair courtesy of Kennedy and Karrington. On and on the beat down went with Karrington berating OuTKaST and the fans for their sins.
Even Ego Express Partner Steven Kennedy is stunned with the brutality that Karrington delivers against their arch rival OuTkaST. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Karrington knocked out the ref Michael Crase, then continued his assault on OuTKaST. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
“I have no regret or remorse for the beating I inflicted on the Outtkast. The revelation was for the sake of his salvation, and was for his own good, whether he realizes it right now or not. I was simply trying to set Outtkast free…trying to help him see the light and the peace that comes with accepting the Midwest Messiah into his heart. I will help Outtkast and the rest of my disciples see that my ways are righteous and my mission is true. Just like the rest of them…he is too ignorant to see it for himself. He will accept me as his savior….be it by choice or by force.”
In what seem like forever till the officials were able to separate Karrington and Kennedy from OutKAst. A chill ran up my spine as I witnessed the evil look in KC Karrington’s eyes and destruction that he seemed thrilled to deliver.
Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free – Jim Morrison
Evil is in the eyes of KC Karrington (Photo Credit Stephen Jones)
I sent tapes of Karrington recent actions to wrestling psychologist Jason Thomas. When I got back with Thomas I could hear the concern in his voice about Karrington as I asked him why the change?
Thomas stated “What is interesting is that for the most part, individuals that find success also relate the accomplishment with happiness. Even with big wins against the Northstar Express and Jeremy Wyatt, Karrington has regressed. The question remains was the feeling of being on top, disappointing to Karrington or did he resent the fact that still not enough to please him?”
I was able to catch up with Karrington’s partner Kennedy who had this to say about his fellow Ego partner Steven Kennedy “A lot about that night seems like a blur to me. But I do distinctly remember one thing, the look in his eyes. I’ve never seen that look in KC’s eyes. It’s like he wasn’t in control. For a split second, I felt like I was looking at someone else entirely.
We get back to our dressing room after that and he stands there like nothing happened at all. I remember standing there thinking to myself, ‘This guy nearly murdered Outkast in front of an audience.’ I’ve been guilty of some devious stuff in my career, but I’ve NEVER seen someone get absolutely destroyed like that. It’s like something has changed in KC, something that was buried deep within him has finally snapped.”
Thomas went on to say that “ Karrington has what is called a Messiah Complex, state of mind in which an individual holds a belief they are, or is destined to become, a savior mixed with a God Complex where he believes that he is above others.. The scary part of this is that there was no remorse at any of his attacks. In wrestling if you look closely you see feuds go all out but at times there is a peak or hesitations in their attack where there is a line drawn. With Karrington the past few months their has been no bounds for his contempt. Even in his partner Kennedy who seems to condone Karringtons actions there was moments where he back off. That wasn’t the case with Karrington.
The last words from Thomas was an eerie warning to all “ I highly urge wrestlers around the Midwest to keep their distance from Karrington at this time. He is a ticking time bomb that will only get worse. At this point I have to worry about the safety of the fans that Karrington has stated he is here to save.”
Last words from Karrington.
This is the prophecy….I have always been and will always be. I am here to be living water for midwest wrestling and I will raise myself up onto the highest seat of Dynamo Pro Wrestling. I will make myself the Morningstar and the light by which all must follow. My church will be established, and my name will be praised. “
Two legends that have countless hours providing fans with great promos Jim Ross and Ric Flair. (Photo from JRSBARBQ.COM)
Jim Ross wrote of Ric Flair “ Back in the day, and still today for that matter, no one could cut a more impassioned promo than the future Hall of Famer “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Flair dressed the part, lived the part 24/7, and, seemingly, became the “Nature Boy. Credit Jim Ross’s websitehere.
By Brian Kelley
On my long drive to school in St Louis I have a LOT of time to think about stuff and when I am not thinking about my homework, I have my mind working towards pro wrestling. This past week my thoughts took me to who in the Midwest is the best on the Mic? Who can your attention the most during a promo?
If you take a look at most of my favorite wrestlers they all can talk. From my very favorite Ric Flair to the Honky Tonk Man and back the Midwest’s own Harley Race they could all talk you to the show.
Lets take a look at 20 of the most interesting wrestlers in today’s game here in the Midwest in my opinion, Feel free to disagree or add your thoughts but these are the top wrestlers who I Love to get hear from and the list is in no certain order.
Before we go to the 20 plus superstars lets give props to the three time WWE Tag Team Champion Trevor Murdoch who I felt was very underrated during his time at the big show.
First lets look at a promo from ALL-TIME greats Dusty Rhodes and Harley Race when he congratulated Trevor Murdoch for his signing with WWE.
Now lets take a flash back at a promo from Murdoch with his tag team partner the late Lance Cade as they were set to arrive in WWE. Some good stuff for sure.
1) Bloody Harker Dirge
The Vampire from the Midwest, Dirge has the look, can wrestle and is works his character to a T….or maybe he is a real vampire. Either way one of the best to get a promo from period.
2) Travis Cook-
The Manager of Champions or as my friend Herb Simmons calls him Travis “the Crook” Cook but no matter what you call him you will have no choice but to hear what he has to say. A link from wrestlings past, Cook knows how to get under the skin of wrestlers and fans alike.
3) Bailey Mannix-
In your face, no nonsense wrestler can talk the talk and walk the walk. Great in front of people and can bust out a promo in one take with out blinking an eye.
4) Michael Strider
– If you ask me this guy is the closest in the Midwest to have the same feel as my favorite Flair as anyone, and I am not the only one. Strider is believable in his words and can make you care for him in a heartbeat but just like Flair if he is in a foul mood can drive the fans in a frenzy.
5) The Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz –
The Northstar Express is so good that you always want more……
Ask me who my favorite to interview and to work with in a promo and I promise you that I will no doubt have these two right among the top of that list. Charismatic and you never know what they will come up with. They deserve to be on a national stage.
6) Gary Jackson
The total package who never got that one break, Jackson may very well be the most loved wrestler in St Louis. With classic lines and his golden rules the geourgous one is always one that you will want to listen too.
7) Jayden Draigo
To be honest I didn’t know who Draigo was until this year. He quickly gathered my attention with the way he handled himself in the middle of the ring, drawing the ire of the fans without missing a beat.
8) #1 Brett Young –
Like the Northstar Express, Young has charisma to burn. A great talker he is able to do whatever is thrown his way be it serious or comedy it is always a honor to interview him…or at least that’s what he lets me know when we are done.
9) The Mississippi Madman –
Listen for this quote from the Madman at the interview “ You just saved a lot of lives, because there is going to be a lot of people running because the Madmans coming” Love it!
No wrestler in the Midwest can have the fans in the palm of their hands like the Mississippi Madman. His look, along with his mic skills is the reason why he would be one of the wrestlers that I would choose if I was a promoter.
10) BroMance Jordan McEntrye & Knight Wagner with Eryn –
Cocky brash and always entertaining this tag team is very underrated in the Midwest, they have a great look that catches the fans attention right away.
11) Mr Late Nite
The Midwest wrestling agent has an ax to grind and never seems to be in a good mood. That is until he is making fun of the fans who come to see their heroes in action.
12) Curley-
You can’t miss him with all those 3 stooges’ tattoos but then he gets on the mic for a promo or before his match and laughter is surly to come. 13) Matt Cage –
Cage is always willing to think outside the box. The scary thing about Cage is I believe he is only scratched the surface of how good he can be.
14) The Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter)
The 2009 MWR Tag team of the Year burst onto the scene making a name for themselves in and out of the ring with some great promos for their battles.
15) Attitude Inc (Guy Smith, Spencer Powers, and Michael Shard)
The trio of Smith, Powers and Shard bring to the table great wrestling action and a look that gets the fans and opponents attention quickly. They currently hold the NMW Tag titles while Shard is in the hunt for the NMW Title at November Reign. Look for great things to continue for these there.
16) Chad Mylan-
The man who many claim is the voice of 3XW has grew a chip on his shoulder. Leading his number one man Kwong into the ring to gain championships. He is a force at not only 3XW but MECW as well.
I am going to share with you a promo from 3XW’S monthly internet show Outside the ring from this past October. Look for Chad at the 5:16 mark into the show as he celebrates a big victory along with his protégé Ricky Kwong. Please take the time to watch the whole episode and add the 3XW website to your favorites to check out the new Outside the Ring.
17) Bobby Houston –
While many wonder what we do at MWR, “The Business Man” is not one of them. He knows that the site is out there to get the word out about wrestling, but more importantlyto Houston, is MORE coverage for himself. In the ring on the mic or outside the ring for a promo Houston is all about the Business and that business is to let you know that he is the best in the Midwest.
18) The Magic Man-
If you have not seen this legend from Japan then shame on you. I have had a lot of fun working with the Magic Man every time we get the camera in front of him. The fans MAY love him or hate him but they always and I mean always remember him
19) Steven J Girthy-
The classic manager in every sense. Successful check, rich check, loud mouth check. The truth of the matter is the man is good at his job and that is leading wrestling’s top wrestlers into battle.
20) AJ Williams-
One has to see AJ do wrestling impersonations to get a true feel of this young wrestlers talent. Don’t believe me then just ask Bill Apter.
MWR Hall of Fame Video
Hype Gotti and Tony Cortez formed the charismatic tag team Simply the Best. The two would hold onto the PWP Tag titles but we were always prepared to see what these two would say when we got them behind the camera. Lets look back at this classic interview.
Last but not least I leave you with a promo that we did with the 2008 Missouri Wrestling Revival wrestler of the Year “ The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. I took this to work to show some residents at the behavior unit that I worked with. The resident LOVE wrestling and my mother has been a nurse for over 30 years at the very same home.
My mothers reply to me after watching Wyatt blast , “Maybe you shouldn’t get involved in this wrestling, you’r going to get hurt.” …….SWEET
I now share with you that video that caused my mother such concern.
Helloooo wrestling fans as the great Bill Kersten would say. I am thrilled that today we are celebrating our 1,000 post here at Missouri Wrestling Revival. Throughout the past two and half years you have been able to come to MWR site to check out upcoming shows, interviews and stories of the top stars of not only the Midwest but around the world.
MWR started out simple enough from one of my best friends Josh Ray who had the dream to bring attention to wrestling in the Midwest. He worked hard to get the site going and along with myself and Kari Williams the site was off and running.
Thankfully we had a good friend Peter Hahn whos sister Rachel, is a wonderful graphic artist that came up with the logo that has became the face of MWR.
I have been so busy getting ready for school, preparing for my sons school year and other projects that I have yet to unveil some great new logo’s from our good friends at Awesome bomb radio so no time is better than the start of a new thousand. Adult MWR fans take a chance to check out the Awesome Bomb Radio for some wild and crazy interviews with some of the top wrestlers in the game today.
Everyone at MWR has worked hard to be respectful and polite to each promotion, wrestler and fans that we have gone across.
I have a strong belief that to be successful that no one can do it alone. In the history of MWR there have been some wonderful supporters of the site that is vital to MWR’S place in wrestling today. I am going to attempt to thank everyone that has made MWR possible. At every promotion we have worked with there has been not only promoter, wrestlers but also referees, ring announcer, security, video crew and fans that I have nothing but love and respect for. Several have become close friends, while others I have not seen in a long time, though time has past by and we may have not seen each other this post is still for you.
1) The Fans: I hope that you have found MWR a place that you come to enjoy. You are the most important piece to the puzzle to making a show a success. At times we are very busy at a show but I want you to know that I thank you for clicking on the site and we are always excited to get to meet you. Your support for the hard working men and women of the sport keeps the hope alive for pro wrestlers to live their dream. If you have not checked out a local show near you I urge you to check out a promotion soon.
We have made many Friends thanks to the MWR site. Drew and Gary are two great guys that I met at local shows, they knew us from the work we do thanks to MWR. During the Wrestling Legends on tour the three of us got to pose with some of the top wrestling stars ever in the sport. These are just two of the many fans that we are proud to call our friends.
2) The Promoters: These guys are judged, hated and sometimes forgotten. It takes a special person to risk there money and spend their time to run a show. The cold hard fact is that it is a LOT of work to be one and at times luck to be successful in this profession. Without them doing the ground work a show never gets off the ground. They have opened their doors to us and I hope they know we have been honored to try our best to get the word out about the dates of their show.
3) The Wrestlers, managers and referees: Call it a sport or call it entertainment, one can not deny that it takes true talent to make a show a success..
During the years I have been all around the Midwest checking out shows in the big cities and the small towns and I can say that I have no doubt that there is no athletes that cares more for their fans that the wrestlers.
We have been at a few shows that have had less than 30 people, that did not stop the wrestlers from going out there and giving it their all, then took the time to come meet the fans.
I watched time and time where they have took that extra moment to talk, pose for pictures and sign autographs to the kids of all ages and thanking them for their hard earn money to watch them do what they love.
There have been many shows where the wrestlers have donated their time and skills with no pay to support a fundraiser for a local family or school.
No matter what state we are in, or the three letters of the promotions every wrestles have the same goal and that is to entertain you with the best of their abilities.
This past weekend I was in Lincoln Illinois for the Arts and Balloon Festival where the a huge crowd witness some exciting wrestling action. One of the many talented wrestlers in the Midwest today, Knight Wagner asked if he could do a promo commemorating the moment that so many fans had a chance to see what wrestling was like in our area.
I was honored by the kind words that he said in the promo for our website in hopes that you the fans will check us out to find out where you can see the next wrestling show in your area. I want to share with you the words of Knight Wagner.
To be honest there have been many such compliments given to the MWR family from many many wrestlers that understand that this site is built for the fans, the promoters and wrestlers themselves.
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It has been a pleasure to work each and every one of you. I have seen some of the craziest, weirdest and breathtaking matches ever in the past two plus years at MWR. The love that you have for wrestling is only equaled by the desire to give the fans their money’s worth. MWR could not be as successful or fun without your cooperation
4) Dubray Tallman: The old saying is behind every successful man is a good women. Thankfully I have Dubray to help support me while we drive the six hours roundtrip for many shows. There is no group of friends that live close enough that we can ride with to make the trip faster or cheaper. In less than a year and half we have made over eighty shows in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. At times the site takes away from what we can do elsewhere or together as it takes time to write and edit everything. Prior to the show Dubray works on one of the most popular articles that we have Dubi meets the fans. Often Dubi Meets the Fans is the among the top post for weeks on end . Dubray I love you.
5) Josh and Sara Ray: The founder of MWR is also one of my best friends. Josh has a great mind and love for the business. If only the two of us lived closer no telling how much more successful MWR would be. They don’t get much better than Josh and Sara
6) Kari Williams: MWR’S number one writer, you have read Kari’s articles from the inception of the site. Young and talented there is no doubt that you will find Kari’s work in a much bigger forum one day. Dubray and I always are thrilled to see Kari and her mother Joan.
7) Matt Murphy: Matt is one of the most underrated wrestling minds today. He has always been willing to give his advice and assistance for the site. In fact I didn’t take his advice early on and paid for it. Lesson learned, listen to Matt Murphy. Seriously Matt was kind enough to have his book showcased here at MWR in a weekly article that many MWR fans loved. If you missed it, there is a link at the top of the page that you can go to do catch up. MWR fans if you have read this article or book PLEASE take the time to review it on Amazon.com here.
8) Greg Anthony – Anthony brings to the site, a fan that is talented enough to excel in the sport today as a wrestler. I am never bored and often surprised to what he has to say in the MWR favorite the Golden Circle. As with Murphy if you have missed any of his articles I urge you take a look at the top of the page and enjoy.
9) Patrick Brandmeyer– As much as I love local professional wrestling, the truth is at times it can be nearly impossible to find out information on the past as well as the current history of the business. I often look to my good friend Patrick Brandmeyer for the what, how and why in the St Louis wrestling market and beyond. If a promotion wants a good source of advertisement then most defiantly contact Brandmeyer to make his way to your show.
10) ST Louis Wrestling Community and the Nose Bleed seats- Many people think that the man known as the Crimefighter and his website the ST Louis Wrestling Community are a competitor of the MWR website. The truth is that I have always enjoyed working with Crimfighter and his colleagues from the Nose Bleed SeatsChris Lee and MOAV5706. I often use the site and their advice for articles that you read here. They have had some great podcast and they are the number one source for all your wrestling in Central Illinois. Check them out here.
11) MWR T-shirts– Nothing brings a smile to my face than seeing a fan or wrestler wear a MWR Shirt. In the four states that we cover we have given away or sold 100’s of our shirts to wonderful people such as yourself. We started out with free drawings during intermission to a lucky fan.
Fans like this wonderful women has been thrilled to catch a MWR T-Shirt from a Midwest Superstar (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogsraat)
Then one day at PWP I was taken photos when Murder Militia’s #1 Brett Young came to the ring wearing an MWR shirt . That kicked a light bulb in my head, why don’t we have a wrestler wear to ring and unlike the greedy Young who kept his shirt, we have them throw it to a lucky fan. This promotion has been more than a success and I would like to thank all the wrestlers who have worn the shirt in the past in this promotion. The fans I feel have had a lot of fun in catching them . Most recently one fan told me that her daughter was so impressed with catching the t-shirt and having her picture taken with the wrestler(Jimmy Karryt) that she has that picture of her and him as the background picture on their computer. You can not purchase moments as special as that.
Words can not describe how important my friend Nick Ridenour has been this year in working with us to have quality and affordable t-shirts with the small budget we have.
12) MWR Top Draws – A very popular feature at MWR is the art work from MWR’S Dartallion Allen JR. Allen brings to life your favorite stars in a cartoon style. Mwr fans look in the very near future a chance to vote for who you think Allen Jr should draw in the MWR Classic Wrestler Top Draw. Till then take the time to click above to see one of Midwest brightest artist today.
13) MWR Trading Cards– This is my new passion and a set that I take great pride in. A worthy collectable for the fans of MWR, the set features the stars of the Midwest and around the world that we have all come to love or hate. We started off with the MWR award winners for 2008 and 2009, card number one was the 2008 MWR Tag team of the year the Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz with Pnut, the three who is awesome in promos looked just as good in a trading card.
“The Future” Donovan Ruddick takes the time to pose with young fans that had purchased his MWR Trading Card prior to him autographing the collectable that fans have been clamoring for the past few months.
Since then we have added a who’s who of stars in the Midwest including three people that I am forever grateful who brought worldwide recognition to the set, site and other wrestlers of the series and they are international stars MsChif, Davey Richards and Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black.
A big thank you goes out to Alyssa Major for her amazing talent on these cards.
As of press time we have announced Nineteen trading cards and each and every individual brings their own flair and worth to your collection. Look for many other superstars of the ring to grace their presence in the set. In fact I am so excited to name them that I need to stop writing about it.
For a look at these card check out our checklist at the number one site for wrestling trading cards Wrestlingtradingcards.comhere.
14) MWR Photographers– People that know me, know that I love photos of wrestling. Often I will go to a website and see results from a show but never know what that person looks like. At MWR you get a chance to put a name with a face in an exciting fashion
I am blessed to be able to have some of the great photographers in the Midwest at MWR that allow us to use their work and expensive equipment for the site. A very underrated aspect to the scene is a photographer, these hard working professionals are able to capture that moment when your favorite wrestler goes for that high risk move, or the final moment when a wrestler wins the championship. With pictures you capture history.
Mike Van Hoogstraat, Gary Giaffoglione, Bill Smith and Scott Fieldstein are regulars with MWR who donate the pictures for you the fans to enjoy. I love all of these guys for their contribution and friendship.
15) Absolute Wrestling Radio: Amazingly when I wrote this article for 1,000 post I had somehow forgotten to recognize the AWR family. It’s not that they were not worthy or I hadn’t thought of them its just that I thought I had them done. Make no mistake about it that AWR was very crucial to MWR inception to the wrestling world. Based out of St Louis AWR has been a place where fans can listen and call in to talk about the WWE, TNA , local wrestling and MMA.
Mark Bland Matt Kreuger and Andy Echle have been a lot of fun throughout the time that I have known them and have created some of the most memorable moments in MWR history. They have always done a wonderful job getting the word of MWR out to the masses. We look forward to all of your hard wok and friendship.
Promotions
In the past two and half years MWR has covered and worked with each of these promotions in one form or another. I don’t want to thank anyone in particular because of the fear of forgetting anyone. Once again there are many great people that are in each of these promotions who have made a positive impact for the MWR site.
3XWrestling
All American Pro Wrestling
All American Wrestling
Central States Wrestling
Great American Wrestling
High Voltage Wrestling
IWA-Mid-South
Independent Hardcore Wrestling
IWA Productions
Lethal Wrestling Alliance
New Midwest Wrestling
New Breed Wrestling Alliance
NWA Supreme Wrestling
NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling
Metro East Championship Wrestling
Metro Pro Wrestling
MMWA-SICW
Pro Wrestling Epic
Pro Wrestling Next
Pro Wrestling Phoenix
Pro Wrestling Next
Rampage Championship Wrestling
World League Wrestling
I hope that you check out these promotions live in the very near future.
Thank you MWR Fans and we hope to celebrate 1,500 soon. Till then look for all the exciting developments and happenings in the world of Pro Wrestling in the near future at MWR.
Sincerely,
Brian Kelley
Owner/ Editor of Missouri Wrestling Revival
My good friend Josh Ray and I spoke recently about the celebration of the MWR 1,000 POST. He stated that he had an article he would like to share with you so we started MWR post 1 with Josh Ray so it is only fitting that we end 1,000 with my good friend Josh.
By Josh Ray
Even though I left Missouri Wrestling Revival in the talented hands of Brian Kelley and Kari Williams a year ago to pursue other pro wrestling opportunities, as founder of this website/community I am extremely attached to any of MWR‘s successes and failures. It doesn’t matter whether the ideas came from my own mind or the mind of a friend, because once it is implemented by the site, it becomes part of the family.
As family, career, and life in general have siphoned time from one of my passions, most of my Midwest pro wrestling knowledge comes in spurts from MWR. It is a great site that has helped in more ways than it will ever get credit for, and that is due to a combined effort from contributors to MWR, promoters, wrestlers, behind-the-scenes staff, and of course fans! When Brian and I chatted last week and he informed me that the 1000th post was fast approaching, I wanted to get involved.
A lot is said of a wrestler’s desire and love of the business. Sometimes paid in hot dogs and other time not paid at all, these men and women travel at great physical, emotional, and financial expense because they love to entertain and they strive to improve. Unfortunately, there are other pieces of this puzzle that often go overlooked. These overlooked pieces are evident in those train wrecks that inevitably occur. Great wrestlers can make a great match, but those that work in supporting roles (the overlooked pieces I am referring to) are what make an entire event a success. In fact, those working in these supporting roles can make or break everything from the attendance to the safety at the show.
Those in these supporting roles include the promoter himself/herself, the booker, the referee, ring announcer, managers/valets, sound man/woman, camera crew, photographer, security, bloggers/journalists, and other volunteers. These men and women are no less a part of the wrestling business than the wrestlers themselves, but they often do what they do with little or no fanfare. There is no World Wrestling Entertainment developmental program for most of these roles, and many serving in these capacities are expected to do the work for free to pay their dues and to be a part of the show.
Even WWE legend Shawn Michaels acknowledged many of the great supporting members of WWE during his retirement speech on the March 29, 2010 edition of Monday Night RAW:
This is really gonna sound strange to you guys, but there’s a whole lot of people in those big ‘ol trucks out back, there are these guys here holding the camera, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and of course the greatest announcer of all time Jim Ross… but I want to thank all you guys. You guys always made me look better than I ever really was and I so appreciate that.
I want to follow in those great footsteps in this, the 1000th post on Missouri Wrestling Revival, by naming my own MWR “Supporting Roles” All-Star Team. This is by no means definitive and is solely based on my opinion with some input from trusted friends.
Supporting Roles All-Star 1st Team
Booker – Matt Murphy
I have talked with Matt numerous times and know his credentials. This would be the guy to go to in order to get the matches lined up… and the first guy I would talk to to straighten out any backstage issues.
Referees –
Brandon Schmidt
Eric Davis
Both men work hard and want to continue learning. You’d be hard pressed to find two more competent officials to ref a show.
Ring Announcer –
KL Snow
The man with the green socks has a great voice for ring announcing and is one of the nicest men you’ll meet in and out of the ring. He no longer operates in the area, but is worth the money to bring in.
Video –
Skylar Pierce
This guy shoots and edits wrestling video on a regular basis and continues to improve. Watch 3XW’s Outside the Ring on Youtube to see the progression of his video work.
Camera – Jenny Bessman 3XW’s video team under the guidance of Skylar Pierce is my logical choice, with Jenny getting the by name selection, but without excluding the video talents of Sean Wilkerson. These guys keep the 3XW machine moving in the right direction by continuing their line of DVDs and providing footage for the 3XW web show Outside the Ring.
Security –Brandon “Bubba” Wacholtz
When I put together the MWR show for November 2009, “Bubba” was my first choice for security. Very professional in a security capacity and anyone that says otherwise has probably deserved being removed from a show.
Backstage Photographer –
Michael R. Van Hoogstraat
Many of the great Midwest wrestler photos from backstage that you see on this site and across the Internet come from this man!
Ringside Photographer –
Gary Giaffoglione
You feel right there in the middle of the action when Gary is at the helm.
Mouthpiece –
Magic Man
I extended the offer to Magic Man a long time ago… whenever I have a video camera he is always welcome to jump in front of it.
Mouthpiece –
Chad Mylan
Quite honestly, I mark for very few things in this world… but I mark for Chad Mylan. I am a Mylanite.
Booster –
Chuck Maddox
A genuinely nice guy with a love for professional wrestling that many do not come close to matching. Chuck is the guy you’d want to work with on any marketing plan or budget.
Journalist/Blogger –
Kari Williams
The resident workhorse at MWR has a career beyond this site that is right around the corner. I am very proud to have met her and often go to her for writing advice.
That is all I have for this, the 1000th post on Missouri Wrestling Revival. Remember, if its worth supporting then support it. If not then run the other way and something better will eventually come along!
“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.
Missouri Wrestling Revival is excited to announce that world wide superstar Davey Richards is now a part of the MWR Trading Card series.
Richards opponents can tell you first hand he is able to use his speed, wrestling ability and knowledge to go along with an explosive attack that can take the heart out of lesser men in the ring.
Trained early on by the talented Tony Kozina, Richards combines wrestling with Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to provide fans with an offense that often leaves them breathless.
Richards is no stranger to MWR as he headlined for the first ever Missouri Wrestling Revival Best of the Midwest DVD in his match with 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. The Best of the Midwest matches showcased the great talent in the area at several promotions.
Cover by MWR artist Dartallion Allen
To purchase your very own MWR Best of the Midwest DVD send $15.00 to Brian Kelley 305 west 3rd Salisbury Missouri 65281 Free Shipping
Davey forms one of wrestling’s most respect tag teams with Eddie Edwards to form The American Wolves. On April 10th they defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico to become the Ring of Honor Tag team champions.
Former ROH World Tag Team Champions Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards, The American Wolves (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein.)
Throughout the year they would defend the titles until December 9th when they lost to the Briscoe Brothers. Still Wrestling Observer Newsletter would honor them with the 2009 Tag Team of the Year. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Davey Richards as the number 77th rank wrestler in the world in 2009
Davey Richards punishes Bryan Danielson with crushing blows from his legs. (Photo credit Scott Finkelstein)
Most recently Richards challenged Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black for the title on June 19 at Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV. Black would be able to survive in a war worthy of MOTY, but like all great wrestlers even in defeat the match only added to the legend of Richards.
#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 #12Brandon 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.
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.
Davey Richards returns to the Midwest this Friday in Collinsville Illinois in a rematch against Generation Me (the former Young Bucks).
Straight from the Ring of Honor website lets take a look at this and ROH’S historic tour throughout the Midwest .
ROH officials announced on June 1st (http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/bangforbucks/) that Generation Me (the former Young Bucks) were making their return to Ring of Honor competition on July 23rd and 24th in Collinsville, IL and Chicago Ridge, IL respectively.
Last night, ROH officials finalized the first of Max and Jeremy Buck’s opponents; a team that GenMe wanted to face more than any other in Ring of Honor, the men that beat them in their last Ring of Honor appearance at “SoCal Showdown” (available on DVD ) – Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards – The American Wolves!
On that January night in Los Angeles, Eddie Edwards made Jeremy Buck tap out to the Achilles Lock and that loss has eaten up GenMe for months now. “We know in our hearts that we’re better than The American Wolves,” said Jeremy. “We know we can beat Eddie and Davey, and we know July 23rd will be our night.” Max added, “We have kept our eyes on Ring of Honor. We know Eddie and Davey have been wrapped up in their individual pursuits as of late and I know my brother and I have elevated our skills as a team to a whole new level. We are better than ever, and in St. Louis – Davey Richards’ adopted hometown mind you – we will prove that these young bucks, Generation Me, has always been the better team.”
It’s Generation Me vs. The American Wolves! Don’t miss the cutting edge of tag team wrestling as it comes to the St. Louis area!
Gateway Center
July 23rd, 2010- 8:00 pm belltime
One Gateway Drive
Collinsville, IL 62234
Tickets will be available to purchase at the door on the night of the show!!!
A special autograph session with Generation Me and Amazing Kong will take place prior to the event starting at approximately 7:00 PM.
Special Challenge – Tag Team Attraction
GenerationMe (formerly The Young Bucks) vs. The American Wolves More Info
Six-Person Tag Team War ROH World Tag Team Champions the Kings of Wrestling/Sara del Rey vs. The Briscoe Brothers/Amazing Kong More Info
Trios Grudge Match ROH World Champion Tyler Black/Jerry Lynn/Delirious with Daizee Haze vs. Austin Aries/Kenny King/Rhett Titus
Singles Match The Necro Butcher with Prince Nana vs. “Skullkrusher” Rasche Brown More Info
Hate: Chapter II
Kevin Steen vs. El Generico More Info
Pick 6 Contenders Series
(1) Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini vs. Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana
"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.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 