The names of Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett are well-known to Midwest wrestling fans, but the national wrestling scene has only recently begun to discover the talents of these skilled competitors.
Both men started their careers with Dynamo Pro Wrestling before branching out to the Lethal Wrestling Alliance, which would later become St. Louis Anarchy. Vega was first known as a tag team competitor and teamed with Johnny Vinyl to feud with The Ego Express(Steven Kennedy & K.C. Karrington), leading to Kennedy & Karrington becoming the first LWA Tag Team Champions when they defeated Vega and substitute partner Dingo. After that, Vega focused on singles competition…after holding the NWA Missouri Title in Dynamo Pro, he went on to capture the LWA Heavyweight Title from Gary Jay in December of 2009. Vega held the title for most of 2010 before dropping it to Evan Gelistico; this occured shortly before the transition to St. Louis Anarchy and Vega spent most of that promotion’s existence chasing the title.
Davey Vega explodes with a clothesline on ROH Star Jonathan Gresham.
In that time, Vega competed against some of the best wrestlers in the world and scored victories over many of them. That list included such names as Davey Richards, Kyle O’Reilly, Johnny Gargano, Arik Cannon, A.C.H., Michael Elgin, Roderick Strong, Chris Hero, Jonathan Gresham, D.J. Z, T.J. Perkins, Chip Day, and Martin Stone. In his final opportunity at the gold at St. Louis Anarchy’s last show, Vega finally capitalized by winning a triple threat match with champion Fitchett and Gary Jay for the title! Vega will continue to carry the championship in Pro Wrestling Championship Series as the “Gateway Heritage Title“.
As for Fitchett, his career took a similar path and he squared off with many of the same competitors as his often-time tag partner Vega. In fact, Fitchett and Vega were Tag Team Champions in both the Chicago-based All-American Wrestling and the Kansas City-based Metro Pro Wrestling!
TJ Perkins found WWE gold in 2016, but before that he and Fitchett put on a wrestling clinic at St. Louis Anarchy.
The “Dirty Rook” took his lumps in his early LWA and SLA career, enduring hard-hitting battles with the likes of Arik Cannon, Akira Tozawa, Alex Shelley, and his trainer Dingo. Fitchett was frustrated after several near-misses in title matches against Darin Corbin and Gary Jay, leading to him taking a sabbatical from SLA competition; however, it turned out that he was hiding under the mask of “Dangerous Deveroux” as he competed for SLA and PWCS. Fitchett had an uphill battle against Gary Jay as the champion rode a wave of momentum, holding the title for over two years with title defenses against some of the toughest competition in the country. Winning a thirty-man Anarchy Rumble in late 2015 finally propelled him back into title contention…and in February of 2016, Fitchett finally ended Gary’s monumental title reign to reach the top of the mountain!
Fitchett didn’t shy away from challenges as he defended his title against Evan Gelistico, T.J. Perkins, Jake Dirden, and Paco Gonzalez…but on STL Anarchy’s final night, he lost the title to Vega.
It took several years for both men to gain attention in the national independent wrestling scene, but their exposure in AAW and Beyond Wrestling has turned the heads of many onlookers. Now forming the “Blood Brothers” tag team in the National Wrasslin’ League under the names Davey Gibson and Matthew Grundy, the two look to add more tag team gold to their already impressive resumes! These two men have been considered the Midwest’s best-kept secrets, but that secret is finally getting out!
Look for an exclusive MWR Future Star artwork honoring Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett for their achievement from acclaimed artist Dartallion Allen Jr. in the future.
If you would like to sponsor the MWR Future Star Plaques for Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett then please contact MWR at flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com. The cost is 50.00 each or $100.00 for both (two plaques) and you will receive a past MWR Yearbook, a Tyler Black (Seth Rollins rookie card) and a mention on the MWR Website.
2016 MWR Award
Future Star: Kevin Lee Davidson / Todd Letterman
2015 MWR Award
Future Star: Redwing
2014 MWR Year Awards
Future Star: Daniel Eads
Future Star: Elvis Aliaga
2013 MWR Year Awards
Future Star: Raphael King
Future Star Alexander Rudolph
The fall months of November were red hot as the best in the Midwest battled it out in cages, survivor series matches, and Iron Man matches and much more. We got to see wrestling superstars such as Ricky Morton, Davey Richards, D.J. Shiima Xion, and Colt Cabana in action and new champions.
Once again Missouri Wrestling Revival continued their tradition as being the home for fans to find out about this must attend events. Let us take a look at just a small sample of the great matches that you should of have seen live.
All photos take by Brian Kelley
11/07/2015 – Dynamo Pro Wrestling- Fenton, Missouri
Dynamo Pro Wrestling Champion and Missouri Wrestling Revival Missouri Champion Ricky Cruz fought Evan Morris to a no contest.
11/13/2015 – St. Louis Anarchy- Alton, Illinois
St. Louis Anarchy Champion Gerald James (w/ Dorian Victor) def. Davey Richards in a best-of-three-falls match.
Davey Vega def. D.J. Shiima Xion
11/14/2015 – St. Louis Anarchy- Alton, Illinois
D.J. Shiima Xion def. Everett Connors (w/ The Cause)
Gorgeous Jordan Lacey def. St. Louis Anarchy Champion Gerald James (w/ Dorian Victor) by DQ in a best-of-three-falls match.
Mat Fitchett won the thirty-man Anarchy Rumble. Order of entry: Davey Vega, Evan Gelistico, Steve O. Reno, Mikey McFinnegan, Danny Adams, Billy McNeil, Everett Connors, Matt Cage, Jake Parnell, Trik Davis, Alex Castle, Sean Orleans, Howard, Greg Jovi, Dash Rando, Austin Blackburn(miraculously rising from his wheelchair), Mallaki Matthews, Super Electro, Mat Fitchett(#19), Dorian Victor, Zakk Sawyer, Jack Adonis, Paco Gonzalez, Christian Rose, Adam Caster, Mike Sharona, Nikki Strychnine, Jojo Bravo, Alexandre Rudolph, and Ricky Starks. Eliminations: McFinnegan by Gelistico, McNeil by Connors, Parnell and Reno by Gelistico, Davis by Cage, Jovi by Orleans, Orleans by Gelistico/Adams/Connors, Rando by Castle, Howard by Gelistico, Castle by Cage, Cage by Gelistico/Adams/Connors, Adams & Connors by Vega, Gelistico by Vega, Blackburn by Vega, Mallaki by Vega, Electro by Fitchett, Sawyers by Victor, Victor by Vega, Adonis by Fitchett, Sharona by Rose, Rudolph by Rose, Strychnine by Rose, Caster by Vega, Starks by Jojo, Paco by Rose, Jojo by Rose (after the referees missed Jojo eliminating Rose on the other side of the ring), Rose by Vega, Vega by Fitchett.
11/21/2015 – Gateway Elite Wrestling – Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Jack Gamble def. Elvis Aliaga in a tables match.
11/28/2015 – Wrestling Invades America – Swansea, Illinois
Wrestling Invades America Champion Kevin Lee Davidson def. Leone Mephisto
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Pro Wrestling Epic Champion Brandon Aarons def. Adam Caster.
12/05/2015 – Metro Pro Wrestling – Kansas City, Kansas
Metro Pro Wrestling Central States Champion Ace Steel def. Ricky Morton after “Santa Claus” Bobby Eaton interfered.
Metro Pro Wrestling Champion Jeremy Wyatt def. Mark Sterling in a 60 minute Iron Man Match in overtime at the 80 minute mark.
12/06/2015 – Pro Wrestling Championship Series/ St. Louis Anarchy – Alton, Illinois
Colt Cabana def. Jeremy Wyatt
Pierre Abernathy def. Kikutaro by submission
Gerald James def. Zakk Sawyer (2-1 falls)
Grado def. Everett Connors
Survivor Series Match: The Resurgence – Steven Kennedy, Jake Dirden, Davey Vega, & Mat Fitchett vs. Chaos Nation – KC Karrington, Adam Caster, Evan Gelistico & Pierre Abernathy . . . Survivors: Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega.
12/12/2015 – Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling -East Carondelet, Illinois
Sean Vincent def. Curtis Wylde in a cage match
Gary Jackson def. Attila Khan in a cage match
Kahagas def. Ron Powers and Flash Flanagan to win the SICW Classic title in a cage match (triple)
Hear immediate reactions from a bloody Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett, Gary Jay, Steven Kennedy, Danny Adams and Greg Jovi, The Resurgence, and the new owner of Chaos Nation, KC Karrington after their matches at “Stage One.”
Leone Mephisto was beside himself, almost to the point of insane about the attention that the Midwest heartthrob Brandon Aarons had received heading into the tournament to crown the new Pro Wrestling Epic Championship in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. In February, thousands of fans flocked to the Missouri Wrestling Revival web site to vote him as the 2015 MWR Sexiest Male of the Year. When MWR took the time to feature Aarons prior to the event on the site with 10 questions on his career and the upcoming tournament, Mephisto took exception that he was not mentioned at all as a threat to the title.
Any other time an opportunity to be honored by the fans with a trophy, would be a wonderful experience, but when it was announced to Aarons that he would be presented with the trophy prior to his match against Steven Kennedy, there was some buzz from several of the other wrestlers that felt that Aarons’ needed to be knock off of his pedestal.
In the first round, the high flyer Billy McNeil used his speed and experience to defeat the Sean Orleans protégé Laurence Johnson via a frog splash from the top rope to head into the finals of the PWE tournament.
The second match would feature Danny Adams and Curt Stallion in what could be their biggest match up to that point. On this night, Adams would get the victory to move forward in the tournament, but there is no doubt that you have heard the last of Stallion.
Leone Mephistos crazed obsession with Brandon Aarons was apparent from the moment he came to the ring for his match against Everett Connors. Mephisto continued to call him Brandon, before and after of the dismantling of the rookie for the win.
Mephisto was not the only one that took exception to Aarons getting attention. As MWR Fan relations Dubray Tallman was presenting the MWR Sexiest Male trophy to Aarons, Steven Kennedy came to the ring demanding to know why he was not declared to be the winner.
Even though he was told that he was not even nominated to be named the Sexiest Wrestler, Kennedy would hear none of it.
Within moments the battle was on for the final spot in the championship main event match. The two had battled many times before and knew each others tendencies as they matched each others moves with a counter strike.
In the end it would be a vicious super kick from Aarons as Kennedy was on his knees that would send the Sexiest Wrestler of the year to the finals.
The final four way match would be an elimination style until one man was standing and thus would be named the new Pro Wrestling Epic Champion. With a vengeance Mephisto attacked Aarrons as McNeil and Adams tore into each other.
McNeil would soar early from the ring onto all 3 men on the outside to get the edge, but his night would be over just as quick when Adams used his feet for leverage on the ropes to illegally eliminate McNeil.
Aarons was in deep trouble as Mephisto and Aarons made a pact to take him out two on one. The two delivered heavy punishment in and out of the ring, including chair shots that left the star battered and bloodied. Yet, it would be Mephisto’s obsession that would leave an opening for Aarons to strike. As Adams went to eliminate Aarons, Mephisto stopped Adams, yelling that he was the one that had to eliminate him. Adams was not happy about at all, and the friendship was over.
During the battle between Adams and Mephisto, Adams was able to get the edge once again only to have Aarons surprise him with a small package to end Adams quest for the PWE title. Once eliminated, Mephisto’s psychotic tendencies came into play as he slid Adams a chair and instructed him to finish Aarons off. At first , it seemed as if Adams would decline the offer to administer the pain, but with Mephisto in his ear he snapped and began brutally beating a bloodied helpless Aarons as Mephisto looked on with a smile on his face.
After Adams was finished with his assault, Mephisto went for what he was hoping be the final pin of the match, but Aarons wouldn’t give up. Mephisto did not miss a beat as he continued his brutality on Aarons as he drove him from the apron head first through chairs that had been set up early on during the match on the outside of the ring.
As the fans looked on shocked and in disbelief Mephisto drug Aarons lifeless body into the ring only to again see their hero refuse to give up kicking out after a long 2 count.
Mephisto full of rage and hate, now with Aarons blood smeared on his face, went to the top rope and attempted an aerial assault in the form of a moonsault.
Aarons quick thinking ,even with a possible concussion, avoided the move hitting a short range Superkick as soon Mephisto came to his knees, this time however it was Mephisto who wouldn’t give up proving that he could take it just as much as he could dish it out.
Aarons attempted to pick Mephisto to deliver a burning hammer for the win, only to receive a shot below the belt which nearly set up Mephisto to deliver the same move that defeated Everett Connors early in the night. Aarons agility allowed him to avoid the move and rock Mephisto with one last Superkick sending him into the ropes. Though Mephisto was reeling he still struggled to latch onto Aarons to regain the advantage. Yet, it would be Aarons who would counter by locking in a beautiful Cobra Clutch Style Suplex that finally allowed him to defeat the man who had been taunting him for months and secure Himself as the New PWE Champion!
MWR owner and Editor Brian Kelley : Greg, I would like to thank you for joining us today at Missouri Wrestling Revival. We have covered you causing havoc as a manager at St. Louis Anarchy and Dynamo Pro in the past. Recently, you opened up a new promotion based out of Granite City, Illinois PWCS that has a unique set up based on team competition with several of the top stars around the country. I know that you are very busy preparing for the huge event this weekend for PWCS, so once again thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Greg: Thank you for having me for this piece. Always appreciate the opportunity to get the word out and promote my brand.
1) You obviously are very passionate for pro wrestling, who was your inspiration to work towards being a part of pro wrestling in the Midwest?
Greg: I’ve wanted to be a manager and promoter since I was about 11 years old, the first time I saw Paul Heyman on ECW. Locally, I got hooked on GCW at about 13 and wanted so badly to be apart of that. Seeing guys like Dingo, Pete Madden, and the Ego Express (KC Karrington and Steven Kennedy) made me fall in love with wrestling all over again. Before that I had no idea Indy wrestling existed, let alone right in my backyard.
2) As I had mentioned, you are now a promoter in the St. Louis area, but prior to becoming a wrestling manager you respected the sport enough to seek training to be a pro wrestler. Who were your trainers or people instrumental in helping you , and what was that experience like?
Greg: I actually went in with the mindset that I was going to be a manager. I sent a promo reel to Dynamo and they liked it enough they invited me to the gym one week. I decided my first day I was going to get in there and try to do everything the wrestlers did, and I ended up doing very well and earning respect. Dingo taught me a lot, soon he stepped aside and Davey Vega took over. Sadie Blaze all the while taught me the managing side of things.
As far as how it was, it was the time of my life. I miss those times sometimes. I was in great shape, made great friends, and really showed myself something I never knew I had. I wonder now and again if I’d be a semi competent full time wrestler by now had I not been dropped on my head and injured my neck. I was really starting to click, but I think I was meant for where I am now.
Evan Gelisticois intense after a hard fought victory at St. Louis Anarchy as manager Greg Jovi celebrates.
3) Your other positions included being a referee and ring announcer. What are your pet peeves that referees and ring announcers do at this level, and what memories do you have of being of those positions?
Greg: I don’t really have ring announcing pet peeves, I’ll just say good ones are hard to find. Number one ref pet peeve is the best ones always want to wrestle it seems. More power to them, that’s not a knock, but a lot of great refs simply strive for more and great refs as well are hard to find.
4) After some time you would shock the fans by becoming a force in Dynamo Pro Wrestling and St. Louis Anarchy as a manager. At Dynamo Pro Wrestling you aligned yourself with the KC Karrington’s First Church of Karrington with Steven Kennedy, Dice and Adam Raw. Today, in the land of Anarchy you lead the N.WO style of faction BOSS that includes the St. Louis Anarchy Champion Gerald James, Dan Walsh, Jordan Lacey and more joining every second it seems as chaos reigns at SLA. Who was your first wrestler that you managed, and what mistakes as a manager did you make that you have fixed since then?
Greg: I think my first “client” if you will was actually Mat Fitchett, and I was a good guy believe it or not. Eventually, I turned on him at Yuletide Terror one year and we were off to the races. As far as mistakes, I remember never knowing where to stand. I was like, “if I stand here I’m blocking their view, but if I’m here nobody sees me at all”. I was super nervous about little dumb stuff like that all the time.
Greg leads the First Church of Karrington at Dynamo Pro Wrestling.
5) If you had the chance to manage to anyone wrestler in the world today who would it be?
Greg: First name that comes to mind is Kyle O’Reily. Great wrestler and great guy. I would also love to manage a female talent, that’s not a dynamic that’s really been done often. Would love to see what I could do managing somebody like Heidi Lovelace.
The St. Louis Anarchy champion Gary Jay has been unstoppable. Next month, in Alton, Illinois he will face JoJo Bravo on April 17th and if he is able to retain his title he will tested by Davey Richards the next night. This Saturday Gary and Greg represents the Ego Busters against the Resurgence Steven Kennedy in the double Main Event.
6) Gerald James has been the SLA Champion while defeating the likes of Takaaki Watanabe, Davey Vega, Angelus Layne and Mat Fitchett and is still one of the most underrated wrestlers in the country. His reign has been highly entertaining, what has been your highlight while leading him during this time.
Greg: There have been so many fantastic matches and moments in his lengthy reign, it’s hard to choose. I think busting up the Angelus Layne wedding has probably been my favorite. Being involved in a wedding gone wrong has got to be on every wrestlers bucket list right?
Saint Louis Anarchy presents: Gateway to Anarchy
Stage One: Friday night April 17th
Stage Two: Saturday night April 18th
Live from Spaulding Hall Club in Alton IL (405 East 4th Street)
Doors Open: 6:30pm Show Starts at 7:00pm
Tickets: Front Row Reserve $15 (per night)
Second Row Reserve $12 (per night)
Gen Admission $10 (per night)
ALL tickets $15 day of show
$1 BEER and FULL BAR
7) Last year, you came up with concept of Pro Wrestling Championship Series. Before we take a look at the upcoming 2015 season, please explain the concept to the fans for us on the team system.
Greg: Certainly. The concept is pretty heavily rooted in how college and high school wrestling works. We have four teams. Each event, the wrestlers from a team compete against the wrestlers from another. Their individual wins and losses go towards their team’s overall record. At the end of the season, the two teams with the best record face off in a four on four elimination match to crown that season’s champion. It’s pro wrestling as a team sport.
Greg Jovi distracts Davey Vega.
Danny Adams vs Paco Gonzalez + JIMMY JACOBS
8) I know from experience that becoming a wrestling promoter is an uphill battle as in today’s environment. There are so Many entertainment choices for the fans to choose. From your experience what has been the recipe for success for you and partner Jason Coellner at PWCS?
Greg: Providing a quality product that is different from the rest has worked great for us. We advertised that we would be new and innovative, and I don’t think anyone has left a PWCS event saying, “Well that’s the same show I saw at ____”. We truly do offer a fun, alternative brand with substance in the ring.
9) This coming weekend PWCS returns to action. I understand that you have DVDs of the first season. Are they all done and ready for the fans to purchase and if so how much?
The DVDs are $10 ($15 for the Championship show , as it will be a 2 disc set)
Greg: Stages 1-3 are all currently available online at pwcswrestling.storenvy.com and at live events. It will be down to the wire, but we should have all those as well as the Championship Spectacular featuring Colt Cabana and Jimmy Jacobs at this Saturday nights event. Jason does a fantastic job on these along with our play by play man Drew Xzono Jr.
10) What should fans expect different this season at PWCS?
Greg: For starters, you’re going to get the return of one of the best wrestlers in the area this Saturday night, and if rumors are true he’s going to put the entire league on notice and on edge.
You’re also going to see a fourth regular season event this year. It internally being called the Wildcard Stage and will provide some fun matches as all four teams will mix it up and have one last shot to secure a spot in the 2015 Championship Spectacular.
And you never know what else might happen or who might show up. Thanks Brian for having me, and thank you to anyone who has supported the league so far.
Brian: Once again Greg, thank you for your time and we look forward to another year of exciting PWCS action. Fans, be sure to add PWCS on Facebook and Twitter at PWCSWrestling to keep up with them as well as here at Missouri Wrestling Revival.com, your #1 source of wrestling news in the Midwest.
The dust has settled and the 2014 Pro Wrestling Championship Series has come to a close with The Blacklist (Makaze, Jo Jo Bravo, OutTkAst, and Nate Redwing) coming out victorious! However, their time to celebrate will be short lived, as the 2015 PWCS Season begins March 14th, 2015 in Granite City, IL!
Who will start off the 2015 Season right, and who will have a hole to climb out of? Find out, March 14th!
Tickets are available NOW at http://www.StageOne2015.brownpapertickets.com and can be reserved by sending us a message here on facebook. Get your tickets ASAP for this 2015 kickoff event!
Tickets Prices:
Front Row: $12 ($15 at the door)
Adult General Admission: $10 ($12 at the door)
Children 12 & Under General Admission: $8 ($10 at the door)
The Stage One 2015 Card Will Feature A Double Main Event
***Main Event: Resurgence Vs. Ego Busters***
Steven Kennedy (Resurgence) Vs Gary Jay w/ Greg Jovi (Ego Busters)
***Main Event: Blacklist Vs. Team Anarchy***
Jo Jo Bravo (Blacklist) Vs. The New Team Anarchy Owner (Team Anarchy)
Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega (Resurgence) Vs.
Brandon Espinosa & Dan Walsh (Ego Busters)
Makaze (Blacklist) Vs. Alex Castle (Team Anarchy)
“The Submission Squad” Pierre Abernathy & Evan Gelistico (Team Anarchy) Vs.
“The The Viking War Party” Alexander Rudolph and Jake Parnell (Blacklist)
“DirdEy” Jake Dirden (The Resurgence) Vs. “Blue Chip” Danny Adams (Ego Busters)
Superior” Adam Rich Vs. JD Riggs The loser has to follow the winner’s diet for 90 days.
Free Agent Showcase: Justin D’Air Vs. Ozzie Gallagher
Accolades:
-Ranked #417 in the 2011 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500
-2009 & 2012 St. Louis Invitational Cup Champion
-IHW Heavyweight Champion (x2) (defeated Sean Vincent)
-PWP United States Champion (Defeated Harker Dirge)
-PWE United States Champion (Defeated Mark Sterling)
-HVW Livewire Champion (Defeated Mike Sydal)
-LWA Tag Team Champion w/ Mike Sydal (Defeated The Hooligans)
-CCW Tag Team Champion w/ Brandon Espinosa (Defeated Knuckles ‘n’ Knives)
-MECW Independent Champion (Defeated Count Kharfu)
Brandon, thank you for joining us a Missouri Wrestling Revival as you prepare for quite possible your biggest night in wrestling this Saturday in Pontoon Beach, Illinois for Pro Wrestling Epic.
1) You began your training at the Dynamo Pro Wrestling gym under the watchful eye of one of the very best wrestlers in this era, Dingo. I know you have a lot of respect for your time with Dynamo and Dingo, please explain how that came to be?
Brandon: Back in the early 2000’s I attended Gateway Championship Wrestling Shows with my father and brother (who are also huge fans of pro wrestling) in the summer of 2006 I had the opportunity to take part in a 3 day seminar with Dingo, Kory Twist, and Cameron Cage. Being that I was only 16 years old at the time I had to get my parents to sign a release form for me, not only did they sign it, but my father actually signed up for the seminar and participated with me. Eventually GCW went out of business and I continued my training under Dingo until in late 2007 when the Dynamo Pro Wrestling Gym opened. The promoters for NWA: Central States Missouri were also the owners of the Dynamo Gym and eventually NWA:CSMO became Dynamo Pro Wrestling. It was quite in experience for me all around, I didn’t have many friends growing up that were into the whole wrestling scene so when I was at the Dynamo gym training with the guys not only did I not feel like I was an outcast, I felt like I was among friends and family.
That environment really helped me not only to want to stick it out through the brutal training sessions and the constant ribbing from the older guys, but it gave me an appreciation for how this business works. Dingo was a huge influence on me when I first started and he would even drive me to training and shows just so I could be apart of it all. He always stuck his neck out for his students, all he asked was that we gave everything we had, as he was putting his name on us and he didn’t want to be embarrassed. I am forever grateful to Dynamo and Dingo for everything I learned coming up, it helped me become not only wrestler I am and will become but the 25 year old man I am today.
2) It has been awhile since we last saw Dingo in action full time, for those that may just are becoming a fan of wrestling in the MWR coverage area and may not have seen him in action, how would you describe your former trainer?
Brandon: Dingo was tough as nails, I’ve seen a lot of tough guys over the years, but he was definitely one of the toughest and most intense wrestlers I’ve seen especially in this area. He was very technical and very smooth in the ring, he had a certain flow to him that you just don’t see anymore. It’s very unfortunate that he is not around anymore, he was one of those guys that had “it”.
3) What was your training like under Dingo and what do you remember from your very first match?
Brandon: His training was very particular, he paid attention to all the minor details. If you did something half-ass he would make you do it over and over and over and over again until you stopped screwing up. He was a hard ass, but also understanding. He never talked down to anyone but wasn’t afraid to tell you if something you did was horrible. To this day I still carry some valuable lessons he taught me over the years and I hope to one day pass them on.
My first match was against Adam Rich at an LWA event in Mehlville, MO in August of 2007. We were technically the dark match, I wore my eyeliner which my little sister applied on me backstage (don’t bring your little sister backstage to a wrestling show) and a cut off shirt because I thought I was fat, haha which now I laugh about. Adam and I had what I would call a pretty great first match. Like it wasn’t amazing, but hell for a first match I felt like it was pretty ok. Well, I also slipped on the top rope at the end of the match but that’s not important
4) Early on you found success as a member of B.A.B.E. Watch with 2 members that would go on in their careers to win the MWR Wrestler of the Year in singles action, none other than Brandon Espinosa and Mike Sydal. What was the highlight of that team in your eyes and what did you lessons did you take from that experience?
Brandon: Espy and Sydal are two phenomenal talents here in the Midwest and dare I say the country. Both guys have taken the time to perfect their craft and it shows by the top tier matches they compete in on a consistent basis. I think as a trio our biggest highlight was at an LWA Event in 2009 when the three of us faced off against The Northstar Express & Arik Cannon. That was also the night Espy left the group. Some of my favorite memories of teaming with Espy were our segments and matches at High Voltage Wrestling. Keny G was great and pretty much let us do our thing and I had the time of my life. When it comes to Mike Sydal and I, the biggest highlight would have to be when we defeated the Hooligans for the LWA Tag Team Titles. I never felt like B.A.B.E.WATCH really peaked as a whole, but we all started doing well for ourselves as singles wrestlers and there was no point in holding each other back. Those two guys will always have special places in not just my wrestling career, but my heart.
5) From there, you did not slow down as you went on to find success in singles competition as you took to take on the very best in the Midwest, including Jeremy Wyatt, Mark Sterling and a man that would become the NWA World Champion, Kahagas. How hard was the transition from tag team action to trying to survive at such a young age against some of the best in the sport?
Brandon: It was awesome because the guys you just mentioned are not only some of the best wrestlers in The United States, but they are incredible wrestlers to learn from. Wrestling Kahagas was great for me because he was one of the first veterans I had the chance to get in the ring with and really learn from. Over the years Ive had the privilege to wrestle Wyatt and Sterling on more than one occasion and every time I take away more knowledge from them and apply it to myself. The transition overall wasn’t difficult, but I learned to expect more from myself in the ring because now it was just me every time go to the ring.
6) You were instrumental in the success of Independent Hardcore Wrestling that was based in Illinois where you really came into your own. The fans really rallied around you as many wrestlers looked to make a name for themselves in a new promotion. Though the promotion did not last long, the crowds were red hot from top to bottom, what do you see as your highlight in the company that’s saw you feud with the likes of Eric Allen, Steven Kennedy, Sean Vincent, KC Karrington and Cameron Cage?
Brandon Aarons and IHW found success with the fundraiser for the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Brandon: I think the highlight for me was just someone giving me the chance to show what I could do when the handcuffs are off. Winning the IHW Title the first time was huge because after that I held 3 other titles for 3 different companies besides IHW. I felt like I was starting to get noticed, to get my name out there more than ever. One of my personal favorite matches was against KC Karrington back in 2011. I don’t think Ive ever jelled with someone so well in a match before and to me that was the match where I told myself I never wanted to quit wrestling no matter how tough life got for me or how hard it was going to be to make it in this business. Unfortunately, a few months later I was sidelined with injuries and soon after IHW ceased operations.
KC Karrington just felt the swift kick from Brandon Aarons.
7) MWR has covered Pro Wrestling Epic in the past, including the Epic 8 Tournament when it was based out of Lincoln, Illinois. This tournament is under new management, but the Epic 8 tournament survives and fans in the St. Louis area will be able to see this historic tournament in Pontoon Beach this Saturday. Fans may be surprised to know that during your time as a former PWE US Champion you were challenged by the then Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black (WWE’S Seth Rollins). You were able to get the win via DQ, as well as a handshake from a man that I stated in the recap on this site who I felt was the best wrestler in the world, and I feel that holds even more weight today. I was thankfully on hand to cover the event in person, yet I ask you what do you recall from that historic match in your career?
Brandon: That was without a doubt the biggest, most humbling experience I have ever had in Professional Wrestling. I learned so much about myself and also what it will really take to get to the next level. The match itself isn’t what stands out to me when I think about it, I was 20 years old, some young kid one the indies trying to make a name for himself going up against a guy who was regarded as the best in the world, what stands out to me is he gave me a chance, he let me work hard, and he worked hard for me in return. I’ll never forget that.
8) At that point you were one of the hottest young stars in the sport, that is until an injury took you out of action for a whole calendar year. I covered your return match against the current MWR Wrestler of the Year, Ricky Cruz at Dynamo Pro Wrestling. I know you have never back down from a challenge, but that first match back was rough as the “King of Chaos” took advantage of your ring rust. Thankfully, in the past 6 months I can tell that you were hitting your stride as 2015 has come upon us. What was it like to sit back and watch others move up the ladder?
Brandon: It pissed me off. It made me feel worthless. It gave me a dose of reality that once you’re gone, not a lot of people give a shit. You have to always keep yourself current in whatever you do. You have to refuse to fall to the back of the pack. If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. I told myself if I came back I would do it with the goal of never giving up until I’ve done what I set out to do when I was some 16 year old kid, and that is to let every single person know who I am. This is me pushing myself, stepping on toes, doing what is best for me and my career. A lot of people don’t realize how selfish this business is, but I do.
9) You recently won the 2015 Sexiest Male of the Year based on the most votes by the fans over Valentines weekend. Your MWR Trading card #15 states on the back that it is a FACT that when you enter the ring ,“GIRLS GO CRAZY”.
I hate to be the one to ask ,but since then we have received tons of letters from girls wanting to know if you are single, and what’s the best strategy for them to get a date with you?
Brandon: That is a FANTASTIC question. I actually am single at the moment, unfortunately I’m not really looking. Wrestling is amazing in so many different ways, unfortunately it doesn’t make the best business to have a relationship in. If I was to take the time to find a girl she would need a certain set of skills: She would need to be fit (health is a priority), she needs to be trustworthy (no easy girls), she needs to be patient (my schedule gets crazy), she needs to trust me (don’t hack into my fb/email), and she needs to be funny, none of this boring and annoying stuff I get all the time. Also don’t stalk me. I get that enough. Lastly but certainly not least, you need have great hair, odds are we will be sharing hair products
10) By winning the MWR Sexiest Male award as well as coming off the huge main event during the last PWE in Pontoon Beach you will now have a target on your back as you look to make history.
Now I ask you to please tell the MWR fans why they should make their way to see this exciting night of action on Saturday.
Brandon: This past year I have been pushing myself in the gym, and in the ring to show everyone why they need to keeps their eyes on me. This Saturday I am going to show everyone why they’ve been needing to keep their eyes on me, and continue to do so. I promise a performance from myself that no one has seen before. I want the standard in Midwest Wrestling to be higher than it has ever been. I want to be the person that helps raise it up. The show this saturday means more to me than anyone can ever imagine. Everything I’ve gone through the past few years with injuries, relationships, friendships, all my personal issues, it all leads to this Saturday Night in Pontoon Beach, Illinois where I’ll show up and give the greatest performance of my professional wrestling career.
I would like to thank you Brandon for taking part in this Q and A, and we look forward to presenting you the MWR Sexiest Male of the Year trophy while wishing you the best in the Epic 8 tournament.
Live Saturday October 25th, 2014!
in Granite City, IL at the Tri City YMCA
451 Niedringhaus Ave on the old Army Depot
Doors: 6:30 pm
Bell Time: 7:00 pm
Tickets Available At:
pwcsstage3.brownpapertickets.com/
Gamebusters on Madison Ave
And of course the Tri City YMCA
$12 Front Row ($15 At The Door)
$10 Adult General Admission ($12 At The Door)
$8 Child General Admission ($10 At The Door)
What teams will end up in the huge 2014 Championship match? When the final bell tolls on PWCS Stage 3 we will finally know which two teams are going to battle it out to be the historic inaugural 2014 PWCS Champions! Every team can still make the Championship, so this is assured to be a night of hard hitting action as teams attempt to lock up a Championship spot and cement a place in history! Be there!
Matches Announced:
Main Event:
“The Dirty Rook” Mat Fitchett (Team Anarchy) Vs. Christian Rose (Ego Busters)
Captains Collide:
Makaze (The Blacklist) Vs. Steven Kennedy (Resurgence)
“The Ace of Anarchy” Davey Vega (Team Anarchy) Vs. “The Elitist” Brandon Espinosa (Ego Busters)
OuTtKast (The Blacklist) Vs. “DirdEy” Jake Dirden
“The Viking War Party” Alexander Rudolph & Jake Parnell (Team Anarchy) Vs. Gary Jay & Dan Walsh (Ego Busters)
Jo Jo Bravo (Blacklist) Vs. “The Rabid Racoon” Rocket Mapache (The Resurgence)
Free Agent Showcase: Zakk Sawyer Vs. Dangerous Deveroux
Free Agent Showcase: Matt Cage Vs. “The Alternative” Brandon Gallagher
Also: The Submission Squad and Alex Castle are both rumored to be on hand. What role will they play now that Davey Vega has taken control of Team Anarchy?
*Card Subject To Change
Current Standings:
1. Ego Busters 5-1
2. Blacklist 3-3
3. Resurgence 2-4
4. Team Anarchy 2-4
Pro wrestling returns to Granite City with a bang when Pro Wrestling Championship Series presents its debut event, “Stage One” live from the Tri-City YMCA in Granite City, IL on May 31!
The Pro Wrestling Championship Series is an all new promotion with a large focus on factions and teams of wrestlers. Each win/loss in a PWCS contest will count towards that faction’s overall record. At the end of the 2014 season, PWCS will hold its “Championship Spectacular,” in which the main event will feature the two factions with the best records squaring off in a huge elimination contest to crown the 2014 PWCS Champions!
Our inaugural card “Stage One” is set to be a huge night of action that will set the bar high for future PWCS events! Tickets will be $12 the night of the event, but you can reserve your tickets now for only $10 via Facebook message or by email at PWCSWrestling@gmail.com so reserve your’s today!
*****Stage One*****
Gary Jay (Ego Busters) vs. Steven Kennedy (The Resurgence)
Jordan Lacey (Ego Busters) vs. Bolt Brady (The Resurgence)
Dan Walsh (Ego Busters) vs. Billy McNeil (The Resurgence)
Christian Rose & Outtkast (The Blacklist) vs. Pierre Abernathy & Evan Gellistico (Team Anarchy)
JoJo Bravo ( Blacklist) vs. Mat Fitchett (Team Anarchy)
Main Event: Makaze (The Blacklist) vs. “The Ace Of Anarchy” Davey Vega (Team Anarchy)
*Card Subject To Change*
Before and after the event be sure to check out our official sponsor the River’s Edge Sports bar and grill! Before the event stop in for great daily food and drink specials. After the event, make sure to visit the River’s Edge Sports Bar & Grill for the OFFICIAL PWCS AFTER PARTY! The River’s Edge Sports Bar & Grill is literally less than a minute down the road from the event venue so let’s pack the bar for the official after party were there will be cold beer, delicious food, and good times with the PWCS athletes!
One of the most underrated is the tag team division makes their home in St Louis. When the Ego Express of Steven Kennedy and KC Karrington enter the ring together it Is magical. There were able to defeat the Northstar Express in an exciting matchup in their home turf and they are twice the team now than they were back then. The Egos also had great matches with several of the best in the game including the LONRS, the Hooligans, the Bum Rush Brothers and Vinyl and Vega.
As with many young tag teams, the problem is that each man had a desire for singles glory. Currently Karrington is the NWA Missouri Champion and Kennedy who is coming off an injury is still by his partners side as the two are currently causing trouble at NWA Dynamo.
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. “
Missouri Wrestling Revival 