Mike Outlaw continued his rise to be one of the top young talents in the Midwest in 2016 by seeking out the toughest competition he could find. Starting the year off Outlaw challenged Brandon Espinosa in a hard core match before setting his sights to St. Louis Anarchy. Though Outlaw would struggle in the win department at SLA, he quickly earned the respect and love of their passionate fan base.
He would team up with Justin D’Air in a tag team classic at High Risk Wrestling against the Riegel Twins (Logan & Sterling) for the vacated Tag Team Championship. Due to the loss, the two friends quickly became enemies that were set for a brutal ending later in the year.
Outlaw, a former Dynamo Pro Wrestling Champion would set his sights on regaining the title against his archrival Jake Dirden. During this time he entered the WLW Jr. Championship tournament, losing to Jayden Fenix, who would go on to lose to Jon Webb in the finals.
In June, Outlaw would enter the High Risk Wrestling Mayhem tournament defeating Jake Dirden in the first round. In the triple threat finals, Outlaw won the championship over former PWI Rookie of the YearAce Hawkins and Kiyoshi Shizuka.
In July, he challenged MWR Missouri Champion Brandon Espinosa at MMWA in a hard fought contest, just coming up short. Two weekends later, Outlaw earned the biggest win of his young career when he pinned Ring of Honor superstar Delirious. In August, Outlaw, would add his second Dynamo Pro Wrestling title to his resume by defeating Jake Dirden. A title he would hold until December when Brandon Aarons. Outlaw would end the year losing a thrilling last man standing match against D’air at High Risk Wrestling.
Outlaw would wrestle throughout the Midwest for Dynamo Pro, Saint Louis Anarchy, PWCS, MMWA, Proving Ground, WIA, New Breed Pro, Metro Pro, High Risk Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Resurgence . He would have killer matches with the likes of Davey Vega, Gary Jay and fellow young star Kevin Lee Davidson. His hard work would pay off as he now heads into 2017 as a full time NWL contracted superstar, now named Dez Wellston.
2015 MWR Awards Wrestler: Jeremy Wyatt
2014 MWR Year Awards Wrestler: Ricky Cruz
2013 MWR Year Awards Wrestler: Jake Dirden
2012 MWR Year Awards Wrestler: Adam Pearce
2011 MWR Year Awards Wrestler: Brandon Espinosa
2010 MWR Year Awards Wrestler: Mike Sydal
2009 Awards Wrestler: Mark Sterling
2008 Awards Wrestler: Jeremy Wyatt
Look for an exclusive MWR Mike Outlaw / Dez Wellston exclusive artwork honoring him for his achievement from acclaimed artist Dartallion Allen Jr. in the future.
If you would like to sponsor the MWR Wrestler of the Year Plaque for Outlaw/ Wellston then please contact MWR at flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com. The cost is $50.00 and you will receive a past MWR Yearbook, a Tyler Black (Seth Rollins rookie card) and a mention on the MWR Website.
Missouri Wrestling Revival has supported pro wrestling for the past eight years and during that time we have traveled through the beautiful state of Iowa to meet the wonderful fans. While covering some of the biggest matches of this era on the independent scene that would include the likes of Tyler Black (Seth Rollins) Davey Richards, Adam Pearce and not one, but two Iron Man matches between Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterling.
On this night, I would be traveling to Nevada, Iowa , a town just outside of Des Moines the home base for 3XWrestling as an invite from my longtime friend 3XW fan Brian Vanderwal . Several months prior to the event Brian had Facebooked myself to ask if I could free my schedule to attend a memorial show that he was working with 3XW to honor the memory of his longtime friend Jeff Thompson. Due to the fact that it was Mothers Day and I had hoped to take my mother to Kansas City for the spring race of NASCAR event at Kansas Speedway for the Spongebob Squarepants 400, yet we would not be able to do so as she works at a nursing home for the past 35 years and was unable to get off, so I contacted my friend Brian to let him know the week prior that I would be there, and look forward to supporting his effort to make the Jeff Thompson Memorial Show a success.
To be honest, I can’t say that I had known Jeff, but it was obvious that he had touched many of those in the wrestling community by the kind words that many of the wrestlers had to say about him. I had written a press release on the pain that a mother/fathers have when they lose a child. Jeff a longtime wrestling fan ,made his way to cheer on the Nevada, Iowa girls basketball team on March 7th to win their first ever state basketball tournament . On the way out of the building Jeff collapsed and passed away due to a brain aneurysm on the way out of the arena that night. I did not know Jeff’s mother, Deb and had hoped that it was appropriate for the occasion, but Brian had told me that she had loved it and when we met prior to the event she had given me a hug to start off a memorable night in Iowa.
While meeting with his Dad, Ken, he and I exchanged stories of him traveling through Missouri, only to have a flat tire, and receiving help from a Missourian that had not asked for payment. We spoke about NASCAR and most importantly we talked about Jeff. Ken was impressed in the fact how Jeff had touched so many in the wrestling and Heavy Metal music community. While we spoke friends, family and fans of pro wrestling started to fill up, Ken told me the story that summed up how powerful a mother can be to their child as he explained how Jeff’s first spoken word were “mom” and on that tragic day that Jeff would pass away, his mother Deb was there and Jeff’s last words were “mom”.
Headlining the evenings events were a tag team tournament to crown the first ever 3XW Jeff Thompson Memorial tournament featuring four exciting tag teams including the former MWR Tag Team of the Year the American Bulldogs ( Mark McDowell and Jon West) , the exciting tag team AC/DC of Arik Cannon and Darin Corbin as well as the former fan favorite tag team of Heroes for Hire (Jimmy Rockwell and Zach Thompson) in opposite corners as Rockwell teamed up with the 3XWrestling Champion Jeremy Wyatt while Thompson aligned himself with Wyatts arch rival Mark Sterling.
Also on the card were several 3XWrestling favorites, as well as students from the 3XWrestling school and The Black & The Brave Wrestling Academy to thrill the fans with a night of exciting wrestling. Prior to bell time, Brian Vanderwal and his girlfriend were working the concession stand
while 3XW’s Corrie McDowell at the merchandise table offering raffle tickets to the fans for a chance to win wrestling merchandise as the fans had an opportunity to meet the tag team AC/DC, SM King and Nevada’s very own Don Desher.
SM King is the in the face of 3XWrestling announcer Austin Buckner.
Prior to the event 3XW’s Todd Countryman thanked the crowd for attending the show in Jeff Thompson’s memory expressing to them how blessed that 3XW had felt having the support of Jeff throughout the years.
Sentai and Pat Powers double teams “The Chainsaw King” SM King
The action started out fast and furious as Sentai and Pat Powers hoped to use speed to slowdown the powerful SM King.
In the end, Sentai took home the win in front of a rockin’ crowd.
Zach Thompson and Mark Sterling cuts the ring off as Referee Jeremy Robb tries to maintain order.
In the first round Mark Sterling and Zach Thompson took advantage of the miscommunication of the American Bulldogs to move on past the first round of the Jeff Thompson Memorial tournament.
Zach Thompson soars from above onto Jonathan West.
A major double team move that helped the American Bulldogs win the 2012 MWR Tag Team of the Year. On this night it would not be enough to take down the Worlds Fittest Wrestler, Mark Sterling.
Just as Maddog McDowell was able to get the edge, down from below Thompson gives Sterling a helping hand.
Once again the Bulldogs seemed to have animosity between each other after the loss, leaving many wondering if this was the last of the Bulldogs for good.
JD Riggs punishes Rich Brooks in the corner, with advice from his Skylar Pierce manager at ringside.
Up next, Skylar Pierce and power of JD Riggs would be too much for the young Rich Brooks to overcome in match number two as the big man keeps rolling in 3XW.
Brooks looks to have a ton of potential, but he will have to avoid taking punishment like this if he hopes to make an impact.
The second match in the Jeff Thompson Memorial tournament went back and forth as Wyatt and Rockwell struggled to keep up with the tag team excellence of AC/DC. Wyatt and Rockwell captured a hard fought victory to move on into the finals of the tournament to be featured in the main event later that evening.
Arik Cannon locks down the 3XW Champion Jeremy Wyatt.
Wyatt turns the tide with the big boot.
Jimmy Rockwell and Darin Corbin fights for an edge on the top rope.
Sometimes you find yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time. Here Wyatt levels Corbin with a brutal kick.
Todd Countryman offers young Jackson a special autograph poster of the nights event.
During the intermission, we got to see a softer side of one of the baddest men in the Midwest, “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt when they offered Ken and Deb’s grandson Jackson an autograph poster of the nights event in the middle of the ring.
Jackson hooks the leg on Todd Countryman, on the way to victory as Wyatt makes the count and Rockwell cheers him on.
As they say kids say and do the darndest things, and on this night was no different. As Rockwell and Wyatt was in the ring Todd Countryman asked young Jackson if he was would like to challenge one of the tag team winners to a contest, the boy declined, but much to Countrymans’ dismay Jackson wanted a match with Todd.
In years to come this mask wrestler could become the next 3XW Champion.
In one of the shortest matches at 3XW, he delivered one move on the way to getting the 1-2-3 as Wyatt took the role of referee and Rockwell celebrated with the crowd.
WWE’S Bo Dallas would be proud of Jackson because once he got out of the ring he made a victory lap clapping fans hands along the way.
Devin Carter has been one of the best wrestlers at 3XW for some time and Nevada’s own Don Desher hoped to take the cheers of the hometown crowd on the way to victory.
Devin Carter takes a bite out of Nevada, Iowa Don Desher
Desher was able to hook on the Scorpion Deathlock for the win.
Carter, a wily and dangerous challenger stopped Desher momentum at every turn only to have Desher capture the biggest victory of his young career forcing Carter to tap out to the sharpshooter as the crowd exploded.
Early on Adrian Alexander was able to use his speed to have Rory Fox reeling.
Straight out of the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, Adrian Alexander found himself across the ring against former 3XWrestling Champion Rory Fox.
The former student of wrestling great Les Thatcher can defeat you on the ground or in the air.
Speed kills, and her Alexander caught Rory Fox in midair off the top rope.
If Rory Fox’s wrestling skills were not enough, he is a master of hiding foreign objects. Here he is choking Alexander out with a band while the ref was out of position.
I have to believe that Fox is one of the most underrated wrestlers in the Midwest, and the fact that Alexander not only stood his ground, but was able to show signs of getting a win early in his first months of wrestling before falling to losing to Fox. proves to me that we should see a lot of the young star to come.
Brady A Dezire goes for a ride.
Superkick from Dezire caught the young rookie by surprise.
The always charismatic Brady A Dezire was dressed for the occasion as he had his cow style pants, but it would be the cowboy “The Lone Star” Jesse Malone who would be right at home in the country style pavilion capturing a huge win.
In a battle between partners it would be McDowell getting the bragging rights on this evening.
A classic battle royal was held next as the 3XW stars battled it out, until it was Bulldog partners Mark McDowell and Jon West. On this night Maddog McDowell would have the crowd rockin’ as he was able to turn the tide of West and dump him onto the floor to become the last man standing.
The finals of the tournament was set as four men who have been to battle with and against each other throughout the years battle for the bragging rights of being named the first ever Jeff Thompson Memorial Tag Team Champions.
Classic double team as Sterling hold Rockwell down while Thompson brings the pain.
Mayhem on the outside.
Jimmy Rockwell gets an assist from the young fans.
Jeremy Wyatt gives Zach Thompson the worse titty twister ever.
Sterling has no where to run as Wyatt is on top of him.
Sterling and Thompson were vicious and unforgiving in their attack of Rockwell and Wyatt. Sterling delivered the power moves as Thompson used his speed to their teams’ advantage early on. It would be back and forth as both teams looked to gain an advantage, but it would be a leg drop from Wyatt sealing the victory for their team.
Moments later Todd Countryman invited Brian Vanderwal in the ring to present the Jeff Thompson Memorial trophy to the team of Jeremy Wyatt and Zach Thompson. It was then decided between Vanderwal, Wyatt and Rockwell that Jeff Thompsons mother and father should come into the squared circle to be given the trophy in Jeff Thompson’s honor.
As Jeff’s mom and dad, Deb and Ken were handed the trophy by the winners of the tournament, Vanderwal and several of the young family members came into the ring to celebrate, I realized that I had experienced a truly magical moment at 3XW.
Today we are joined with Jeremy Wyatt. He is considered by many to be the best wrestler in the Midwest that has not been signed by ROH, TNA or WWE. Throughout his career he has earned the nickname “The Belt Collector”, as he has torn across the Midwest capturing singles and tag team titles while having exciting matches with an array of different opponents.
In 2015, he has shown no signs of slowing down as he is currently the enjoying his fifth reign as the 3XWrestling Championship and is also one half of the Pro Wrestling Phoenix Tag Team Champions with his teammate/rival, “The World’s Fittest Wrestler” Mark Sterling. Wyatt is the first ever MWR Wrestler of the Year and the only man to be included in every MWR Match of the Year before it was retired. So it is with great pleasure that we have in this edition of 10 Questions with Jeremy Wyatt.
MWR: Jeremy thanks you so much for taking the time to join us at Missouri Wrestling Revival.
Jeremy: No problem, thanks for having me.
MWR: Before we get into the serious world of pro wrestling, it is no secret to your fans that you are a hardcore fan of your hometown Kansas City Royals. Last year the boys in blue had an exciting year that saw them make it within one game of winning the Major League World Series. Were you able to make it to any of those postseason games, and if so what was that experience like? As the 2015 season is about to start, have the Royals improved themselves enough to make it back and why do you feel that way?
Jeremy: Yeah, I made it to Game 6 of the World Series. One of the funnest nights of my life. The whole season was a crazy ride. I’ve been going to 15-20 games a year since I graduated high school. I’ve watched a lot of bad baseball, as have a lot of Royals fans. To finally be repaid was so awesome. The whole city came together to support the team and the vibe of the city was amazing. I shed a tear or two when they clinched, won the wild card, then the ALDS, and ALCS. Definitely something I’d like to get used to.
As far as how they’ll do in 2015, it’s hard to say they’ll be better. The only way they’re better is if they win the World Series. I think they’re setup to compete for the Division and make some noise. Have a chance to get to postseason and see what happens. If they can get the lead through five or six innings, they’re gonna be tough to beat again.
MWR: Today, you are among the most respect wrestlers in the Midwest. Were you a wrestling fan growing up and how did you get your start?
Jeremy: Yeah, I’ve been a fan for as far back as I can remember. My dad occasionally will tell stories about how when I was three- or four-years-old, I’d try to wrestle everyone. Go bearhug their leg and try to pick them up, stuff like that. I started with a place called MEW, it wasn’t the best place but it got my foot in the door. Almost fourteen years later, here we are. That’s the much condensed version of the story.
MWR: Before you became known as “The Belt Collector”, you had the appropriate nickname “The Rebel” in Central States Wrestling. That promotion was known for their excellent matches that included appearances of wrestling stars AJ Styles , Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels and the Monster Abyss mixed in with several of the top rising stars of the Midwest including Michael Strider, Derek Stone, Dingo, Brett Young, Tyler Cook, Steve Fender, Steven J Girthy, as well as yourself and Sterling. How did you come about “The Rebel” nickname and what were your most vivid memories of CSW.
Jeremy: The Rebel nickname came about because it’s my actual real middle name, and I wasn’t feeling very creative the day I was coming up with a “wrestling name”. Not much more to the story than that, haha. CSW was a really fun place. It was a place that all the guys in the area wanted to work at, much like Metro is now. CSW was the place that kind of started getting me noticed a little bit. I had a hard time getting bookings for quite a while my first couple of years due to some stigma of being associated with the place I started at. It sucked, I just wanted to wrestle and get better but most people wouldn’t give me the time of day because I was an “Estes” guy.
Central States Wrestling
Anyways, after trying for a while, CSW, Joe McDonald and Michael Strider threw me a bone, I took advantage. Other places started booking me after that and I started gaining confidence and my work started improving dramatically.
The first ever MWR Match of the Year was brutal, bloody and exciting as Michael Strider and Jeremy Wyatt went at in a Barb Wire Match… Next month, Strider hopes to end Wyatts Metro Pro Wrestling career.
MWR: CSW suddenly fades away even though the wrestling was top notch and Kansas City is pretty much a ghost town for pro wrestling. Unlike St. Louis, where there are several promotions within 30 minutes or so from each other, you had to drive hours to showcase your skills. You capture titles throughout the Midwest, including the Pro Wrestling Phoenix title in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the 3XW Championship in Des Moines, Iowa and the Lethal Wrestling Alliance in Missouri/Iowa (the current St. Louis Anarchy title) along the way. What stands out about either capturing the title or defending it during your triple reign that made you the only unanimous voted MWR Wrestler of the Year?
Jeremy: CSW going away definitely left a void, at the time. Guys in St Louis don’t realize how lucky they have it. There’s so many places to work in the area, plus you can drive four hours or so to Memphis or Chicago. The main thing about capturing those titles is simply this, multiple promotions believed in me and knew I’d deliver main event matches and angles. I believe the man makes the title, the title doesn’t make the man. Anybody can wear or carry a title around. It doesn’t really increase your value. But, with your work, you can definitely raise the value and prestige of a title. I don’t think any title I’ve won has been worse off or diminished while I had it. Over the years, it’s been a much bigger deal when I’ve lost titles than when I’ve won them–and a lot of my best matches have come in losses.
Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterling would put on a wrestling clinic in not one, but two IRON MAN matches !!
MWR: One man that has been a constant for the past several years in your career is Mark Sterling. The two of you have been the centerpiece of a group known as the Kansas City Killers with the likes of Mike Sydal and Showtime Bradley Charles.
This is a multipart question as your relationship is a huge part of many moments in wrestling for this generation. Your relationship as friends and enemies continues to this day, including a match that is set for April 3rd Super Spring Showdown against Sterling in Special Stipulation to be announced that evening for your 3XW Championship. First, how did you meet, and where did the Kansas City Killer name come from? One of my personal memories of the two of you teaming were a matchup against the Hooligans at High Voltage Wrestling where the ring fell apart. The four of you did not miss a beat and continued on to have an exciting matchup. What were you thinking at that moment and what advice do you have for a young wrestler if that should happen?
Jeremy: Sterling and I met when I started working at CSW. We knew of each other previously, but that’s the first time we were really ever around each other. I guess around 2007 or 2008, we started traveling together, and have been ever since. We are very similar, but very different. I’m more laidback and quiet, he’s much more hyper and high-strung. We’re a good Yin to the others’ Yang, but when it comes to wrestling we think very similarly. I take to the air a little more, and he’s more power-based but we have pretty similar styles. We believe in the same principles, share the same beliefs as far as psychology goes, etcetera. I’m definitely a better worker because of him, we push each other to be better. I could talk about Mark all day, honestly.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix Tag Team Champions!!!
As far as the name, Kansas City Killers was given to us by Keny G. He’s another person who has become a really good personal friend. He and Mark were both in my wedding. When the middle rope broke in the match against the Hooligans, I didn’t really think much beyond “that sucks, but we’ll figure it out”. Stuff like that happens from time to time. Can’t panic. They know what they’re doing, we know what we’re doing, we knew we all would figure it out, and we did. You don’t want things like to happen, but it’s a nice challenge when they do to see if you can get through it.
Josh Ray and I worked hard with several of the top promotions to produce the MWR Best of the Midwest DVD. I must say that the talent on the dvd was awesome and we were thrilled to have Dynamo Pro Wrestling take part with the Wyatt and Davey Richards match. The cover has artwork done by none other than Dartallion Allen Jr.
MWR: You have fought against a lot of the top names in pro wrestling, including being featured in the MWR Best of the Midwest DVD at Dynamo Pro Wrestling against Davey Richards.
Wyatt looking to submit the former ROH World Champion, Michael Elgin!!
Recently you also defeated former ROH World Champion Michael Elgin this past year in Illinois at Dynamo Pro.
I had a friend/fan that asked me how the match was against you and Christopher Daniels at MPW, and I told them that it went an exciting 40 minutes plus as 500 fans were into the match from start to finish, where my friends replay was “I take it they didn’t mail it in?” My reply was “has he ever?” This was the second match with you and Daniels, with the first being several years prior. I know that you are your hardest critic, so I ask you what was your thoughts of the match compared to the first? Also, who were your favorite matches against name opponents and why.
40 minutes of wrestling excellence as Jeremy Wyatt met Christopher Daniels during the last Metro Pro Wrestling show at the Turner Rec Center.
Jeremy: This last match was almost 9 years after the first. I’ve obviously improved leaps and bounds since then. The first match was good but it was obvious that he carried me. I was blown up and just trying to keep up and get to the finish. This time around, while he’s much more accomplished, I felt like I was his equal. I felt like I belonged in the ring with one of the best workers in the world. My confidence is a thousand times more than what it was back then. This may make me sound cocky or arrogant but it is how I honestly feel. While I don’t have the list of accomplishments, or the “name value” of a lot of guys, there’s not a single one of them that I don’t think I can’t get in the ring with and have a good to great match with. My path in wrestling hasn’t taken me the way of being world renowned but I have full confidence I can go with anyone. Other matches against “names” that stand out are a 30-minute time limit draw vs Seth Rollins (Tyler Black) back in April 2010 for 3XW.
We’ve all seen what he’s went on to become, he may be the best all-around performer going today, and will likely be a multi-time future world champ.
Nose to nose Adam Pearce and Jeremy Wyatt would not back down from each other in a series of matches that had fans from Iowa to Kansas on their feet wanting more.
Just when it looked as if Wyatt had become the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion after defeating Pearce, the match was decided to restart only to have Mark Sterling interfere and stop the celebration.
Another guy is Adam Pearce; we had five or six matches, all of them were fun, intense, and good. We just seemed to mesh well together.
I’ve been lucky, I’ve gotten to work my fair share of guys who’ve accomplished some very good to great things in this wacky business. Stevie Richards, Colt Cabana, Jerry Lynn, Road Dogg, Samoa Joe, Ace Steel, Eric Young, a multitude of ROH guys. It’s a long list and the experience has been really positive with pretty much all of them.
MWR: One last question of the past: MWR was covering you at one of your title hunts in Illinois for All American Pro Wrestling. I am not going to lie, we have covered over 300 events during the MWR years and it was one of the very few where there was a riot almost started as there was true heat and it was directed at you Sterling. after a match . I remember at the end of the night saying my goodbye to the promoter and some of the fans and the next thing I knew, a small mob was forming to come get you. It is obvious that you hit a nerve at one point from their fans, who were you wrestling and how did it get so heated that the fans were after you?
The Mississippi Madman was in agony on the outside as Wyatt pulled out all the stops early on and throughout the match. With his tactics the AAPW fans were furious at the end of the night and was seeking revenge from the Kansas City Killers. Photo Credit Michael Van Hoogstraat
Jeremy: Heat machine, baby!! I used to always want to get people so pissed that it’d start a riot; I probably should’ve been born another twenty years earlier. I’ve turned it down some but I think people still pay money wanting to see me get my ass kicked. As far as that particular incident, I said something to a guy, he thought I said something else and got all worked up. So, once I knew he was heated, I just tried to get more and more people worked up. Don’t remember the exact details but Sterling may have been at ringside with me or he may have just interfered in the match later on. Pretty sure it was a match against Mississippi Madman.
The Lethal Wrestling Alliance fans had to scatter as the Rebel took it to fan favorite Jordan Lacey on the outside as the chairs flew and referees fell among the chaos. – Photo Michael Van Hoogstraat
MWR: I am of the belief that there you are one of only a handful of wrestlers that a promotion in the Midwest can build around to carry a company. We have seen that in Metro Pro Wrestling, 3XWrestling, Pro Wrestling Phoenix and before in LWA, as you are able to be the hated bad guy or the man that they have grown to love.
I know that this may be the hardest question that I throw at you, but what do you feel you have done to have made the fans become so invested in you, as either a good or bad guy in the ring?
Jeremy: I think it mostly comes down to being believable in the ring. Nothing I do is overly intricate, or choreographed looking. I don’t think I do anything that looks fake. While we may be doing wrestling moves, it looks like a fight. Anybody can get people to pop for moves, not everybody can get people emotionally invested. If I can get the same reaction from a chop or punch that someone gets from a dive, for example, I don’t need to dive. I’ll just punch you in the face but when I do dive, the reaction is going to be even bigger.
Wyatt locks in the crossface at Pro Wrestling Phoenix.
I also think people can see how hard I work to give them their money’s worth. The whole show could suck, hopefully it doesn’t, but if it does, I’m still going to do everything I can to make them feel like the $10 to $20 they spent was worth it. The main thing is if you can get people to believe in you and invest emotionally in you, the moves you do don’t really matter.
MWR: We had spoken about how Kansas City had become a ghost town for wrestling for quite some time. Thankfully, Chris Gough would spearhead Metro Pro Wrestling in 2010 and pro wrestling is alive and well in Kansas City.
Life is not easy at Metro Pro Wrestling as Wyatt is challenged by many of the best in the world including the likes of Ace Steel and ROH Star Kyle O’Reilly.
I like to call Chris Gough the Sam Muchnick of Kansas City as both men were/are of high integrity, and were/are respected in the mainstream sports world and brings that attribute to the squared circle. Like Muchnicks’ NWA, the best of the Midwest have pretty much made their way to the Turner Rec Center for MPW including a highly respected match in the Adam Pearce vs. Colt Cabana’s Seven Levels of Hate series, as well as wrestlers Stevie Richards, Kyle O’Reilly, Trevor Murdoch, Ace Steel and Christopher Daniels mixed in with the likes of Metro Pro Champion Derek Stone, ACH, Mike Sydal, SBC, The Commission, Pete Madden, The American Bulldogs, Miss Natural, Kobra Kai Dojo, Lucy Mendez,Dan Walsh, Ryan Drago (NXT’s Simon Gotch) and Tyler Cook just to name a few. What has surprised you the most of Chris Gough and what has been the recipe for success for MPW?
Jeremy: Chris is a good guy, first and foremost. He’s just a good person, in general. As a promoter, he takes care of people, you’ll never hear him say “sorry, the house was light”. With the booking, he has ideas, but if you have a better idea, or an idea to tweak his idea and improve on it, he’ll be more than willing to go that route. He gives people a lot of freedom, but he’s there to reel them in if need be. Some people, if it’s not their idea, they don’t want to do no matter how much more your way may make more sense. I think people perform better if they at least feel like they can contribute ideas to what they’re doing. They become more emotionally invested in the match or angle. He runs the show, the whole shebang, but he makes time for everyone and makes sure everyone is happy and excited to be involved in whatever they have going on that particular night, or for future shows. Chris gets a huge thumbs up from me.
Michael Strider and Jeremy Wyatt received their MWR Match of the Year at an LWA event in House Springs, MO as Wyatt shows off his scar from the battle in the barb wire match in 2009. Time has pass, but the war and bad feelings continues. Pictured left to right Michael Strider, MWR Columnist Kari Williams, MWR Owner Brian Kelley, Jeremy “The Belt Collector” Wyatt
MWR: Last but not least, you are heading into the middle of 2015, better than ever, but the stack is against you wherever you go. You continue to lock down title belts around the Midwest and look for more. This coming week, you will take a break from challenging Sterling for who is the best in the Midwest, as the two of you travel to Illinois to enter the Proving Ground Pro 8-man tag team tournament to add to the PWP Tag team belts to the KCK résumé (Editors note: This interview was unable to be put up on the site in time for this match to happen) , then on the 28th the two of you will be defending your PWP Tag Team Champions in Council Bluffs, Iowa. On April 3rd in Des Moines, Iowa it’s the start of the double shot weekend as you defend your title against your Sterling at 3XW.
The next night you make your way to Metro Pro Wrestling as Commissioner Strider has ordered a special tag match, as you and SBC will meet Sterling and Mike Sydal. If you or SBC is pinned, you are fired from Metro Pro Wrestling. I personally would love to see you challenge for the World League Wrestling Championship this year for your first opportunity to capture Harley Race’s title. All in all though, you will have logged thousands of miles for the love of wrestling. How much fun are you having, and what are your goals as you are expected to once again be in the running for the MWR Wrestler of the Year?
Jeremy: I’ve made it no secret that I’m a lot closer to the finish line than I am the beginning but I’m having a ton of fun. I only work at places that I enjoy, I’ve done it long enough that I can be more selective with my bookings. But I’m also managing to keep pretty busy. It’s funny, the shows you mentioned coming up, Mark and I are either teaming or fighting. Either way, it’s a good combo. I sometimes wonder how good of a team Mark and I could’ve been if we just focused on that. But we both enjoy beating each other up in singles matches too much to strictly be a team.
My goals are pretty simple, have as much fun as I possibly can, this isn’t going to last forever. I want to keep trying to get better. When my last match comes, I want to be the absolute best I’ve ever been. If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. I also really want to help guys get better, while I’m still around. I’ve been trying to be more active in giving advice and feedback. It sounds corny, but I want to help make this area better than it was when I started. I’m at least trying to do my part. Those are the main things. There’s guys I’ve never faced, like AJ Styles, who I’d like to get in there with, and test myself against but that’s out of my control. So, if it happens, great. If not, no sweat, I’ve gotten to work a lot of other guys up to this point. And since I’ve been robbed of the MWR Wrestler of the Year award the last six years in a row, I’ll throw winning it in 2015 on the list.
3xwrestling All Stars Of The Midwest Episode 11 Rory Fox Vs Jeremy Waytt
MWR is proud to announce that you can purchase the 2013 MWR Yearbook t-shirt exclusively at Pro Wrestling Tees. The cover features art from “The Artist of Champions” Rob Schamberger as he honors the 2013 MWR Wrestling Award recipients.
Wrestler of the Year: Jake Dirden
Tag Team of the Year: The Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter)
Female of the Year : Heather Patera (Miss Natural)
Future Star of the Year: Raphael King
Future Star of the Year-: Alexander Rudolph
MWR is always looking for fun ways to encourage you to support Independent Pro Wrestling. In 2013 we are setting up a contest for the FIRST fan that purchases the 2013 MWR Yearbook T-shirt from Pro Wrestling Tees and then is able to get their picture taken with all of the stars that are on the cover wearing the shirt will receive the first 50 MWR Trading cards that include the sold out MsChif, Jeremy Wyatt and Tyler Black card. Also the fan will have each of his/her photos that were taken with the stars a full page feature in the 2014 MWR Yearbook.
So I wish you luck, and thank you for the support.
Extra bonus if you can catch up with Rob Schamberger while wearing the shirt as well as the the rest of the stars we will give you the first 5 cards of Series two.
To many in the Midwest he is the most hated man in wrestling today; to his opponents he is their worst nightmare.
Jeremy Wyatt and Steven J Girthy have been dominate in 2011. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
His name is Jeremy Wyatt; pro wrestling’s greatest secret , has wrestled one great match after another from Des Moines, Iowa to ST Louis, Missouri and in every town in Illinois and back in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri.
In the past Wyatt has earned the nickname “The belt collector” for his ability to capture title after title in multiple promotions against the very best. Wyatt would become the first man to be named the MWR Wrestler of the Year and has won three consecutive matches of the years with three different opponents Michael Strider, Tyler Cook and Tyler Black respectably.
Wyatt has mixed it up with the top names in the sport including the current Ring of Honor World Champion Davey Richards, Former TNA World Champion Samoa Joe, the former ROH World Champion Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Jimmy Jacobs, Al Snow and Road Dogg Jesse James to name just a few.
Still al the wins, belts, awards and great matches have not brought Wyatt to the forefront of the wrestling world.
Is that about to change??
Wyatt can be ruthless in his attack. A masterful tactician armed with the mastermind Steven J Girthy at ringside he is always one step ahead of his opponents. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
This past weekend the top wrestling manager in the Midwest Steven J Girthy set the wheels in motion at Metro Pro Wrestling to gain momentum to become the NWA World Champion. When It was announced that the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana would be making his way to MPW, could the man that Cabana called “Porky Pig” of been masterfully setting his man up for a NWA World Title match against Adam Pearce?
While Cabana entertained the crowd from bell to bell with his masterful wrestling skills and silly antics, Wyatt And Girthy were at were at there very best and they had to be, Cabana has been to the top with WWE and as the NWA World Champion by defeating none other than Adam Pearce on March 6, 2011 at the NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood television tapings earlier this year.
Former NWA World Champion Colt Cabana would fall victim to the The Rebel in the main event at Metro Pro Wrestling. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Earlier this year the Belt Collector would become only the third man in the history of wrestling to capture the NWA Missouri Title and the NWA Central States Championship as the same time. Harley Race and Bob Orton SR being the other two men. Since that time, Wyatt has been able to keep the NWA Central States firmly on his waist against the likes of Sir Bradley Charles, Trent Stone, Jimmy Rockwell, Ryan Drago and arch rival NWA Kansas Champion Tyler Cook.
The greatest years in the NWA History has had the very best in the Midwest in the middle of the title hunt. Former 8 time World Champion Harley Race would bring honor, respectability and toughness not only to the NWA Title but to Japan and around the World.
With momentum on his side and the great mind of Girthy in his corner is the NWA World Title poised to change hands for the first time in Kansas City since Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes on September 17th 1981 nearly thirty years ago?
With all the positives in this equation there is one huge problem for the Belt Collector.
NWA World Champion Adam Pearce!!!
Make no mistake about it, Adam Pearce is one of the top wrestlers in the world today. It is by no fluke that he is a four time NWA World champion who has sent many challengers packing who felt their time was now home wandering what if.
His resume speaks for itself. Titles around the country, victories against the likes of WWE’S CM Punk, Daniel Bryan ( Bryan Danielson), Delirious, Blue Demon Jr. In a true testament of his greatness Pearce was not only able to be a force in a four-way match between Chance Prophet and Jimmy Rave and Shaun Tampers for the vacant NWA World title on August 30th but would become a four time NWA World Champion.
Wyatt may have been great in the past but if he is to compete with Pearce then he cannot make one
mistake. If so the confident, ruthless NWA Kingpin will capitalize and remain the NWA World Champion.
When the last bell rang at the Turner Rec Center last week a stunned Colt Cabana and Metro Pro Wrestling fans watched as Wyatt and Steven J Girthy celebrated yet another win.
Metro Pro Wrestling has not announced who Pearce would defend the title against when he returns to on November 5th at the Turner Rec Center but if Girthy and Wyatt have their way then it could be the NWA Central States Champion vs. the NWA World Champion.
Could history be made on November 5tth and Jeremy Wyatt was able to add his most important belt to his collection? The NWA World Championship!!
What a great year 2010 was for pro wrestling in the Midwest. Shows throughout the Midwest showed a steady growth in an economy that is struggling.
The biggest companies in the World, WWE and TNA both had pay per views in the Midwest. Fans were able to meet the stars at TNA’S fan fest. The ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame honored Dory Funk JR, Bobby the Brain Heenan and Baron von Raschke with their inductions to the hall of fame during the celebration.
Wrestling returned to Kansas City in a big way when Metro Pro Wrestling debut at the historic Memorial Hall with special guest Tommy Dreamer and a TV deal on Metro Sports. Led by former WWE Superstar Trevor Murdock, the Metro roster has to step up their game if they are to be the best if they are to stand out of the 3 time WWE Tag Team Champions shadow.
We were happy to add New Midwest Wrestling to our coverage area.At MWR we have seen some of the NMW talents in past in Dan the Man and Ryan Phoenix but we quickly saw that Bobby Houston, Eric Logan and NMW Champion Jonathan Magnus are just a few that are worthy of seeing in action as well.
Once again we were able to enjoy another great PWE show at the Lincoln Balloon Festival. PWE later in the year saw Donovan Ruddick and Mason Beck go up against the fun lovin former WWE Star U-Gene and the Mississippi Madman.
We were able to see PWP get out of the grasp of the Murder Militia in a classic War Games match while on the other side of the state 3XWrestling continued their standard of providing the fans with great wrestling and an up and close look at their great website including the monthly Outside the Ring program.
In ST Louis MMWA-SICW was the 2009 MWR Promotion of the Year, but they did not rest on their laurels. They continued to train young wrestlers while bringing in some of the very best in Mark Sterling and Mike Sydal, fans where also thrilled to see old favorites return like Danny Boy and Ron Powers.
AAPW had one of the very best feuds in the Midwest with Shane Rich turning his back on his good friend Edmund “Livewire” McGuire.
NWA Dynamo has brought back some of the GCW flavor and packed the house in a great show in the summer with Pete Madden and Mike Sharona going to war with Nikki Strychnine and Makaze in the main event.
HVW had a slow year but was proud to boast that HVW Original Santana G had made her way to Florida with a great opportunity to valet on Spike TV for TNA with Orlando Jordan.
World League Wrestling is primed to be at their very best with the young talent training at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy. Don’t be surprised to see the talents of Jason Jones, the Cancun Kid, Lucy Mendez, Jack Gamble, Brian Breaker and Ethan Wright hold titles throughout the Midwest and beyond in the near future.
IHW proved that they were one of the best with entertaining shows that grew more and more fans each time. Brandon Aarons has turned into the one of the biggest fan favorites in all of the Midwest. Eric Allen and Sean Vincent would test the skills of the rising young star.
MECW mixed hometown flavor with a dose of Windy City Wrestling, including former WWE Star Mike Anthony and the one and only Bailey Mannix along with teen heart throb Evan Money.
IWA Unlimited provided the fans of Olney Illinois with free wrestling each Wednesday. High flying and hard hitting action gave the wrestlers a chance to improve their skills in a great environment.
IWA Productions packed the house with special guest The Honky Tonk Man but it was the local fans that stole the show when Christian Rose and Danny Cannon tore the roof off the place.
NWA Supreme shows may not have that many shows but the ones they did have where filled with some of the best stars locally and nationally.
MWR wrestlers have been active working to get to the top. Mike Sydal was announced as the 2009 PWI Rookie of the year while Midwest stars Mark Sterling, Ace Hawkins, Brandon Espinosa all made appearances with Ring of Honor.
The fans and friends of Barry Ryte showed their support for their guy after he was diagnosed with cancer causing him to back out of the 2010 ECWA Super 8 tournament. Barry has shown in the ring that he has the heart of a champion, and that fighting spirit has helped him It has been announced that he has been cleared to wrestle in 2011. If we had an inspirational wrestler of the Year he would have won hands down.
Fans were blessed to have the Champion of the World Tyler Black make their way to their hometown as Tyler Black met Jeremy Wyatt at 3Xwrestling in Des Moines Iowa, while in Illinois Black went one on one with Brandon Aarons.
This fall word got out that the Future Donovan Ruddick had made his way to Florida with a developmental contract for WWE. He joined the before mentioned Black who has since lost his title to Roderick Strong but we all know the best is yet to come for Tyler Black.
I hope that you have enjoyed the coverage of all of your favorite promotions. It is with the hard work of Dubray Tallman, Mike Van Hoogstraat, Bill Smith, Gary Giaffoglione, Matt Murphy, Greg Anthony , Dartallion Allen, Mark Campos, Josh Ray and Rob Schamberger that makes the site what it is today.
We would like to thank the promoters and wrestlers that support the site for the past three years.
Last but not least thank you so much to the fans of pro wrestling in the Midwest. Take the time to see a wrestler before they become the next Superstar.
On January first we were proud to announce that Mike Chapman was named as the 2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. For more info on Mike Chapman click here.
Now with further ado I give you the 2010 MWR yearly awards.
2010 Wrestler of the Year
Mike Sydal-
Mike Sydal (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein)
The wrestler of the year was a close vote this year as the surge of Mark Sterling coming within votes to be named for the second year in a row for MWR Wrestler of the Year. Meanwhile Donovan Ruddick had a great push thanks to great performances in 2010 against Dave Vaughn, Mephisto, and the Mississippi Madman. Hard work would pay off for Ruddick as the opportunity that many felt was long overdue, came to pass when he was signed to the WWE developmental contract late this fall. Jeremy Wyatt and Trevor Murdock both garnered several votes thanks to what many voters voiced their respect for each of these men. Last but not least just on the outside of the voting range was Brandon Aarrons who and his former tag team partner Brandon Espinosa .
Mike Sydal toured the country in 2010 wrestling in matches each and every week. Promoters loved him, fans cheered him and the country noticed. His hard work and dedication combined with a true desire to improve earned made him the second wrestler that took part in the WLW/Noah camp that won the PWI Rookie of the Year.
Sydal was just getting started, during Wrestlemania weekend he was in California wrestling with Ring of Honor. He would continue wrestling with Ring of Honor training at their training center before making appearances on Direct TV’S HDNET against Tyler Black, Christopher Daniels and more.
In the fall Sydal returned to much fan fare. At Metro Pro Wrestling, Rock and Roll Mike Sydal was once again on TV with Metro Pro Wrestling against the former WWE Tag Team Champion Trevor Murdock.
At 3XW he was involved in one of the most emotional matches of the year when he was force to face “The Unbreakable” Zach Thompson. Thompson defeated his High Flyers’ partner Mike Sydal following a Dublin Driver in a very emotional and hard fought Loser Leaves 3XWrestling match set up by 3XW Commissioner Todd Countryman in May. Fans rejoiced when Thompson overcame the odds to defeat Brian Ash in November to allow Sydal to once again return.
Throughout the year of 2010 Sydal popped up just about everywhere good wrestling could be found.
Sydal has earned the respect of his peers and promoters and it showed in the 2010 in the final vote. Out of 14 awards committee voters the lowest Sydal got were 16.
We would like to congratulate Mike Sydal as the 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year.
First Runner up– Mark Sterling Second Runner up– Donovan Ruddick Third Runner up– Jeremy Wyatt
2010 MWR Tag team of the Year
Attitude Inc. (Guy Smith, Spencer Powers, and Michael Shard)
New Midwest Tag Team Champions : Attitude Inc – Spencer Powers, Michael Shard and Guy Smith
Attitude Inc is a flashy tag team that has electrified the ring at New Midwest Wrestling for the past year. All three men are former NMW Heavyweight Champions who have come together and found success. Like the Freebirds, Attitude Inc have mixed partners to their advantages. Their success and talent has won over the awards committee.
At the start of the year they dismantled the faction the Sin Club of Steve Bishop, Dave Parker and Dareian Frost in impressive fashion.
In July the they outlasted the tag teams of Logantyre (Eric Logan and Justin McEntyre) , The New Immolare (Tom Arson and Ryan Phoenix) and the Full Metal Jackals( Danny Cannon and Alex Castle) in an exciting four way match to win the NMW Tag Team titles.
In consecutive months of October and November they defeated the up and coming tag team the Full Metal Jackals (Danny Cannon and Alex Castle) to retain the NMW Tag Team Titles.
Though Attitude Inc has their hands full with the tag team of the Uninvited (Rip Mystic and Tom Arson) heading into 2011, the team can hold their head up high that MWR has named them the 2010 MWR Tag Team of the Year.
First Runner up– Gentleman’s Club- Devin Carter and Casanova Second Runner up- Steve Fender and Mark Sterling Third Runner up – The Hooligans -Devin and Mason Cutter
2010 MWR Female of the Year
Amy Hennig
Amy Hennig (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
The current World League Wrestling Women’s champion has been dominate in 2010. Hennig has trained at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy and has all the tools to make it to the top of the wrestling world.
Matches with Lucy Mendez, Santana G and Angelus Layne were must see matches in 2010.
You can catch her brother Joe every Monday night on WWE, do not miss the chance to see her in the Midwest while you still can.
First Runner up -MsChif Second Runner up- Santana G Third Runner up- Lucy Mendez
2010 MWR Promotion of the Year
3Xwrestling
3XW’s fifth year proved to be the best yet, featuring a mix of incredible wrestling, packed crowds, strong business relationships within the community, and a continuing commitment to charitable efforts.
Despite the common perception that interest in wrestling is on the decline, 3XW enjoyed consistently growing crowds throughout the year, routinely packing the Des Moines Social Club each month for events thanks to a loyal – and growing – following and strong television, radio, print and word-of-mouth advertising, not to mention the most talented roster of wrestlers in the entire Midwest.
This past July, 3XW also had the honor of being the last wrestling promotion to hold matches in historic Veterans Memorial Auditorium, a building with 55 years of wrestling history. The athletes of 3XW competed in the same building that NWA affiliates, particularly Central States, held matches years ago, not to mention some major WWE/WWF/WCW moments.
3XW’s webshow, Outside the Ring, enjoyed an increasing number of views, as did 3XWrestling.com, which was visited by thousands of fans each month.
First Runner up- Independent Hardcore Wrestler Second Runner up- MMWA-SICW Third Runner up- Metro Pro Wrestling
2010 MWR Match of the Year
Jeremy Wyatt vs. Tyler Black – 3XW – April 2, 2010
Spring Showdown at 3Xwrestling was a monumental night of pro wrestling featuring one of the top wrestlers in the Midwest proving to the world that he could hang with the Champion of the World.
The two wrestled to a 30-minute time limit draw in an incredible wrestling match that earned a standing ovation from the crowd after the final bell. The last minute of the match saw referee Jeromy Robb inadvertently get crushed in the corner by both men and fall to the canvas. Black quickly nailed Wyatt with a tremendous reverse brainbuster and covered him for the pin, only there was no ref to count the pin. As Black was checking on the ref in the corner, Wyatt slowly rose to his feet and grabbed Black from behind, slamming him hard with his patented Kansas Tumbleweed (Lightning Spiral) and covering him for the pin with 20 seconds remaining, only for the ref to still be out. Wyatt screamed and pleaded for the ref to get up to no avail and he even counted the pin himself. The time then ran out before a winner could be determined but the fans gave a standing ovation.
First Runner up- MECW November 20, 2010 – Bailey Mannix vs. Eric Allen – 30 Minute Ironman Match
Second Runner up- The Mississippi Madman vs. The Future Donovan Ruddick with MR Late Nite at Pro Wrestling Epic August 28th, 2010 Lincoln, Illinois
Third Runner up- Danny Cannon vs Christian Rose ladder match from IWA Productions OCC show in January 2010
For a complete list of nominations sent from fans, promoters and wrestlers around the Midwest click here.
On January 7th, 2011 in Des Moines Iowa at 3XW two of the greatest wrestlers today Mark Sterling and Jeremy Wyatt will go to war in a historic 60 Minute NO DQ Iron Man match. Both of these individuals have been Champions around the Midwest and are former MWR Wrestlers of the year.
The 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
In a world where respect is earned and not given, Wyatt and Sterling are the measuring sticks for those in the game today. From Kansas to Illinois to Missouri and all the way to Des Moines Iowa they are main event athletes that the fans want to know if they are on the card.
The time has come for Wyatt to finally put his money where his mouth is…. He’s been talking crap for years that he’s the best… Well I have news for him, there is one guy that is a bit better: ME. Wyatt doesn’t train in the gym 4 times a day like I do. He doesn’t dominate Crossfit competitions. “The Fittest Wrestler on Earth” isn’t just a gimmick for me, it’s the honest to God truth. Wyatt hasn’t spent the better part of 8 years training at Harley Race’s school like me. Wyatt didn’t train the 2009 Rookie of the Year Mike Sydal, I did… Nobody in this area works their fingers to the bone as much as I do. Nobody even comes close and that’s a shoot. As good as Wyatt is and everything he’s accomplished, he’s about to get hit with a dose of reality January 7th in 3xw. I have 60 minutes to prove to all the “experts” and “insiders” that I am not only the best on the Midwest, but on the fast track to being one of the best in the world!”- Mark Sterling
Mark Sterling is a man who is pure muscle with seemingly limitless intensity, who lives and breaths wrestling. A great build with a desire to become the best, Sterling has been under the watchful eye of Harley Race at World League Wrestling and recently took part in Ohio Valley Wrestling’s training camp that featured great wrestling minds such as Jim Cornette, Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore, Danny Davis and Rip Rogers.
Sterling’s path would take him to both singles and tag team glory in the past few years. At 3xw he has been a former 3XW Pure Champion and a former tag team Champion with former allies the Gentleman’s Club. Winning and being the best is everything for Sterling and his claim to the best in the Midwest was only strengthen when he defeated Michael Strider for the NWA Central States Championship last year.
The 2008 MWR Wrestler of the year "The Rebel" Jeremy Wyatt (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Mark Sterling is bigger than me, stronger than me, has a better build than me, can do more sit ups and push ups than me, goes to the gym 27 times a day, can eat more tacos than me, has had better training than me… Hell, I basically paid a guy a grand and ending up training myself and tryin to figure it out as I went along. Why wouldn’t Sterling think he’s better? But therein lies the difference, Sterling thinks he’s better… I know i’m better, the best. The simple truth is this, for every advantage he has, I have one that trumps them all, I’m tougher… Mentally and physically. I punch harder, I kick harder and there’s no one who can absorb punishment like me, and that’s with having a body that’s falling apart. I have a severe sciatic nerve problem in my lower back, ligament damage in my left wrist, calcium deposits in my right elbow, dizzy spells from a concussion over a year ago but yet when it’s a “big match” no one, and I mean absolutely no one puts on a show like I do. January 7th, its gonna be time to put on a show” -“The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt
Wyatt’s nickname is the Rebel, a man who has done what he wanted to do in the ring with no remorse or regret. He could be the most hated man in all the Midwest. Yet the Rebel has shown a love for great competition and winning titles. Winning titles all around the Midwest is the reason why he earned another nickname The Belt Collector.
Wyatt would add the coveted 3XW Championship on August 21, 2009 against the then fan favorite Devin Carter. He would terrorize and dominate the promotion for close to a year till July 9,2010 when the talented Rory Fox would upset Wyatt to become one of the very few to make claim as a man to have a victory against the Rebel.
In the past these two men have teamed up but the question always remained, just who is the best in the Midwest?
Who has the advantage in this epic battle where the object is to get the most pinfalls and submissions in that 60 minute time limit?
Lets break it down.
Mark Sterling can use his strength to ground and pound even the biggest of men in the Midwest. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Power and size – Sterling clearly has the edge. Standing 6’2 and 221 barrel-chested like a Greek God, he has broken the will of half the wrestlers in the Midwest before the first bell rang. Wyatt gives up 2 inches and 20 pounds to Sterling, but no one uses execution on offense like the Rebel to withstand a bigger wrestler onslaught.
Jeremy Wyatt is a master of delivering pain. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Can Sterling impose his strength in the match early on to get the edge he needs ?
Power and Size Advantage – Mark Sterling– Is there any wrestler more obsessed with conditioning. In boxing the smaller guys are often said to best pound for pound fighter in the game. How scary is it that Sterling standing 6’2 221 could very well fit that bill in the Midwest. The man is a machine. Wyatt will have his hands full trying to slow down Sterling.
Stamina speed and air attack,-Wyatt has excelled beating men much bigger than he is, while he does pull out all stops with punching, kicking and scratching, I am here to say that it is just all smokes and mirrors to keep his opponent to realize just how versatile Wyatt is and the speed he possess. Sterling may be impressive with his stone cut body, but it’ his training regimen of CROSSFIT that allows him to have a style that can allow him to go all out for 60 minutes without a problem. Wyatt has shown a willingness to go to the air while Sterling prefers to ground and pound you.
Mark Sterling will look to use his speed to get an edge to prove who is the very best in the Midwest today. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Tyler Cook knows very well how lethal Wyatt can be. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
Stamina, speed and air attack advantage- EVEN
Finishers-
When Sterling locks in the Markshooter, the rest is history. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Sterling is the owner of the Markshooter a variation of Stings Scorpion Deathlock or Bret Harts Sharpshooter. I would be rich if I got a dollar every time that I was at ringside taking photographs during his match that he locked this move in on his opponents in the feared Markshooter. The end result is always the same. Tap out or leave in pieces, either way I have a who’s who in photographs of some of the best in the sport on the wrong side of this painful move. To tell you how effective the Markshooter is, he has so much confidence in it, he uses it in tag team action and has still been able to pick up the win.
Wyatt will also have to be on the lookout for an explosive spear that Sterling has been adding to his arsenal of weapons. Will Sterling look to get a win off of Wyatt with the Markshooter, and once the bell rings and before Wyatt can get strength back in his legs will Sterling drill him with the spear to pick up a two fall lead?
Wyatt is a wizard inside the ring. The biggest and the fastest of wrestlers have fallen in the past few years. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Wyatt brings to the battle the lightning spiral, a move that is viscous in appearance and even more so for the final result for the unlucky soul that gets hit with it. He has perfected the maneuver with such precision that it has been his trademark on route to title after title. Even more impressive is how quick he is able to deliver the move.
Wyatt is a master of leverage and it also shows with his other finisher the crossface. The move has been deadly for his opponents with Wyatt brutalizing them by pulling their head backwards while having their legs wrapped up with no place to go. Sterling is a big guy, but with Wyatt locking him in a position where his power is neaturalized, this is a move that Wyatt will be wanting to use to take him to victory.
Finishers Advantage – EVEN
Confidence and momentum –
What has set Wyatt a part from almost everyone in the Midwest is his ability to stay cool under pressure. In big matches with Tyler Black, Davey Richards and Al Snow, Wyatt wrestles like its another day at the park. We have seen Wyatt cause near riots in promotions, and you can see the frustration and defeat in his opponents eyes throughout the match.
Sterling is cocky, brash and rightfully so, he is as well trained as anyone in the game today. The problem is does he truly believe it? We have seen in many matches in the past where he lost his composure and tends to showboat. Sterling has been impressive in the past with pinfall victories over Chase Stevens, Colt Cabana and a huge win over the Monster Abyss in a brutal ladder match. On the flip side , Sterling has found defeat at the hands of Snow, Black and Jerry Lynn , all three men that the Rebel can boast he has had his hand raised.
With Wyatt already leading in the series, can Sterling overcome the doubts that the Wyatt has planted in his head?
The scary thing for the Rebel is that Sterling is and even BETTER wrestler than he was when the MWR Awards committee voted him as the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year. Sterling has been dominate in 2010 at WLW with Steve Fender as one half of the WLW Tag Champs, won the 2010 3XW King of Des Moines Championship, trained once again at the WLW/Noah camp and followed that up with a training camp at Ohio Valley Wrestling. Last but not least he was able to submidt arguably the greatest wrestler in the world today Davey Richards.
Confidence and momentum Advantage – Jeremy Wyatt – With a history of wins in big matches, it is easier to name the matches that he has lost due to the fact that it is so rare. With Wyatt already in Sterling’s head is this match already the Rebel’s ?
Final verdict-
This could very well be the most important match in the future of the Midwest. Both men are highly touted as men who could very well be the best in the country that have not had a run with Ring of Honor, TNA or WWE.
Both know each other very well before going to war to see who truly is the best wrestler in the Midwest today. The longest 60 minutes in each of these two lives will be on the stage for the world to see.
Will Sterling look to overpower Wyatt early and push his weight around? Can Wyatt break Sterling mentally?
My advice for Wyatt is, if Sterling locks in the Markshooter, if you are unable to get out right away, tap quickly. Sterling has the move to perfection and the damage is done in a blink of an eye.
My Advice for Sterling, do not get overconfident and let the Rebel suck you in to thinking you are safe. You are never safe. Wyatt for all of his antics is always thinking and looking to deliver the big blow.
MWR Prediction- Jeremy Wyatt wins 3 to Mark Sterling’s 2
Plus a Holiday treat straight from our friends at 3XW
The latest free Match of the Month is a special holiday gift to our fans – a 3XW Heavyweight championship match featuring “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt!
Two-time 3XW Feud of the Year winners Jeremy Wyatt and Tyler Cook clash one last time in an intense battle for the 3XW Heavyweight championship in this highly-emotional battle. For more info about this lengthy rivalry, visit http://www.3xwrestling.com/Midnight-June10.htmand read a column which provides tremendous background info on the match. This bout took place at 3XW’s “Downtown Destruction 2” event on June 4, 2010 at the Des Moines Social Club. Commentary provided by Midnight Guthrie and “The Founder of MMA” Chad Mylan. Footage courtesy of SEP Video.
This match certainly showcases Wyatt’s abilities heading into 3XW’s first-ever No DQ 60 minute Ironman match between Wyatt and Mark Sterling on Jan. 7.
If you didn’t see it last month, here’s a great match featuring Mark Sterling vs. Gage Octane from May.
By Brian Kelley – Missouri Wrestling Revival Owner and Editor All photos from Mike Van Hoogstraat
The world of wrestling is full of talented wrestlers that thrill fans each and every weekend around the country. With hopes and dreams to become household names, the chances are slim.
Today with reality TV and the sport being so open for anyone from models to actors to get in the ring , there are many people that go out to become a wrestler. Some of them have the dedication and talent to excel in the sport while others get a moment in the spotlight that others should well receive.
I am just one man but I feel very strongly that a wrestler that wants to make their dreams come true then they will have to stay active. The first order is to find proper training from the best like Harley Race’s Wrestling Academy in Eldon Missouri.
Then once you get “trained” a wrestler has to understand that WWE, TNA or ROH is not going to come find them, you have to make yourself known to them. Staying active, making sure you are at the gym, working on conditioning working shows, selling yourself at all times.
It could take years and there will is sure to be disappointments along the way. The truth of the matter is that your dream of making it “ big” may never happen.
If you are an aspiring wrestler, I highly recommend you stay positive and always learning. Finding ways to get your name out there in a positive light and always be in shape, always be ready to steal the show.
Recently my good friend and MWR photographer Mike Van Hoogstraat had the honored to be able cover Ohio Valleys’ tryout in Louisville Kentucky.
The camp was filled with influential and some of the great minds in the business including OVW’S Danny Davis, Rip Rogers, Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore and none other than Jim Cornette and former WWE wrestler Mike Mondo who has recently made appearances this month with Ring of Honor.
Some of the very best in the Midwest made their way from DES Moines , to Kansas City to ST Louis and in between took advantage of this two day camp.
In attendance were the reigning MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling. Sterling is currently a double champion holding the NWA Central States title as well as one half of the WLW Tag titles with “Superstar” Steve Fender.
Wrestling fans around the world know the name Evan Bourne who has electrified the WWE. His brother Mike Sydal has not just sat around waiting for a phone call just because he has a brother who is a star. No Sydal has wrestled around the country ,taking part in the annual WLW/NOAH camp while earning the 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year award. He has continued his momentum in 2010 be a part of the Chikara’s 2010 Young Lions Cup. Sydal would train at the ROH training facility
The hard work would pay off as fans around the world would be able to see him on ROH HDNET in matches with stars such as Tyler Black, Christopher Daniels and Kyle O’Reilly.
Sir Bradley Charles is a man that everyone at MWR is all a buzz about. A great look, mixed with a desire to be the best. SBC trained at the Lance Storm Wrestling Training Academy. Since then SBC has already wrestled in Canada and Australia. In Kansas City he has been earning a Kings welcome home at Metro Pro Wrestling.
MWR Fans in the Midwest are familiar with the “Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell. Rockwell has been a former 2 t-time 3XW Pure Champion as well as the current MECW Independent Champion.
Dave Vaughn is a name that many fans know in St Louis. The wrestling machine took the skills learned from taking part in the WLW/Noah camp in 2009 to parlay that into his first MMWA-SICW Championship. Vaughn was a dominate champion until being upset from “The Future” Donovan Ruddick with a little help from Brandon Espinosa and Travis Cook.
Zach Thompson has been a part of one of the most popular tag teams ever at 3XWrestling with Mike Sydal called the High Flyers. Thompson has also found success as a singles competitor at both 3XW being a Pure wrestling champion and a MECW Champion.
One of the most powerful men in the Midwest is “MEAN” Mason Beck. Beck stands a towering 6’5 and weighing 250 IBS. A powerful man with unlimited potential, he was last seen at PWE teaming up with “The Future” Donovan Ruddick with manager Mr. Late Nite to get a win against the PWE Champion The Mississippi Madman and former WWE’S Eugene.
The purpose of speaking on each of these men’s accomplishments is to highlight the fact that everyone of them are not just resting of them. They are doing all they can to be the best in the not only the Midwest but the world.
In this extended recap there are many students from around the country. At MWR, we do not each of the guys names that took part in the pictures but we hope they know that this post is a salute to them and their hard work.
In this feature you will see them work on the basics, moves and have some matches to show off their skills
Last but not least we would like to thank Mike Van Hoogstraat for sharing this with us and Ohio Valley Wrestling for the opportunity to show you how the professionals become the stars that we know them.
Years of experience was on hand to teach in this two day camp including Danny Davis, Jim Cornette and Nick “Eugene Dinsmore. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
“Mean” Mason Beck(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Dave Vaughn in the center of the ring. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Mike Sydal and Sir Bradley Charles work on their technique. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The trainers were hands on throughout the two days giving their advice to do it the right way. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Lock up! (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Mike Mondo gives his advice to the class. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Sterling and Sydal know each other very well over the past few years.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Rockwell and Thompson gets advice from Mike Mondo.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
First match (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Thompson explodes. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
SBC getsn nailed by the big guy. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Cocky Dave Vaughn feels the power of a real womens slap. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Miscommunication by Vaughn and his partner .(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Miscommunication by Vaughn and his partner . (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Check out the new Nose Bleed Seats episode as they cover the PWE match between then Ring of Honor Champion Tyler Black and Brandon Aarrons by clicking here.
3XWrestling’s annual “Halloween Horror 4” is just under three weeks away and the anticipation for the event keeps building. This frightful night is certain to include mangled bodies, bone crushing action and high flying thrills!
A match that was made at last months “Clobberpalooza Classic III” in now set to make this next show a must see for any pro wrestling fan. “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterling are set to battle in what will no doubt be a contender for match of the night. The hatred between these two runs deep and is very real as they have had over one hundred matches against each other all over the country.
Mark Sterling is now hearing cheers as opposed to the jeers he had been receiving for years as a member of the arrogant “Gentlemen’s Club”. Now Sterling is considered to be a fan favorite and in many eyes should a top contender for the Heavyweight championship. Jeremy Wyatt truly stepped up his wrestling game in 3XW last year and has been on a physical and psychological warpath ever since. Wyatt debuted without much noise but with now with fire in his eyes he will do whatever is necessary to get the win. Taunting his challengers and fans alike this man needs security guards to even leave the arena.
Their feud in 3XWrestling began in August in the finals for the “King of Des Moines 2010 Tournament”. Both Sterling and Wyatt had fought there way up through the bracket facing two different opponents each that night before clashing with each other for the crown. The match that night was a masterpiece as each wrestler applied submissions, reversals and punches in what was a thirty minute classic. In the end that night Sterling was able to roll up Wyatt to get the win and become king. Sterling offered his hand in respect to “The Rebel” but in true Wyatt fashion he blew him off and instead wanted a rematch at the next show. Sterling gladly accepted the invitation.
After the match at “Clobberpalooza Classic III”, which saw Wyatt pin Sterling with a small package, “The Rebel” now claims to have won fifty-one matches to Sterlings’ forty-nine wins. Thus making Wyatt the superior wrestler or at least in his mind and maybe some of the 3XW fans. “The Rebel” then acted like he wanted to shake Sterlings’ hand but pulled away at the last second chuckling as he left the ring. Sterling grabbed the microphone and challenged Jeremy to a two out three falls to determine the better wrestler once and for all! You will not want to miss out on this match as these exceptional Midwest stars light up the Des Moines Social Club.
Some great matches have been signed for “Halloween Horror 4” including a battle royal, championship matches and grudge matches. Others matches will come in the following weeks leading up to this amazing event.
3XWrestlings’“Halloween Horror 4” will be held at the Des Moines Social Club on October 1st located at 1408 Locust Street in Des Moines, IA. Tickets can be purchased at Cup O’Kryptonite and both Jay’s CD and Hobby locations. Advance presale tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for kids 10 and under. Ticket will also be sold the night of the show at $15 for adults, $6 for kids 10 and under and kids 3 and under are free. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the bell time being 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss it!
Check out the video below to see Mark Sterling in action from 2006 as he takes on Casanova.
For more articles from Mark Campos at Des Moines Pro Wrestling Examiner including stories of Mike Sydal and Tyler Black click here
Mike Outlaw continued his rise to be one of the top young talents in the Midwest in 2016 by seeking out the toughest competition he could find. Starting the year off Outlaw challenged Brandon Espinosa in a hard core match before setting his sights to St. Louis Anarchy. Though Outlaw would struggle in the win department at SLA, he quickly earned the respect and love of their passionate fan base.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 