During the end of the World League Wrestling/ Pro Wrestling Noah Camp, we made our way to cover the weekend show that would highlight and honor the 2009 graduates of the camp. Serious wrestlers that knew that to be the best you had to learn from the best, I knew many of the students that took part of the camp.
Back from a trip to China was powerhouse David Clark, female wrestling sensation Lucy Mendez, young Jeff Strong and even the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling wisely took the opportunity to once again improve his skills during the must do camp of the year.
I was also introduced to a few International superstars Michael Nicholls and Shane Veryzer , two from Australia who has charisma to spare who we will intoduce you to in the future here at MWR.
One guy I met was Victor Kosymov, who had made the long trip from Moscow Russia.
First glimpse was a small guy like many others that want to be in wrestling today. I was told in confidence that this guy was good and considering my sources at WLW, I did not doubt them.
We cut a promo on his upcoming match with WLW rookie Jack Gamble who I have been quite a fan of ever since I saw him in the ring. Little did I know just how good this guy was.
In a exceptional match between two young inspiring wrestlers, the crowd was easily behind Jack Gamble with USA Chants echoing throughout the building. Still the Russian was no nonsense in his approach to take the confidence from the American and show WLW, Harley Race and Pro Wrestling Noah that he was one to look out for.
On this night my friend Jack Gamble had his hand raised but there is no doubt that I will be looking out for Victor Kosymov to make an impact in Pro wrestling in the near future.
Till then I am joined with Victor Kosymov with a special international Q and A
Hello Victor thank you for joining us at MWR today.
Victor Kosymov
1) First off lets start off with the landscape of pro wrestling in Russia, what can you tell us about it and who is the top stars in your country?
It’s allot different world than American wrestling. In 2002, a group of enthusiastic guys
opened a school of professional wrestling in Moscow, nobody knew about pro wrestling in Russia
at that time. But in 2003 they debuted with their first show called “Danger Zone”, and this show still is going today! We don’t have a professional schools and trainers here, it work only on
enthusiasm and energy of young guys who want become a professional wrestlers!
There is only one promotion in Moscow where you can wrestle. Shows are few and apart so unfortunately you can’t gain much experience here. It’s just at an amateur level.
2) How long have you been wrestling and who trained you from the start?
Before pro wrestling I was an amateur wrestler. In 2005 at age 15 I’ve began my
training. Training and working out came easy to me, I thought that I can do anything in ring. But then when I begun wrestle on live shows I finally understood how difficult the world of wrestling truly is!
I’d wrestle there years in Russia and I had only sixteen matches. My desire to become a professional was so bad that I knew that I had to make plans for trip to US. Nobody in our area had gone to the United States before me.
That was hard!
Mike Porter, the NWA promoter from Nashville TN, was a big help to make my dream became true! In 2009 I started to wrestle for NWA Main Event in Tennessee. That was a whole new world for me! In just a 3 months I’ve wrestle 20+ matches, it was a big step for me.
Again, how more stuff I learned about wrestling, then the more I understood that I knew nothing
about this business before!
3) You made the trip to Eldon Missouri to WLW. What will you take from that experience back home to you?
Victor Kosymov receives the WLW/Noah camp graduation certificate from Pro Wrestling Noah co-owner and Wrestling legend Harley Race. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
In 2010 I came back to US. I have worked 3 months with Dutch Mantell in his wrestling
school. I learned much about wrestling psychology there.
I knew about Harley Race’s school and was very interested to participate in the 2010 camp.
There were a bunch of problems on my way to Eldon. But finally I made it !
Two young stars of wrestling Victor Kosymov and Jack Gamble went toe to toe at WLW while two of wrestling’s most influential minds watched on. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
The 2010 WLW/Noah Camp was a great experience for me! I’m a totally different wrestler after that week . During the week at the camp I understood that the wrestling world is much bigger than I explain before.
Victor Kosymov is a wolverine in the ring, with his relentless and suffocating style of wrestling. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
When I started out I focussed on working on a set of big moves and high spots. But now I know that there much more aspects to make a match work. The psychology, working the crowd and my character development are my top priorities as I work to reaching my goals
4) How would you describe your wrestling style ?
I am trying to learn new stuff from the old school. I like to combine a different styles of
wrestling and make my own new unique style.
5) What are your goals in pro wrestling in the near future?
We are working on opening a new wrestling school in Moscow. Looks like after all my travels in America I will be the head trainer here.
We will try to create professional industry of wrestling for the fans in my home land. We will work on our previous mistakes and take American experience to improve on what we do..
I need to concentrate on finishing my education in University first, then I can plan to
start my full time professional wrestling career.
This dream drives me every day.
Now I have a few years to prepare for this moment. It will be not easy, as I several apects that I will have to work on to become the best.
This is a huge difference between amateurs and professionals. My progress will
Lucy Mendez has the looks of a model and the skills of a champion. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
Recently we caught up with the one and only Lucy Mendez . Mendez is red hot in the second half of 2010.
She has lead the tag team Barrio Boys (Domino Rivera and Angel ) at METRO Pro Wrestling while becoming the first women to get a victory at the promotion when she defeated the top female wrestler in 2008 ,Stacey O’Brien.
Not long after that she became the number one contender for the WLW Ladies title currently held by Amy Hennig. Lucy is a former WLW Ladies Champion and with the momentum on her side, the talented Hennig better not take her lightly.
You can catch Lucy in action this weekend at Metro Sports in Kansas City Kansas.
Don’t miss the chance to see this rising star in action.
With a plethora of great shows these past few months, it has been hard to keep up with all the exciting news flash, photos and happenings around the Midwest.
MWR has been active with some of the top stars in the country while meeting many of you the great fans, some for the first time while others we know quite well.
We have spent almost every weekend on the road covering the top promotions in the Midwest.
Let’s take a look at some of the sights of the past few months with MWR, the Fans and Superstars around the Midwest.
August 7- Granite City Illinois- High Voltage Wrestling
HVW returned from their summer break to with top stars Kahagas taking on Trent Stone , the Midwest Sweet heart Santana G going up against her arch rival Amy Hennig and the Great Cheyenne with MsChif watching.
Dan Walsh (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Would it be just by chance that the MWR Wrestler of the Week was MTV’S Dan Walsh who would give away a MWR T-Shirt in August only to see him get the HVW Livewire title soon after? Hey Dan we are just playing, you earned it….with a handful of Trent Stones tights.
August 21 – Council Bluffs Iowa – Pro Wrestling Phoenix
The trips to Iowa seem to take so long to get their, which has been a reason for us to scale back from going to PWP and 3XW. One problem they are so GOOD!! MWR fans don’t worry we have no plans what so ever to stop covering these two exciting promotions.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix delivered on this evening with some exciting wrestling action. We were on hand when Axel Greece assists Ryan Slade and Zac James cheat Chris Havius and Donnie Peppercricket out of the PWP Tag Titles. The show also saw the war rage on between Abu Colossus and Preston Maxwell.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix Champion Tony Cortez (Photo Credit Gary Giaffoglione)
The MWR Wrestler of the Night was the PWP Champion Tony Cortez. Cortez was able to survive the onslaught on Jayden Draigo to retain the championship in a feud that has become quite personal.
In the near future look for a phot recap from their last show in October from PWP/MWR Photographer Gary Giaffoglione
August 28- Lincoln Illinois – Pro Wrestling Epic
The Balloon festival in Lincoln Illionis is a BIG deal and with PWE providing a FREE show if you attend you can not miss it.
PWE delivered with the biggest match in years in the Midwest literally when the PWE title was on the line between the Mississippi Madman taking on “The Future” Donovan Ruddick led by MR Late Nite.
Ohhhs and AHHHS were heard as the two behemoths battle for supermecy and who is truly the top big man. Nothing was settled decisively, but the crowd went home to tell their friends about the Madman and Future. The match that shook the Midwest .
Evan Money explodes on Eric Allen (Photo credit Brian Kelley)
“The Kid” Evan Money was the MWR Wrestler of the Week as he went on to defeat Eric Allen with a frog splash.
September 4th – Kansas City Kansas- Metro Pro Wrestling
We were thrilled to support Metro Pro Wrestling for several reasons; first off the wrestling scene in the KC market has been dry for some time now. With Metro Pro Sports having TV, showcasing several of the top stars in the country today and oh yeah our former partner in crime Josh Ray is the current ring announcer for this upstart promotion. Metro Pro proved to be a great time with a great upside going into 2010.
“Rock and Roll” Mike Sydal with Amber (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
Amber," The host of Dubi meets the Fans" Dubray and Brecca take in a picture after the show (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
All the girls love Tyler Cook (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
From the looks of Brecca’s face WLW Star Ethan Wright did not learn the Masterlock from former WLW Champ Chris Masters. (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
September 11 – Waterloo Illinois – Independent Hardcore Wrestling
IHW has been on a roll in 2010 with some great matches in front of a packed crowd. On this night we were thrilled to debut the Tony Kozina MWR Trading Card. Kozina is one of the most well diverse and exciting wrestlers today. During the night Kozina wrestled one of the Midwest most impressive young men in the game Chris L.O.G.A.N
Tony Kozina (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Let’s take a look at a Video recap of this great show from IHW
September 22- Olney Illinois – IWA Unlimited
Our first trip to Olney lived up to the hype that has been told to me. A weekly FREE Wednesday show how can you go wrong. A great small venue filled with some of the top young talent in the area.
IWA Unlimited fan favorite The Intimidator gives away a free MWR T-shirt to start the night off. (Photo Credit Tim Dunahee )
Everyone that I talked to loved the stars of IWA U and looked forward to the hump day of the week. If you have the day off and live in STL I urge you to take the drive to see what you are missing.
September 25 – Hillsdale Missouri- MMWA-SICW
A great day for the community of Hillsdale as MMWA-SICW teamed up with the Hillsdale Police force to provide a free wrestling show. MMWA-SICW are always fan friendly and if a free outdoor show was not enough, the team work also offered free BBQ and back packs filled with treats from the police force given to them by the stars of MMWA-SICW.
Ace Hawkins is the MMWA-SICW Santa Clause in September while sporting the MWR T-shirt
The MWR Wrestler of the day was none other than Ace Hawkins. Ace fresh off of his appearance at Ring of Honor not only gave away a free MWR shirt but bicycles from the kids and some awesome ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame shirts before having a great match against Brandon Espinosa.
September 25- Wood River Illinois – MECW Double shot evening
One of the best kept secrets in the Midwest, is the fact that some of the best talent in Iowa makes the long trip to the STL to go to prove that they are among the best in the Midwest. Jimmy Rockwell, Devin Carter, Zach Thompson, Ryan Slade and even self proclaimed wrestling genius Chad Mylan has put an end to Gabriel Brimstones stranglehold in the Independent title when his man Kwong won the belt in recent months.
Iowa is not the only area that is well represented as the upstate Illinois wrestlers BroMance (Knight Wagner and Jordan McEntrye) with Erin currently holds onto the MECW Tag Championship and Matt Mayday, Mike Anthony and Chris Logan have all brought their own flavor in the company.
MECW Champion Bailey Mannix (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
On this night the MWR Wrestler of the Night was the champ himself, Bailey Mannix. Mannix is still one of the most underrated wrestlers in the game today.
October 2- Kansas City Kansas – Metro Pro Wrestling
Metro Pro Wrestling heated up with the brand new Metro Pro Wrestling TV Champion Trevor Murdoch taking charge. With an appearance from wrestling great Harley Race the fans where able to see some of the great from the past mixed in with some of the best today.
What has the best Wrestler on Gods Green earth Harley Race along with Ethan Wright and Jeff Strong so mad, could it be because of something that former MWR Josh Ray is doing? See it on METRO SPORTS in Kansas City (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
If fans in Kansas City want the best bang for their buck they need to give Metro Pro Wrestling a chance. You won’t regret it.
October 9- Eldon Missouri – World League Wrestling
One of the biggest nights of the year brought several of the most influential men in the game today. Co-Owner of Pro Wrestling Noah was in attendance along with Harley Race and Cauliflower Alley Club’s Karl Lauer. The MWR Wrestler of the Night was Midwest knockout Lucy Mendez who gave away the very first MWR pink t-shirt.
Midwest Knockout Lucy Mendez has the attention of Cauliflower Alley Club’s Karl Lauer. (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
Wrestlers from around the world took the week long camp in hopes of making it to the show.
MWR Photographer Bill Smith with the representatives of Pro Wrestling NOAH (Photo Credit Bill Smith )
WLW Super fan Vincent Heather gets an autograph Steve Fender trading card from the man himself
Look for a Full photo recap of this show in the near future from MWR Photographer Bill Smith
October 10- Marceline Missouri – Modern Championship Wrestling
Just down the road from my house was a new promotion was a rare Sunday show that featured local favorite The Iceman. Brian Blade won the belt at the very first show and has been a thorn in promoter Dustin Watson’s side ever since.
Larry Stilfield with Modern Championship Wrestling Champion Brian Blade (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
October 16- Glen Carbon Illinois – NWA Dynamo/High Voltage Wrestling
We were on hand to present the High Voltage Wrestling tag champs the Hooligans the 2009 MWR Tag team of the Year plaques. To be honest we offered the exciting tag team Full Contact Dojo (Jonathan Gresham and Ric King) the chance to be the MWR Wrestlers of the Week to throw out a t-shirt as a way of being nice.
In a shocking development they defeated The Hooligans to become the NEW HVW Tag Championship . No HVW Champion was safe as “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt defeated Kahagas and Dan Walsh won the HVW Livewire belt.
The HVW Tag Team Champs Jonathan Gresham and Ric King with the lucky fan who caught the MWR shirt Rebecca Haynes (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
Look for a photo recap as well and interviews with all of the new HVW Champions here at MWR in the future.
October 23 – Springfield Illinois – New Midwest Wrestling
NMW invited us and invited us and I am glad that they did, we had debut once before and was very impressed and happy to have added them in our NMW Coverage area. The last show I photographed the most dangerous ( and fun matches) to be a photographer at in my carrer during the4 team NMW Tag Team scramble match and returned for the biggest Battle Royal, rumble style of the year for NMW. All for the enjoyment of you the fans.
The MWR Wrestler of the Week was up and comer Christian Rose. Look for more information about this exciting night of wrestling at MWR soon.
Christian Rose (Photo Courtesy of Jon 'Skippy' Edgecomb)
There you have MWR fans, the itinerary of where Dubray and I have been in just the past tthree months. We may not be able to keep up with the miles that the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year Mark Sterling does but who can, that man is a machine.
I would like to thank you the fans, the wrestlers, and the promoters for making
Missouri Wrestling Revival – The Wrestling Press of the Midwest.
MWR fans please support your local professional wrestling and we hope to see you at a show.
Brian Kelley Owner/Editor of Missouri Wrestling Revival
MWR was honored to catch up with the current World League Wrestling and Metro TV Champion recently at the WLW/Noah camp.
Though Murdoch has been an ornery son of a gun in Kansas City with the hottest young promotion in the KC area , while back home at his roots he has been more at ease taking on all challengers to his belt including Trent Stone, Brian Breaker and Jason Jones in recent months while being in good spirts with the fans.
Trevor Murdoch answers the challenge of former WLW Champion Steve Anthony at the WLW/Noah show (Photo Credit Bill Smith)
We took advantage of that situation and got this message from the former 3 time WWE World Tag Team Champion along with a special guest.
Midwest Wrestling fans Trevor Murdoch will be in action for Metro Pro Sports on November 6th for another fun filled TV Taping.
Why does Trevor Murdoch have former MWR’S Josh Ray on his knees holding the Metro TV Belt? Tune in to Metro Sports to find out why (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
7:00pm – All Ages
Where Turner Rec Center
831 S 55th St
Kansas City, KS, United States 66106-1307
Catch them every Saturday night at 11pm on Metro Sports (find your channel below) with a replay on Wednesday at 11pm!
Time Warner Cable’s Metro Sports is a regional 24-hour sports network.
And Metro Sports is the ONLY place you can see Metro Pro Wrestling
Catch us on:
• TWCKC 30
• TWC Nebraska Coming Soon!
• Comcast 258
• Sunflower-Lawrence 37
• MS 2 on TWCKC 222
• MS HD on TWCKC 1030
• MS On Demand on TWCKC 130
World League Wrestling fans we have just got word that WLW will be returning back to action on November 19th, 2010. Look for more details coming soon from Missouri Wrestling Revival.
At one of the biggest shows of the year the current WLW Tag team Champions Steve Fender and Mark Sterling proved once again that they are one of the top tag teams in the game today.
MWR was on hand front and center as WLW teamed up with Pro Wrestling NOAH for their annual camp with some of the top talent around the world.
In a spectacular match Ryan Drago and the Cancun Kid attempted to get the title off the hands of who I like to call “Perfect Execution” Fender and Sterling. The Kid and Drago were just one millisecond away from becoming the new WLW Tag Team Champions.
In the end it was more of the same as Sterling and Fender continued their stranglehold of the tag team scene in WLW.
We got words from the Champs as well as the distraught young team of Ryan Drago after their match.
MWR Fans in the near future look forward for more WLW news including
• WLW/Pro Wrestling Noah Graduates with Pictures from Bill Smith
• WLW Champion Trevor Murdoch introduces a new Second generation superstar
• Introducing Russian Sensation Victor Kosymov
• “Miss Lucy” Lucy Mendez welcomes you to MWR
• Introducing Australian Superstars Michael Nicholls and Shane Veryzer
• WLW recap with photos from Bill Smith
This and much more from your favorite website that covers World League Wrestling
Angelus Layne stands up for herself against the talented Amy Hennig(Photot Credit Bill Smith)
This past year at MWR we presented MsChif with the 2009 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year plaque. After the article we wanted to see who the fans felt was the most deserving female wrestler at this point of the year in 2010. One name that was on the ballot was Angelus Layne.
A relatively unknown wrestler Angelus has been seen at Pro Wrestling Phoenix taking on all challengers including men to get her name out there. MWR fans may recall that she debuted earlier in the year at World League Wrestling against Amy Hennig.
Is she a front runner for the MWR female of the year in 2010? Most likely not, but Angelus is gaining momentum and experience to make an impact in the near future
The great Bill Kersten was on hand with WLW in Richmond Mo earlier this year to give WLW announcer Dan Gier and the fans a treat to start the show with his famous saying. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)
I try my best to keep up with all the wrestling news in the Midwest but even at times some great information passes by and we miss them. This is the case with this must see video from FOX4 from Kansas City spotlighting the great Bill Kersten.
As much as I grew up with the likes of Harley Race, Rufus R Jones, Bulldog Bob Brown there was always one man who was always the first voice I heard every Saturday night after Saturday Night Live and that was Bill Kerstin
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr Kerstin several times at World League Wrestling though out the years and it has always been a pleasure and an honor.
This looks to have been recorded last July, 2009 prior to Kerstin being inducted into the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.
As the saying goes better late than never and if you have seen it then I am sure it will still be worth another look at one of the Midwest most loved announcers in sports history.
KANSAS CITY, MO – Derrick Thomas isn’t the only metro area sports legend entering his sport’s Hall of Fame this summer.
Longtime metro professional wrestling announcer Bill Kersten, who announced All-Star Wrestling on local television from 1966 through 1985, is being honored this weekend at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.
FOX 4’s Dave Froehlich has the story of the legendary broadcaster and former Liberty mayor and Clay County commissioner who gained part of his fame broadcasting wrestling matches from our own WDAF studios in the 1960’s.
Wrestling fans in Kansas City you will have a chance to check out wrestling once again as Metro Pro Wrestling returns on September 4th with a who’s who of superstars in the sport in the Midwest today.
For more information please check out their website here so you don’t miss this historic evening of wrestling.
If you are a wrestler that wants to learn from the best then do not miss this years WLW/NOAH CAMP. For all the info click here.
Helloooo wrestling fans as the great Bill Kersten would say. I am thrilled that today we are celebrating our 1,000 post here at Missouri Wrestling Revival. Throughout the past two and half years you have been able to come to MWR site to check out upcoming shows, interviews and stories of the top stars of not only the Midwest but around the world.
MWR started out simple enough from one of my best friends Josh Ray who had the dream to bring attention to wrestling in the Midwest. He worked hard to get the site going and along with myself and Kari Williams the site was off and running.
Thankfully we had a good friend Peter Hahn whos sister Rachel, is a wonderful graphic artist that came up with the logo that has became the face of MWR.
I have been so busy getting ready for school, preparing for my sons school year and other projects that I have yet to unveil some great new logo’s from our good friends at Awesome bomb radio so no time is better than the start of a new thousand. Adult MWR fans take a chance to check out the Awesome Bomb Radio for some wild and crazy interviews with some of the top wrestlers in the game today.
Everyone at MWR has worked hard to be respectful and polite to each promotion, wrestler and fans that we have gone across.
I have a strong belief that to be successful that no one can do it alone. In the history of MWR there have been some wonderful supporters of the site that is vital to MWR’S place in wrestling today. I am going to attempt to thank everyone that has made MWR possible. At every promotion we have worked with there has been not only promoter, wrestlers but also referees, ring announcer, security, video crew and fans that I have nothing but love and respect for. Several have become close friends, while others I have not seen in a long time, though time has past by and we may have not seen each other this post is still for you.
1) The Fans: I hope that you have found MWR a place that you come to enjoy. You are the most important piece to the puzzle to making a show a success. At times we are very busy at a show but I want you to know that I thank you for clicking on the site and we are always excited to get to meet you. Your support for the hard working men and women of the sport keeps the hope alive for pro wrestlers to live their dream. If you have not checked out a local show near you I urge you to check out a promotion soon.
We have made many Friends thanks to the MWR site. Drew and Gary are two great guys that I met at local shows, they knew us from the work we do thanks to MWR. During the Wrestling Legends on tour the three of us got to pose with some of the top wrestling stars ever in the sport. These are just two of the many fans that we are proud to call our friends.
2) The Promoters: These guys are judged, hated and sometimes forgotten. It takes a special person to risk there money and spend their time to run a show. The cold hard fact is that it is a LOT of work to be one and at times luck to be successful in this profession. Without them doing the ground work a show never gets off the ground. They have opened their doors to us and I hope they know we have been honored to try our best to get the word out about the dates of their show.
3) The Wrestlers, managers and referees: Call it a sport or call it entertainment, one can not deny that it takes true talent to make a show a success..
During the years I have been all around the Midwest checking out shows in the big cities and the small towns and I can say that I have no doubt that there is no athletes that cares more for their fans that the wrestlers.
We have been at a few shows that have had less than 30 people, that did not stop the wrestlers from going out there and giving it their all, then took the time to come meet the fans.
I watched time and time where they have took that extra moment to talk, pose for pictures and sign autographs to the kids of all ages and thanking them for their hard earn money to watch them do what they love.
There have been many shows where the wrestlers have donated their time and skills with no pay to support a fundraiser for a local family or school.
No matter what state we are in, or the three letters of the promotions every wrestles have the same goal and that is to entertain you with the best of their abilities.
This past weekend I was in Lincoln Illinois for the Arts and Balloon Festival where the a huge crowd witness some exciting wrestling action. One of the many talented wrestlers in the Midwest today, Knight Wagner asked if he could do a promo commemorating the moment that so many fans had a chance to see what wrestling was like in our area.
I was honored by the kind words that he said in the promo for our website in hopes that you the fans will check us out to find out where you can see the next wrestling show in your area. I want to share with you the words of Knight Wagner.
To be honest there have been many such compliments given to the MWR family from many many wrestlers that understand that this site is built for the fans, the promoters and wrestlers themselves.
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It has been a pleasure to work each and every one of you. I have seen some of the craziest, weirdest and breathtaking matches ever in the past two plus years at MWR. The love that you have for wrestling is only equaled by the desire to give the fans their money’s worth. MWR could not be as successful or fun without your cooperation
4) Dubray Tallman: The old saying is behind every successful man is a good women. Thankfully I have Dubray to help support me while we drive the six hours roundtrip for many shows. There is no group of friends that live close enough that we can ride with to make the trip faster or cheaper. In less than a year and half we have made over eighty shows in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. At times the site takes away from what we can do elsewhere or together as it takes time to write and edit everything. Prior to the show Dubray works on one of the most popular articles that we have Dubi meets the fans. Often Dubi Meets the Fans is the among the top post for weeks on end . Dubray I love you.
5) Josh and Sara Ray: The founder of MWR is also one of my best friends. Josh has a great mind and love for the business. If only the two of us lived closer no telling how much more successful MWR would be. They don’t get much better than Josh and Sara
6) Kari Williams: MWR’S number one writer, you have read Kari’s articles from the inception of the site. Young and talented there is no doubt that you will find Kari’s work in a much bigger forum one day. Dubray and I always are thrilled to see Kari and her mother Joan.
7) Matt Murphy: Matt is one of the most underrated wrestling minds today. He has always been willing to give his advice and assistance for the site. In fact I didn’t take his advice early on and paid for it. Lesson learned, listen to Matt Murphy. Seriously Matt was kind enough to have his book showcased here at MWR in a weekly article that many MWR fans loved. If you missed it, there is a link at the top of the page that you can go to do catch up. MWR fans if you have read this article or book PLEASE take the time to review it on Amazon.com here.
8) Greg Anthony – Anthony brings to the site, a fan that is talented enough to excel in the sport today as a wrestler. I am never bored and often surprised to what he has to say in the MWR favorite the Golden Circle. As with Murphy if you have missed any of his articles I urge you take a look at the top of the page and enjoy.
9) Patrick Brandmeyer– As much as I love local professional wrestling, the truth is at times it can be nearly impossible to find out information on the past as well as the current history of the business. I often look to my good friend Patrick Brandmeyer for the what, how and why in the St Louis wrestling market and beyond. If a promotion wants a good source of advertisement then most defiantly contact Brandmeyer to make his way to your show.
10) ST Louis Wrestling Community and the Nose Bleed seats- Many people think that the man known as the Crimefighter and his website the ST Louis Wrestling Community are a competitor of the MWR website. The truth is that I have always enjoyed working with Crimfighter and his colleagues from the Nose Bleed SeatsChris Lee and MOAV5706. I often use the site and their advice for articles that you read here. They have had some great podcast and they are the number one source for all your wrestling in Central Illinois. Check them out here.
11) MWR T-shirts– Nothing brings a smile to my face than seeing a fan or wrestler wear a MWR Shirt. In the four states that we cover we have given away or sold 100’s of our shirts to wonderful people such as yourself. We started out with free drawings during intermission to a lucky fan.
Fans like this wonderful women has been thrilled to catch a MWR T-Shirt from a Midwest Superstar (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogsraat)
Then one day at PWP I was taken photos when Murder Militia’s #1 Brett Young came to the ring wearing an MWR shirt . That kicked a light bulb in my head, why don’t we have a wrestler wear to ring and unlike the greedy Young who kept his shirt, we have them throw it to a lucky fan. This promotion has been more than a success and I would like to thank all the wrestlers who have worn the shirt in the past in this promotion. The fans I feel have had a lot of fun in catching them . Most recently one fan told me that her daughter was so impressed with catching the t-shirt and having her picture taken with the wrestler(Jimmy Karryt) that she has that picture of her and him as the background picture on their computer. You can not purchase moments as special as that.
Words can not describe how important my friend Nick Ridenour has been this year in working with us to have quality and affordable t-shirts with the small budget we have.
12) MWR Top Draws – A very popular feature at MWR is the art work from MWR’S Dartallion Allen JR. Allen brings to life your favorite stars in a cartoon style. Mwr fans look in the very near future a chance to vote for who you think Allen Jr should draw in the MWR Classic Wrestler Top Draw. Till then take the time to click above to see one of Midwest brightest artist today.
13) MWR Trading Cards– This is my new passion and a set that I take great pride in. A worthy collectable for the fans of MWR, the set features the stars of the Midwest and around the world that we have all come to love or hate. We started off with the MWR award winners for 2008 and 2009, card number one was the 2008 MWR Tag team of the year the Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz with Pnut, the three who is awesome in promos looked just as good in a trading card.
“The Future” Donovan Ruddick takes the time to pose with young fans that had purchased his MWR Trading Card prior to him autographing the collectable that fans have been clamoring for the past few months.
Since then we have added a who’s who of stars in the Midwest including three people that I am forever grateful who brought worldwide recognition to the set, site and other wrestlers of the series and they are international stars MsChif, Davey Richards and Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black.
A big thank you goes out to Alyssa Major for her amazing talent on these cards.
As of press time we have announced Nineteen trading cards and each and every individual brings their own flair and worth to your collection. Look for many other superstars of the ring to grace their presence in the set. In fact I am so excited to name them that I need to stop writing about it.
For a look at these card check out our checklist at the number one site for wrestling trading cards Wrestlingtradingcards.comhere.
14) MWR Photographers– People that know me, know that I love photos of wrestling. Often I will go to a website and see results from a show but never know what that person looks like. At MWR you get a chance to put a name with a face in an exciting fashion
I am blessed to be able to have some of the great photographers in the Midwest at MWR that allow us to use their work and expensive equipment for the site. A very underrated aspect to the scene is a photographer, these hard working professionals are able to capture that moment when your favorite wrestler goes for that high risk move, or the final moment when a wrestler wins the championship. With pictures you capture history.
Mike Van Hoogstraat, Gary Giaffoglione, Bill Smith and Scott Fieldstein are regulars with MWR who donate the pictures for you the fans to enjoy. I love all of these guys for their contribution and friendship.
15) Absolute Wrestling Radio: Amazingly when I wrote this article for 1,000 post I had somehow forgotten to recognize the AWR family. It’s not that they were not worthy or I hadn’t thought of them its just that I thought I had them done. Make no mistake about it that AWR was very crucial to MWR inception to the wrestling world. Based out of St Louis AWR has been a place where fans can listen and call in to talk about the WWE, TNA , local wrestling and MMA.
Mark Bland Matt Kreuger and Andy Echle have been a lot of fun throughout the time that I have known them and have created some of the most memorable moments in MWR history. They have always done a wonderful job getting the word of MWR out to the masses. We look forward to all of your hard wok and friendship.
Promotions
In the past two and half years MWR has covered and worked with each of these promotions in one form or another. I don’t want to thank anyone in particular because of the fear of forgetting anyone. Once again there are many great people that are in each of these promotions who have made a positive impact for the MWR site.
3XWrestling
All American Pro Wrestling
All American Wrestling
Central States Wrestling
Great American Wrestling
High Voltage Wrestling
IWA-Mid-South
Independent Hardcore Wrestling
IWA Productions
Lethal Wrestling Alliance
New Midwest Wrestling
New Breed Wrestling Alliance
NWA Supreme Wrestling
NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling
Metro East Championship Wrestling
Metro Pro Wrestling
MMWA-SICW
Pro Wrestling Epic
Pro Wrestling Next
Pro Wrestling Phoenix
Pro Wrestling Next
Rampage Championship Wrestling
World League Wrestling
I hope that you check out these promotions live in the very near future.
Thank you MWR Fans and we hope to celebrate 1,500 soon. Till then look for all the exciting developments and happenings in the world of Pro Wrestling in the near future at MWR.
Sincerely,
Brian Kelley
Owner/ Editor of Missouri Wrestling Revival
My good friend Josh Ray and I spoke recently about the celebration of the MWR 1,000 POST. He stated that he had an article he would like to share with you so we started MWR post 1 with Josh Ray so it is only fitting that we end 1,000 with my good friend Josh.
By Josh Ray
Even though I left Missouri Wrestling Revival in the talented hands of Brian Kelley and Kari Williams a year ago to pursue other pro wrestling opportunities, as founder of this website/community I am extremely attached to any of MWR‘s successes and failures. It doesn’t matter whether the ideas came from my own mind or the mind of a friend, because once it is implemented by the site, it becomes part of the family.
As family, career, and life in general have siphoned time from one of my passions, most of my Midwest pro wrestling knowledge comes in spurts from MWR. It is a great site that has helped in more ways than it will ever get credit for, and that is due to a combined effort from contributors to MWR, promoters, wrestlers, behind-the-scenes staff, and of course fans! When Brian and I chatted last week and he informed me that the 1000th post was fast approaching, I wanted to get involved.
A lot is said of a wrestler’s desire and love of the business. Sometimes paid in hot dogs and other time not paid at all, these men and women travel at great physical, emotional, and financial expense because they love to entertain and they strive to improve. Unfortunately, there are other pieces of this puzzle that often go overlooked. These overlooked pieces are evident in those train wrecks that inevitably occur. Great wrestlers can make a great match, but those that work in supporting roles (the overlooked pieces I am referring to) are what make an entire event a success. In fact, those working in these supporting roles can make or break everything from the attendance to the safety at the show.
Those in these supporting roles include the promoter himself/herself, the booker, the referee, ring announcer, managers/valets, sound man/woman, camera crew, photographer, security, bloggers/journalists, and other volunteers. These men and women are no less a part of the wrestling business than the wrestlers themselves, but they often do what they do with little or no fanfare. There is no World Wrestling Entertainment developmental program for most of these roles, and many serving in these capacities are expected to do the work for free to pay their dues and to be a part of the show.
Even WWE legend Shawn Michaels acknowledged many of the great supporting members of WWE during his retirement speech on the March 29, 2010 edition of Monday Night RAW:
This is really gonna sound strange to you guys, but there’s a whole lot of people in those big ‘ol trucks out back, there are these guys here holding the camera, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and of course the greatest announcer of all time Jim Ross… but I want to thank all you guys. You guys always made me look better than I ever really was and I so appreciate that.
I want to follow in those great footsteps in this, the 1000th post on Missouri Wrestling Revival, by naming my own MWR “Supporting Roles” All-Star Team. This is by no means definitive and is solely based on my opinion with some input from trusted friends.
Supporting Roles All-Star 1st Team
Booker – Matt Murphy
I have talked with Matt numerous times and know his credentials. This would be the guy to go to in order to get the matches lined up… and the first guy I would talk to to straighten out any backstage issues.
Referees –
Brandon Schmidt
Eric Davis
Both men work hard and want to continue learning. You’d be hard pressed to find two more competent officials to ref a show.
Ring Announcer –
KL Snow
The man with the green socks has a great voice for ring announcing and is one of the nicest men you’ll meet in and out of the ring. He no longer operates in the area, but is worth the money to bring in.
Video –
Skylar Pierce
This guy shoots and edits wrestling video on a regular basis and continues to improve. Watch 3XW’s Outside the Ring on Youtube to see the progression of his video work.
Camera – Jenny Bessman 3XW’s video team under the guidance of Skylar Pierce is my logical choice, with Jenny getting the by name selection, but without excluding the video talents of Sean Wilkerson. These guys keep the 3XW machine moving in the right direction by continuing their line of DVDs and providing footage for the 3XW web show Outside the Ring.
Security –Brandon “Bubba” Wacholtz
When I put together the MWR show for November 2009, “Bubba” was my first choice for security. Very professional in a security capacity and anyone that says otherwise has probably deserved being removed from a show.
Backstage Photographer –
Michael R. Van Hoogstraat
Many of the great Midwest wrestler photos from backstage that you see on this site and across the Internet come from this man!
Ringside Photographer –
Gary Giaffoglione
You feel right there in the middle of the action when Gary is at the helm.
Mouthpiece –
Magic Man
I extended the offer to Magic Man a long time ago… whenever I have a video camera he is always welcome to jump in front of it.
Mouthpiece –
Chad Mylan
Quite honestly, I mark for very few things in this world… but I mark for Chad Mylan. I am a Mylanite.
Booster –
Chuck Maddox
A genuinely nice guy with a love for professional wrestling that many do not come close to matching. Chuck is the guy you’d want to work with on any marketing plan or budget.
Journalist/Blogger –
Kari Williams
The resident workhorse at MWR has a career beyond this site that is right around the corner. I am very proud to have met her and often go to her for writing advice.
That is all I have for this, the 1000th post on Missouri Wrestling Revival. Remember, if its worth supporting then support it. If not then run the other way and something better will eventually come along!
Harley Race, World League Wrestling, and the Harley Race Wrestling Academy proudly announces its 10th annual wrestling camp. The dates of the camp are set starting on October 4th through October 9th, with a show set on the night of the 9th located at the home of the wrestling academy in Eldon, MO.
Harley established the camp in 2000, giving many opportunities to young wrestlers to be critiqued and tutored by not only the 8-Time World Heavyweight Champion, but also by trainers at the Harley Race Wrestling academy. We expect to have representatives at the camp from not only World Wrestling Entertainment , but also Pro-Wrestling NOAH.
Past participants have included, but not limited to, former WWE superstar Trevor Murdoch , current WWE superstar Ted Dibiase Jr., current WWE referee John Cone, NXT Season 2 superstar Michael McGuillicutty , FCW Referee Ryan Tran, Ritchie Steamboat, one half of the current WLW tag team champions Superstar Steve Fender (awarded the Cauliflower Alley Club Future Legend award), WLW star Jason Jones (just returning from a 3-month stay at the Pro Wrestling NOAH dojo),and one half of the current Pro-Wrestling NOAH Tag Team Champions Keith Walker.
Past guest instructors have included Ricky Steamboat, Japanese wrestling legend Kenta Kobashi, KENTA, Naomichi Marufuji, Pro-Wrestling NOAH Heavyweight Champion Takashi Suguira, Former Pro-Wrestling NOAH and WLW heavyweight champion Go Shiozaki, and Takeshi Morishima, Ted Dibiase Sr, and John Laurinaitis.
With the camp concluding on Friday, there will be a show on Saturday, October 9th. Participants wanting to be included on the show need to be LICENSED in the State of Missouri. To be licensed in Missouri, you need to fill out the appropriate form found on the Missouri Athletic Commission’s website at http://pr.mo.gov/boards/athletics/375-0236.pdf, along with having a current physical (to be filled out by M.D. or D.O.). Physical forms can be found at http://pr.mo.gov/boards/athletics/375-0299.pdfComplete blood work showing HIV and ALL hepatitis tests from a licensed clinic is also required.
The cost of the camp is $500.00. There is a $250.00 non-refundable deposit that is REQUIRED to reserve a spot in this year’s camp along with the registration form. This year’s camp has a limited amount of spots available, so early registration is suggested. Registration forms are available at harleyrace.com.
This year’s camp has corporate rates at the Heritage Inn and Suites within a short distance of the camp. For rates and reservations, please call the manager 573-392-2100 and mention that you are part of the camp. Other hotels include the Eldon Inn (573-392-5664) and Randle’s Motor Court (573-392-5661). Lunches are available for purchase at T. Murdoch’s Bar & Grille (573-392-7122). Eldon Family Fitness is the premier exercise facility that all WLW stars train at, and will be allowing camp participants to work out at a discounted rate.
For more information about this camp, feel free to contact World League Wrestling at 573-392-4100, email wlwmom@earthlink.net or visit Harleyrace.com
Hello once again wrestling fans, Dubray Tallman back for a brand new “Dubi meets the Fans“. I missed what looked to be an exciting night of wrestling on July 17th in Park Hills with World League Wrestling due to an illness, but I am excited about returning with “Dubi meets the NWA Dynamo Fans”.
I always try to get with fans prior to the matches to find out their favorite wrestler so we have an ideal what stars to catch up to during the short intermission. On this night there was a wrestler who was really in demand and it was none other than Shorty Biggs. A problem did arise when it was announced that Shorty had not arrived yet due to travel problems.
Mat Fitchett with Kevin Agoain
The NWA Dynamo Superstar that was chosen for the MWR T-shit give away was young Mat Fitchett who had a phenomenal match with Gary J that saw him light up the fans with a 450 splash with the win. Prior to the match starting Fitchett threw Kevin Agoain from Granite City the brand new grey version of the MWR T-shirt.
John, Rhonda, and lil Blake Rushing with Dan Woods, and Cameron Lilley with NWA Missouri Champion Davey Vega
I caught up with a great group of fans John, Rhonda, and lil Blake Rushing from Granite City plus Dan Woods, and Cameron Lilley from Scotaunton, IL who were delighted that the NWA Missouri Champion Davey Vega posed with them with the historic title in hand.
Oliva Hale from Granite City, IL
Sweet Oliva Hale from Granite City , IL stated that she was unsure of who she would like to have a picture with, but thought that it would be fun. She told me “pick someone cute” and in my mind there is no one cuter than Tyler Cook. I have known Cook for sometime now and he was more than happy to pose with Oliva.
Mat Fitchett and Mark Body
Mark Brody wanted a picture with a female wrestler, but beings that there was none on the card he was impressed with the young Fitchett.
Austin, Cory, and Jake from St Peters, Mo with Trent Stone
Up next was three excited boys Austin, Cory, and Jake from St Peters, Mo who chose the powerful Trent Stone. Stone one of the most impressive looking men in the Midwest seemed to enjoy taking the picture with the kids as much as Austin, Cory and Jake did.
Dubray Tallman with Dan Walsh
While I was waiting for Liz, Jen, Kayleigh and Bailey to get together for a picture, I decided to grab my choice for this feature. I have been very impressed with Dan Walsh. Walsh is a guy who I feel is a name that you will be hearing a lot out of in the near future.
my Liz, Jen, Kayleigh and Bailey pose with the lights out with wrestling Heartthrob Tyler Cook
Due to Shorty still not being in the building Liz, Jen, Kayleigh and Bailey stated that Tyler Cook would be a great pick. Then right as Brian was about to take the picture, human nature hit. The lights went out and it was almost pitch black due to a thunderstorm. The little girls were a little shaken up but Tyler, Liz and Jen was positive, while they along with Cook tried to make light out of the situation.
Bonus Picture fans that grabbed Brian to get a picture wih young Adam Rich
Unfortunately the lights would never come back on, but NWA Dynamo announced that everyone that brought back their ticket stub to the August 28th show they would get $5.00 off the admission price.
Look for a photo recap from MWR Photographer extraordinaire Mike Van Hoogstraat in the near future here at MWR and join me this Saturday in Granite City, Illinois for High Voltage Wrestling where the HVW Champion Kahagas returns plus a triple treat match with my friend Santana G taking on Amy Hennig and the Great Cheyenne plus be a fan for out “Dubi meets the High Voltage Wrestling Fans”.
Missouri Wrestling Revival 