It was a great honor that my friend Jason Cline messaged me the other night to tell me that his son Jackson was reading the 2015 MWR Yearbook before he went to bed. What a honor, that he has enjoyed the book so much.
Jackson did have one concern, in the 2014 yearbook I had listed my top ten favorite wrestlers of all-time and he could not believe that I had not listed the very talented and highly entertaining Daniel Bryan.
In the 2015, I did have two very talented wrestlers Billy McNeil and Jordynne Grace list their favorite wrestlers in a great edition to the book. I mentioned to Jackson’s dad Jason that I would love to have Jackson’s personal top ten to add to the site.
Tonight I was thrilled to receive that list and am very happy to share them with you.
Brian I told Jackson about your offer to post his top ten list, when I got home today here’s what he had for me. Presenting the “official” top ten wrestlers and/or teams in his own words with mine in parentheses:
1)AJ Styles – “He’s awesome in the ring, and my dad always plays his theme songs in the car” (true on both accounts)
2)Michael Elgin – “He was my first favorite wrestler” (I started getting back into wrestling right when Elgin was moving up the card in ROH and Jack immediately latched on to him.
We’ve met him multiple times and he’s always been great to us.
3)Dalton Castle – “He is so unique in the ring” (Jackson loves the antics of Dalton’s boys, but he’s right about his ring style as well)
4)Red Dragon – “They are awesome singles wrestlers and when they tag they’ll kick your butt” (Can’t argue with that logic lol)
5)Davey Vega – “He’s great in the ring and a good guy” (Agreed 100% on both, Davey’s been nothing but great to us and he’s a very good wrestler.)
6)Mat Fitchett – “I always liked him but he moved up a lot when he beat Gary Jay” (The thing I love most about watching wrestling with Jack is getting to remember when I was his age and how I loved the good guys and hated the bad guys. When Fitchett beat Gary Jay he was so excited that it made a great match even better for me personally)
7)The Viking War Party – “Jake and Alex are hardcore” (Jackson LOVES to watch VWP fight The Hooligans probably more than any other matches, I struggle to keep up with him as he’s running around trying to see wherever they’re at while brawling outside the ring.)
8)The Hooligans – “I love it when they fight outside the ring” (See above)
9)Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson – “Nobody can deny The Bullet Club” (I watch a lot of New Japan, which means Jackson does as well. Now that they’ve made it to WWE Jackson wants to watch Raw and Smackdown.)
10)The Young Bucks – “I like their style and I like superkick parties” (what kid wouldn’t like The Young Bucks?)
Brian & Lori Davis had recently lost everything in a house fire, including their seven-year-old son. Fortunately, they had friends who were ready to lend a helping hand.
Brian, Lori, and Brian’s sister Lindsay were in attendance for St. Louis Anarchy’s Benefit Bash in Alton, Illinois. Members of the Anarchy roster were friends of the family and set up the event to raise money for the Davises; all of the proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise raffles went directly to the family.
As usual, St. Louis Anarchy presented a loaded lineup; Ring Of Honor stars Michael Elgin, Kyle O’Reilly, and A.C.H. were on the card as well as west-coast standout B-Boy. Several competitors made their debuts for the promotion and others made their returns after long absences.
Some people on the show were more concerned about their own matters, one of those being ring announcer/manager Greg Jovi. He had returned as a ring announcer for Yuletide Terror, but he still harbored deep-seated resentment toward the Anarchy fans. He lashed out at the fans in attendance at the start of the show before being run off by the Hooligans.
The Hooligans fended off a strong effort by the Two-Star Heroes (Matt Knicks & Chris Castro) and vowed that they would give the same treatment to the Young Bucks on March 1st. The fans in attendance had less than flattering sentiments regarding Matt & Nick Jackson.
Brandon Espinosa was in the rare position of being a fan favorite against “The Money” Matt Cage. Cage offered Espinosa some cash to “go down”, but Espinosa misinterpreted Cage’s intentions at first. Espinosa took the payoff but attacked Cage anyway to kick-start the bout; Espy went on to win a tough battle.
Chaos was the order of the day in a six-way dance featuring newcomers to the Anarchy roster. “Showtime” Bradley Charles and Geek Singh formed a temporary alliance to eliminate the competition, but SBC double-crossed Singh by rolling him up for a surprise pin. That left Charles one-on-one with Alex Castle, but Castle would emerge victorious as he continues to gain fan support in SLA.
The fans recognized Jeff O’Shea as “Not Matt Cage”; O’Shea had filled in for Cage as Castle’s tag partner at a previous show. That brought Cage himself to the ring to shake hands with his counterpart. O’Shea and Mallaki Matthews took on the duo of Alex The Big Owl and Gorgeous Jordan Lacey; The Big Owl showed a more aggressive side in picking up the win.
B-Boy had once teamed up with Homicide and his resume includes experience with IWA Mid-South, Wrestling Society X, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and Jersey All-Pro Wrestling. However, this was his first appearance in the St. Louis area and he was facing a crowd favorite in A.C.H. A.C.H. has been making a name for himself in ROH as well as other national promotions…despite the difference in overall experience, A.C.H. was able to get the tapout win over “The New Age Punisher” and earn his respect!
Mike Sydal showed off his yoga-enhanced flexibility on a few occasions, but it wasn’t quite enough to take down the popular Bolt Brady; Bolt got the win after several innovative maneuvers.
Despite Michael Elgin‘s national reputation, the fans were solidly behind Jojo Bravo in his quest to topple the powerhouse. Jojo did his best to wear down the “Unbreakable” one with sleeperholds, but Elgin finally defeated him after a turnbuckle powerbomb followed by his signature spiral bomb. It appeared Bravo had impressed Elgin, but Elgin mowed him down with a clothesline after raising his beaten opponent’s hand.
With a title shot at Gerald James in his future, Kyle O’Reilly sought to pick up some momentum heading into the Gateway To Anarchy weekend. Evan Gelistico was far from a mere “stepping stone” in O’Reilly’s journey and matched the current Ring Of Honor Tag Team Champion move for move. In the end, O’Reilly got the victory and now looks to capture the gold in St. Louis Anarchy!
Adam Raw returned to SLA to face Ricky Starks...with the recent trend of “old school” in wrestling, the two used several moves that you wouldn’t normally see in an Anarchy ring like the bearhug and iron claw. Raw got the win with a familiar-looking combination of moves: A big boot to the face followed by a legdrop off the ropes.
The main event was a wild brawl right out of the gate as Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett rushed the ring to battle with Anarchy Champion Gerald James and Jeremy Wyatt. Dorian Victor wasn’t above getting physically involved so it was a three-on-two situation at times. Despite the odds, Fitchett managed to plant James with a cradle piledriver to pick up the win over the champion!
The night wasn’t quite over as James, Wyatt, and Victor went on the attack once again. Greg Jovi ran into the ring to attack his former protege Fitchett and that brought out the Hooligans. Alex The Big Owl and Jordan Lacey weren’t far behind…but out of nowhere, Lacey turned on his tag team partner! At the end of the show, Lacey stood tall alongside James, Wyatt, Victor, and Jovi.
While the events of the wrestling show were memorable for the fans in attendance, it was special in a different way for the Davises…their friends at St. Louis Anarchy had put on a great show and given them some much-needed financial support in a tough time of their lives.
The hardcore wrestling fan base are quick to point out that one of the top tag teams that you have never heard of is the Young Bucks. They consist of southern California heart throbs, brothers Matt and Nick Jackson, two young wrestlers that represent the west with their stereotypical glitz and glam, but make no mistake about the two are much more than just two pretty boys.
Many of the top teams went into a match against the Young Bucks, thinking they would be able to control them by grounding the brothers, only to find out that it is easier said than done. Matt and Nick has a second level that only the best teams possess, that quality has lead their opponents running out of gas, breathing for air and within moments looking at the ceiling at the bright lights, wandering what went wrong.
This has been the case with so many wrestling tag teams around the world that have tried their hand to keep up with the Young Bucks. For the past several years they have won fans over in great matches at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Chikara, Ring of Honor, Evolve and most recently at New Japan Pro Wrestling capturing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship by defeating Suzukigun (Taichi and Taka Michinoku).
Tag Team Championship and wrestling on most recently wrestling on IPPV this month for Evolve has the Young Bucks continuing their hot streak and adding more evidence to those that say that they are pro wrestling’s best tag team not with the WWE in 2014.
But is that about to change?
On February 28th and March 1st the Young Bucks have signed to wrestle at St. Louis Anarchy for their biggest shows in SLA History. The weekend is filled with many of the top talents in the Midwest today, mixed in with some of hottest young wrestlers in the world as Eddie Edwards, Davey Richard, Kyle O’ Reilly, Darin Corbin, Gerald James, Jeremy Wyatt, Bolt Brady Davey Vega, Brandon Espinosa and Mat Fitchett will all be in action for this Midwest Supercard.
The Young Bucks are set to meet the very popular young SLA tag team of Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett on the first night of the double shot. Vega and Fitchett are two of the young singles wrestlers that have come together to form an exciting team that will match speed vs. speed and heart vs. heart.
The Young Bucks could very well head into the second night of the 2014 SLA Gateway to Anarchy Weekend 0-1.
Win or loss on the first night there is a team that is looking to prove to the fans of the Young Bucks that their favorite team has met their match. That team is the Hooligans, Devin and Mason Cutter, ask any wrestler or fans in the Midwest who the best tag team in the area is and the answer is sure to be these two brothers, that have kept tag team wrestling alive. Ranked as the number one tag team in the MWR Coverage area, they are the only tag team to win the MWR Tag Team of the Year Awards twice after being chosen again in 2013.
We caught up with the Hooligans who had this to say on this huge match that is just over a month away “The Young Bucks are a world Traveled tag Team and one of the Best in the World. But in us they face a Hungry team one that wants what they have one that wants to prove they are the best. So in Alton il they best be prepared cause not only do they face The Hooligans They face us with we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
On March 1st, it will be 2 brothers vs. 2 brothers, the Jacksons vs. the Cutters in a war that will be of epic proportions. Not since the West Virginia’s, Hatfield family and Kentucky’s, McCoy’s went to war has there been a more talked about battle in this area.
Can the Young Bucks survive the onslaught that the Hooligans are capable of with a combination of, power and the underrated speed that the Cutter Brothers deliver early and often in a match?
The Young Bucks will hope to set up the Hooligans with excellent tag team moves such as the Aided dropkicks, the Crazy Dive, the Stereo 450° splashes Springboard splash (Nick) / standing moonsault (Matt) combination only to finish them with their breathtaking finishers the Early-Onset Alzheimer’s or More Bang for Your Buck (Rolling fireman’s carry slam by Matt followed by a 450° splash by Nick followed by a moonsault by Matt).
The Hooligans though have taught this generation of fans in the Midwest what true tag team wrestling is about by taking them to school as they cut the ring in half with perfect precision. That are masterful by creating chaos and havoc from start to finish that has left their opponents confused and bewildered questioning themselves on what happened after the Hooligans hit them with their own moves the Hooligan Rush and the Hooligan Driver.
The time has come for the Hooligans, will they be able to show the world that they are indeed the most underrated tag team today or will the Young Bucks add them to the list of victims that thought they were up to task to challenge them?
Purchase your tickets today to say that you were part of history when St Louis Anarchy presents Gateway to Anarchy and be ringside for this exciting ride to see the Best of the Midwest meet one of the Best in the World.
Saint Louis Anarchy presents: Gateway to Anarchy Weekend
Live from Alton IL Knights of Columbus Hall (405 E 4th Street)
Friday night February 28th and Saturday night March 1st
Doors Open at 6:15pm for all online orders, 6:30pm for everyone else
Shows both starts at 7:00pm
Tickets: $15 front row one night, $30 for both nights, $12 second row reserve for one night $24 for both, $10 gen. Admission for one night $20 for both
Missouri Wrestling Revival is excited to announce that world wide superstar Davey Richards is now a part of the MWR Trading Card series.
Richards opponents can tell you first hand he is able to use his speed, wrestling ability and knowledge to go along with an explosive attack that can take the heart out of lesser men in the ring.
Trained early on by the talented Tony Kozina, Richards combines wrestling with Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to provide fans with an offense that often leaves them breathless.
Richards is no stranger to MWR as he headlined for the first ever Missouri Wrestling Revival Best of the Midwest DVD in his match with 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt. The Best of the Midwest matches showcased the great talent in the area at several promotions.
Cover by MWR artist Dartallion Allen
To purchase your very own MWR Best of the Midwest DVD send $15.00 to Brian Kelley 305 west 3rd Salisbury Missouri 65281 Free Shipping
Davey forms one of wrestling’s most respect tag teams with Eddie Edwards to form The American Wolves. On April 10th they defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico to become the Ring of Honor Tag team champions.
Former ROH World Tag Team Champions Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards, The American Wolves (Photo Credit Scott Finkelstein.)
Throughout the year they would defend the titles until December 9th when they lost to the Briscoe Brothers. Still Wrestling Observer Newsletter would honor them with the 2009 Tag Team of the Year. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Davey Richards as the number 77th rank wrestler in the world in 2009
Davey Richards punishes Bryan Danielson with crushing blows from his legs. (Photo credit Scott Finkelstein)
Most recently Richards challenged Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black for the title on June 19 at Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV. Black would be able to survive in a war worthy of MOTY, but like all great wrestlers even in defeat the match only added to the legend of Richards.
#1 The Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz– 2008 MWR Tag team of the Year. #2 Mark Sterling– 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year.
#3 The Hooligans Devin and Mason Cutter -2009 MWR Tag Team of the Year #4 MsChif– 2009 MWR Female of the Year #5 Mike Sydal – 2009 PWI Rookie of the Year #6 Jeremy Wyatt – 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year. 2008 MWR Match of the Year Michael Strider, 2009 MWR Match of the Year Tyler Cook #7 Santana G –Seen on TNA #8 Kahagas – The Tokyo Monster
#9 Mephisto– Hardcore favorite
#10 Tyler Black– Ring of Honor World Champion #11 Sir Bradley Charles– Trained by Lance Storm #12Brandon Espinosa – Multi talented superstar #13 Dave Vaughn – The Wrestling Machine #14 “The Future” Donovan Ruddick -The 6’9 Monster #15 Brandon Aarons – Current Triple Crown Champion in the Midwest.
For a complete list of Missouri Wrestling Revival trading cards as well as WWE , TNA and Japan sets check out the website Wrestling trading cards.comhere.
Davey Richards returns to the Midwest this Friday in Collinsville Illinois in a rematch against Generation Me (the former Young Bucks).
Straight from the Ring of Honor website lets take a look at this and ROH’S historic tour throughout the Midwest .
ROH officials announced on June 1st (http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/bangforbucks/) that Generation Me (the former Young Bucks) were making their return to Ring of Honor competition on July 23rd and 24th in Collinsville, IL and Chicago Ridge, IL respectively.
Last night, ROH officials finalized the first of Max and Jeremy Buck’s opponents; a team that GenMe wanted to face more than any other in Ring of Honor, the men that beat them in their last Ring of Honor appearance at “SoCal Showdown” (available on DVD ) – Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards – The American Wolves!
On that January night in Los Angeles, Eddie Edwards made Jeremy Buck tap out to the Achilles Lock and that loss has eaten up GenMe for months now. “We know in our hearts that we’re better than The American Wolves,” said Jeremy. “We know we can beat Eddie and Davey, and we know July 23rd will be our night.” Max added, “We have kept our eyes on Ring of Honor. We know Eddie and Davey have been wrapped up in their individual pursuits as of late and I know my brother and I have elevated our skills as a team to a whole new level. We are better than ever, and in St. Louis – Davey Richards’ adopted hometown mind you – we will prove that these young bucks, Generation Me, has always been the better team.”
It’s Generation Me vs. The American Wolves! Don’t miss the cutting edge of tag team wrestling as it comes to the St. Louis area!
Gateway Center
July 23rd, 2010- 8:00 pm belltime
One Gateway Drive
Collinsville, IL 62234
Tickets will be available to purchase at the door on the night of the show!!!
A special autograph session with Generation Me and Amazing Kong will take place prior to the event starting at approximately 7:00 PM.
Special Challenge – Tag Team Attraction
GenerationMe (formerly The Young Bucks) vs. The American Wolves More Info
Six-Person Tag Team War ROH World Tag Team Champions the Kings of Wrestling/Sara del Rey vs. The Briscoe Brothers/Amazing Kong More Info
Trios Grudge Match ROH World Champion Tyler Black/Jerry Lynn/Delirious with Daizee Haze vs. Austin Aries/Kenny King/Rhett Titus
Singles Match The Necro Butcher with Prince Nana vs. “Skullkrusher” Rasche Brown More Info
Hate: Chapter II
Kevin Steen vs. El Generico More Info
Pick 6 Contenders Series
(1) Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini vs. Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana
Missouri Wrestling Revival 