National Wrestling Alliance
-STREATOR, IL.
When the referee’s hand slapped the mat for the third time, NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, Craig Classic smiled, knowing that this victory secured his trip to Japan for Zero-One for their huge upcoming show. The problem in Streator, IL. that night was that the referee failed to notice Tony Kozina’s foot on the rope.
“That match did seem to end abruptly”, said Trevor Millmaker, who watched from the second row with his sons in attendance.
After the bout, Craig Classic showered, dressed, and sped away to the airport without saying a word. Kozina, on the other hand, answered some questions from the internet and newspaper reporter on hand.
“Part of me is screaming inside as to who this ref is, and how much experience he has. And then I think, well.. it just wouldn’t have gone down that way had I simply lifted my shoulder. I wasn’t out. I was trying to conserve energy. The rope was there and hey- you throw your foot over the rope to break count and relax for a second. Never did it occur to me that the referee might not see it!”
What was to be two title shots for Kozina, turned into one shot, which ended in controversy. The night before, in Waukesha, WI., Kozina found himself in a three-way dance to determine a number one contender after it was announced that the Champion was delayed at a New Jersey airport due to the winter storm blanketing the country.
“It’s always something”, said Kozina. “I had the promoter calling me earlier in the week, saying the local wrestlers, and other midwest wrestlers were complaining because they felt they deserved the shot. Then Classic is delayed, which was true. It happens. But then I get this outcome which, to me, is unacceptable.”
When asked about his next step for a rematch with Classic, the 14 year veteran didn’t miss a beat. “I had all three NWA Midwest representatives together as soon as I came back from the ring. This match was not only about that NWA title, but a Japanese tour as well, so there was a lot at stake tonight. Bob Trobich (Executive Director, National Wrestling Alliance) will get my appeal for a rematch, plus, I was granted two title matches to begin with, so I’m shooting for two more matches with whoever the Champion is.”
As of this writing, there has been no answers regarding any future NWA title matches for Tony Kozina. Craig Classic is scheduled to take the NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title to Japan, and Puerto Rico, before returning to the U.S. in late April. For fans who witnessed the events in Streator, IL., the questions is, will it take place in the midwest?
Only time will tell.
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