Is NWA World Champion Adam Pearce’s “Last Ride” tour about to come to a screeching halt due to “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt?

NWA World Champion Adam Pearce’s t-shirt as he makes his world tour.

By Brian Kelley

The prestigious NWA World title returns to where it all began as the NWA World Champion Adam Pearce comes to Des Moines, Iowa on January 27^th in action at the 2-time MWR promotion of the Year 3XWrestling.

 Adam Pearce has been the NWA World Champion since July 31^st when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for the fourth time by defeating Chance Prophet, Jimmy Rave and Shaun Tempers in a four-way match to win the vacant title.

It’s a shame that Pearce, a veteran of the sport for over 16 years has never received the just do that the man of his talents deserves. While the NWA title and the organization thrived for years under the management of the likes of Sam Muchnick, times have changed and the NWA has seen dark days for the type of wrestling that made me a fan of the sport.

With his years of experience in the ring and a desire to bring back the glory of the NWA World Title Adam Pearce has embarked on what he calls his “Last Ride tour”. 

His last trip to the Midwest was memorable to say the least as he made his way to Kansas City for Metro Pro Wrestling. The Challenger was Michael Strider, the setting a packed house at the Turner Rec Center on November 5^th, 2011. 

Steven J Girthy and NWA Central States Champion Jeremy Wyatt make their claim for the NWA World title. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Earlier in the night at Metro Pro Wrestling, Jeremy Wyatt and his manager Steven J Girthy would let the fans know that it was he who deserved a match against Adam Pearce. Bringing to the ring  Wyatt read the hype surrounding him in the year 2011 including the KC Star where they ranked him the #1 wrestler in Kansas City and copies of the MWR article “Does Steven J Girthy have Jeremy Wyatt poised to become the NWA Champion of the World on Nov 5th at Metro Pro Wrestling ?”

Yet, it would be a classic matchup in the main event as  Strider looked to have earned his boyhood dream to become the NWA World Champion when he pinned Pearce as referee  Michael Crase Jr. counted 1-2-3.

The fans were ecstatic to see Michael Strider go for the NWA title in November at Metro Pro Wrestling. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Strider look to land the big move that would give the former NWA Central States champion his dream to become the NWA World Champion. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Strider the NWA World Champion??? (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

Matt Murphy, then the MPW comish goaded Strider to continue the match due to Pearce’s feet to be supposedly under the ropes. (Photo Credit Bill Smith)

While Strider went to celebrate with his fans and father, out to the ring came MPW commissioner Matt Murphy. Murphy claimed that Pearce’s feet were on the bottom of the ropes as Crase Jr. made the final third count to the mat.

 Murphy on the mic taunted Strider stating that “You don’t want to win the title like that; you want to be a man and win it like a Champion.”

Strider unwisely would make the decision to not take the title that way and agreed to have the match continue. It would be minutes later that Pearce would benefit a little assistance from Murphy when he tripped Strider, allowing Pearce to strike and use a roll up with his feet on the ropes to retain the title.

The next day I would travel to Collinsville, Illinois to cover Ring of Honor where fans came up to me, asking if in fact Michael Strider had become the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion as they had seen on the NWA website, then was deleted as the NWA webmaster caught word of what had occurred.  Unfortunately, I had to deliver the bad news that Pearce along with Murphy had stolen the Worlds Championship from the former NWA Central States Champion Strider.

Little did we know how someone’s missed opportunities would allow Wyatt to get his wish at the NWA world title.

Fast forward to the final show of the year at 3Xrestling on December 30th.  3XWrestling Champion Jeremy Wyatt loses a close match against Mark Sterling after the “Iron Man” used the ringside bell to help Sterling began his first 3XWrestling title reign.

In the locker room, 3XWrestling camera’s captured Todd Countryman offering Sterling the contract. Let’s watch this once more to see how Wyatt and not Sterling received this dream match against the World Champion Adam Pearce.

So mark your calendars, ask for the day off, and make your way to Des Moines, Iowa at ALL PLAY as the Champion of the World Adam Pearce comes to defend his title against the 2-time 3XW Champion Wyatt. Wyatt is currently the NWA Central States Champion and only the 3^rd man in the history of the NWA to hold both the NWA Central States and the NWA Missouri title (He did this last year, Harley Race and Bob Orton being the other two men) Jeremy Wyatt.

Only the third man to hold the NWA Central States and Missouri Championship at the same time, Jeremy Wyatt(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Though Adam Pearce used some underhand tactics to defeat Strider at Metro Pro Wrestling, make no doubt about it that he can defeat Wyatt in many many ways. Pearce in the past has successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Bryan Danielson (WWE’S Daniel Bryan, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion) and Danielson is just one name on a list of victims.

From the Apr '09 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated; Pearce bludgeons perhaps his greatest opponent, a bloody Brent Albright, in New York City.

Pearce brings the ring an old school high impact attack, standing 6’2, 245 pounds he will unleash a fury of moves including the Figure four leglock, Flying fist drop, and the Middle-rope elbow drop setting his opponents up for The Rack Bomb (Backbreaker rack dropped into a powerbomb) or the vicious Jumping piledriver to retain the title.

Quite honestly, after hours of studying tape of Pearce in action, you can see many of his opponents in fear of those finishers from the start of the match. 

Pearce will have to beware of the crossface finisher from Wyatt. Many matches and titles have been won via this feared move in the Midwest for “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

One man who will not have fear in his eyes is the “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt.  Wyatt considered by many to be the best wrestler in the Midwest, has been dying for this opportunity to make a name for himself. He knows that opportunities likes these are very rare for wrestlers in the area. Quite possibly the most hated man in the Midwest, 3XWrestling fans have come to love him for his multiple matches of the year and giving a 110% during every match.

Wyatt can strike from anywhere!!!(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Wyatt has many of the fans scattering for safety as he stalks Gage Octane. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Opponents have to be concerned about going to the mat as Wyatt is a student of the game and is scary to defend against. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Devin Carter goes flying from a right hook from Wyatt….Where Wyatt lacks in size he makes up with the knowledge of when and where to deliver the blow.(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Wyatt has successfully defended his NWA Central States championship against arch rival and NWA Kansas champ Tyler Cook. In less than two weeks he goes for the NWA WORLD TITLE!!!(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Wyatt most likely will be the first to tell you he is not doing this for the fans, yet he is the fans best chance to bring back the NWA Worlds title back home to the Midwest. 

Adam Pearce has been the heart of the NWA since his first NWA World title reign September 1st, 2007 when he defeated Brent Albright in the finals of the vacated NWA tournament. Here Pearce is on set of NWA Wrestling Showcase talking 'rasslin' with David Marquez. (Photo credit Shane Kidder.)

Is Pearce making a mistake as he makes good on his promise to “GIVE BACK to a deserving industry that has given me 16+ years of experiences that I’ll cherish forever.”

Onlu the kids are brave (naive)enough to talk back to the champ. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Pearce has been wise in the past to align himself with men who can assist him in keeping his beloved gold, here he celebrates with the then MPW Champion Derek Stone and Matt Murphy. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Pearce, a fighting champion will be around the world in  Oberhausen, Germany defending the title a week prior to his return to the Midwest. Fans in Iowa can prepare for a double shot starting off with match against Wyatt at 3XW then heading to Council Bluffs, Iowa for Magnum Pro Wrestling to take on “ Babyface” Tony Cortez the very next night.

With one Lighting Spiral from Wyatt on January 27^th at 3XWrestling, the NWA president Robert Trobich   and Magnum Pro may be scrambling late Friday night to come up with a plan to resign a rematch against the NEW NWA World Champion Jeremy Wyatt and Adam Pearce immediately. 

When it is all said and done, I want the NWA and Adam Pearce don’t say that Missouri Wrestling Revival didn’t try to warn you of “The Belt Collector”.

Great NWA world title moments in the Midwest.

April 3, 1908-Frank Gotch defeats George Hackenschmidt to become the world champion in Chicago, Illinois.

April 19, 1917 Earl Caddock defeated Joe Stecher to become the world champion in Omaha, Nebraska.

Earl Caddock was not only a world champion but also enlisted in the Army to serve our country. Fans be sure to pick up the new book from Mike Chapman called Caddock “Walnut’s Wrestling Wonder” on one of the best wrestlers to ever come from the Midwest. For more info on how to purchase the book click here.

 March 3,  1922  Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated  Stanislaus Zbyszko to become the world champion in Wichita, Kansas.

Here is a great photo of two of the most powerful, respected and important men in the history of wrestling, Sam Muchnick and Lou Thesz.

December 29, 1937 Lou Thesz defeats Everett Marshall in the first of his six NWA world titles in ST Louis, Missouri.

June 30, 1961 Buddy Rogers defeats Pat O’Connor to win his first NWA world title in Chicago Illinois.

I love this photo of Harley Race. Arguably the greatest NWA World champion of all time.

May 24, 1973 Harley Race defeats Dory Funk Jr. to win first of 8 NWA world titles in Kansas City, Missouri.  Match named Pro Wrestling Illustrated match of the year.

Ric Flair would capture his first NWA World title right here in the Midwest in what many called an upset at the time.

September 17, 1981 Ric Flair defeats Dusty Rhodes to win first of 9 NWA world titles in Kansas City, Missouri.

June 10, 1983 Harley Race defeats Ric Flair for the NWA world title to set up Starcade.  Match named Pro Wrestling Illustrated match of the year.

February 20, 1989 Ricky Steamboat defeat Ric Flair to capture the NWA world title in Chicago, Illinois

January 27^th 2012 Jeremy Wyatt ???? Adam Pearce Des Moines, Iowa

Information of the NWA world title courtesy of the 16^th edition of the PWI Wrestling Almanac.

Could Jeremy Wyatt be defending the NWA WORLD TITLE at these MWR Promotions after January 27th?

MWR fans for a great source of the NWA check out the Alliance-Wrestling.com here.

Does Steven J Girthy have Jeremy Wyatt poised to become the NWA Champion of the World on Nov 5th at Metro Pro Wrestling ?

By Brian Kelley

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!!

It is time for the NWA to step up and bring the best in the tournament for the NWA JR World Championship tournament?

By Brian Kelley

The NWA was once the King of wrestling. In my heart the three letters combined will always have a place in my heart as well as many fans around the world.

Many believe that the NWA is long and gone, but I have faith that the King will rise from the ashes to become a true player in the very near future. If it is to happen it will have to start in 2011.

When two champions the NWA World Champion the Sheik was stripped of his belt and the NWA Junior World Champion Craig Classic walked away from the title, it put the world on notice. How would the mighty NWA respond to the actions of Sheik and Classic?

With the rumblings of a tournament for the NWA Junior title I have looked closely at the players that can bring honor and prestige back the NWA as they prepare for their NWA Junior Tournament on Oct 7th.

Four  men stand out among the rest.

Photo Credit Brian Kelley

First off we have Tony Kozina , a former two time NWA Junior Champion, Kozina has been very vocal in his desire to regain the NWA Junior Championship. While Kozina has trained none other than ROH World Champion Davey Richards as well as rising superstar Kyle O’Reilly he still is a main event player.

Recently, Kozina has been seen wrestling for Ring Of Honor and top notch promotions around the country . A master of controlling a match from start to finish, no wrestler is more focused to become the NWA Junior Champion.

One of the most traveled stars in the sport today Kozina has felt that Classic was his for the taking and had a match set up in October with Classic prior to the Champ surrendering the title.

Kahagas vs Joe Bravo, Dominican Wrestling Entertainment

Also in the running would be none other than the Tokyo Monster Kahagas. The feared veteran of the sport has traveled worldwide while taking on a who’s who in wrestling today. He quickly became a draw in the Midwest in a very short time while many await his return.

This year on June 18, 2011, in Sherman, TX, Kahagas participated in the first ever GWT Indy World Championship and earned runner up for the title. Legendary Judges that were present throughout the Bracket on Sunday and the Championship match were Harley Race, Mando Guerrero, Tugboat Taylor, Stan Hansen Iceman King Parsons, Col. Buck Robley, WCW’s Awesome Kong, Chris Youngblood, Head Ref. James Beard and Japan’s NOAH, GM Ryu Nakada. According to the Judges, it could have gone either way; both wrestlers have tremendous Talent and work hard. Going into Sunday’s 32-Man Bracket, the Tokyo Monster Kahagas swept the first three days of the round robin tournament had a Bye in the 1st Round with the highest overall score. In the final match of the tournament Kahagas would lose by one point to 16 year Heavyweight veteran Tim Storm.

Kahagas has been in the ring with former NWA World Champions Dusty Rhodes, Blue Demon JR, Tony Kozina and many other top stars in the world.  Several of today and yesterday stars have contacted MWR to let us know that they feel as if Kahagas can restore honor back to the NWA.

Jason Jones has left many men Frustrated with his wrestling skills in matches in 2011. *Photo Credit Bill Smith*

Then one of the hottest rising stars in the Midwest, Jason Jones. Jason Jones in 2011 won the first ever two day tournament for the Harley Race Invitational earlier this summer cementing him as one of the top men in the sport. With victories over Jeff Strong, Mark Sterling and Ryan Drago. Jones would receive his trophy from two legends that night in Race himself and WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Pipper. Jones is currently one of the top contenders for Harley Race’s World League Wrestling title and with training from both Harley, Pro Wrestling Noah and WWE scouts at the WLW/Pro Wrestling Noah Camp in October in Eldon Missouri there is no doubt that he is about to get that much more dangerous.

Jeremy Wyatt can match holds with any men in the sport today. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Last, but not least we have the NWA Central States Champion Jeremy Wyatt . The NWA in its heyday had the NWA Central States title known as a stepping stone for the NWA World Title. Jeremy Wyatt this year alone captured the NWA Central States and Missouri title in 2011 along with the 3XW and HVW championship.Wyatt joined an elite class of the only people to hold the NWA Central states and Missouri Championship at the same time along with Harley Race and Cowboy Bob Orton Jr.

3-time MWR matche of the year winner, Wyatt has won so many titles that he is named the “Belt Collector”  and a classic 60 min Iron Man match this year with Mark Sterling is why many fans in the Midwest feel as if he is the number one wrestler not signed by WWE/TNA or ROH today.

What a crime it has been to have a man that has headlined the most main events around the Midwest for the past four years not even mentioned in either the NWA Junior and World title.

It is time for the NWA to bring the best to showcase their skills in the NWA Tournament in 2011.

Golden Circle: The #1 Reaction!

By Greg Anthony

True workers, not wrestlers, workers know that our jobs are to generate a response. We want people to react to what we present to them. What reaction is the most important. Do we want to make them laugh, cry, cuss. Which reaction do we want, do we need for wrestling to prosper? The answer.. Suspension of disbelief!

Whether you make someone laugh out loud, cry from joy or a church lady cuss like a sailor they all have one thing in common, suspension of disbelief. It is getting harder and harder in today’s wrestling to create this. However it can be done; It can be done with great storytelling and less a few bad habits wrestling has picked up.

Creating suspension of disbelief in wrestling has obstacles that other forms don’t have. Wrestling is based in reality or at least it is suppose to be. So when a wrestler does a move that is obviously impossible and lets face it, ridiculous then you take a step away from reality. I’ve gotten more out of a well placed right hand then some flashy move that didn’t make any sense.

No one can deny the power of wrestling and television. As great as this combo is, it has its own problems. I would much rather watch wrestling on television than a television show about wrestling. Understand? When two people are having a private conversation backstage and act oblivious to the camera 9 inches away, for me, it takes away from my suspension of disbelief.

Great suspension of disbelief moments like HBK vs Undertaker, Double A retirement speech, Horsemen breaking Dusty’s arm,

Eddie Gilbert running over Jerry Lawler with a car were all based in reality.

The people want to believe but we have to want them to believe to. We can’t take the easy road just because we can. We have to roll up our sleeves and do the work. Come up with creative, realistic ways to tell the stories rather than relying on a feather light opponent or an invisible camera man, I promise.

MWR Fans you can speak to former NWA World Champion and WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk JR this Saturday.

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By Brian “Flair” Kelley

MWR Fans you will not want to miss the chance to listen in on the St Louis Nostalgia show this Saturday April 3rd at 11am at http://kzqz1430am.com/. Your host Herb Simmons and co-host Larry Matysik will interview wrestling great Dory Funk JR. Callers are welcomed to call in at the radio station at 1-888-394-1430.

Dory Funk JR is the son of Dory Funk SR and brother of Terry Funk. On February 11, 1969 in Tampa, Florida, Dory Funk JR would defeat Gene Kiniski and remained NWA World Champion for the next four and a half years, which is the second-longest uninterrupted reign of any NWA World Champion (Lou Thesz held the NWA world title from November 27, 1949, to March 15, 1956).

Dory’s ties to the Midwest are very tight as he would defend the NWA Championship against Black Jack Lanza with Bobby Heenan, Dick the Bruiser and Baron Von Raschke in classic match ups. Dory Funk Jr would lose his NWA World Championship in the Midwest against Harley Race in Kansas on City May 24, 1973. The match would earn Funk JR and Race the 1973 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Match of the year honors. Dory Funk JR would earn the 1974 PWI Match of the Year honors once again, this time against Jack Brisco In Tokyo Japan.

Dory is the innovator and master of the Texas cloverleaf submission hold and thrilled fans as he sold out arenas the world with great matches. At WrestleMania 2 Dory teamed with his brother Terry as they defeated the Junkyard Dog and Tito Santana.

No wrestling Hall of Fame is complete without Dory Funk 50 plus years of wrestling greatness. Last year Dory was inducted in the WWE Hall of fame by Dusty Rhodes. Dory Funk JR is also a member of the Cauliflower Alley Club (Class of 1998), NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2006), Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (Class of 2005), St Louis Hall of Fame (Class of 2008) and the  Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Former NWA World champions Terry Funk, Jack Brisco, Harley Race and Dory Funk Jr. strike a pose at the 2005 NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest in Charlotte.

Dory would continue to be an impact in the sport as he would go on to train WWE World Champions Edge, Lita and Mickie James and TNA World Champions Kurt Angle, Christian and Rhino.

Wrestling fans you will not want to miss the chance to speak to one of the most influential wrestlers to ever lace up the boots. Remember to listen this Saturday at 11 am on at http://kzqz1430am.com/to hear from the former World Champion Dory Funk JR speak with St Louis’s Herb Simmons and co-host Larry Matysik. To call in do not forget 1-888-394-1430.

Neil “Diamond” Cutter is a One of a kind.

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

Today there are many high profile second and third generation superstars dominating the wrestling landscape. Cowboy Bob Orton’s son WWE World Champion Randy Orton is at the top of the list along with Ted Dibiase’s son Ted JR who is a tag team partner of former NWA World Champion Dusty Rhodes youngest son Cody form the team known as “The Legacy”. The Midwest also has there eyes on Curt Hening’s son Joe and his daughter Amy as they have got their start in the area with Wrestling Legend Harley Race.

Families and wrestling have a special bond throughout the history of the sport. Throughout the years fans have watched in excitement as the families of the Von Erich’s, The Harts, The Guerrero’s and The Funk’s have brought tears of joy, sadness and at times hatred in the eyes of the special fraternity called “fans”.

This leads us to the Cutters, Devin and Mason Cutter. Two Brothers that have been in the thorn of Midwest wrestlers who have faced them just as days long gone by, when the brothers Frank and Jesse James terrorized the government who they felt had gave them no choice but to fight back. The James Gang were known as outlaws whereas the Cutlers are known as The Hooligans.

The Hooligans (Photo By Brian "Flair" Kelley)

What is a Hooligan you ask? I caught up with Devin and Mason and Mason gave me a thorough explanation “We are known as The Hooligans, we represent a society called Skinheads. That does not mean we are racists because we are not. We proudly come from the working class where you take pride in hard work. Skinhead means that we stand up against a government that is slowly taking apart a society that once belonged to the working class. We will strap on our boots and march with our fellow working men and stomp out these fascists governments. In the end we will finally give the power back to the people the way it was meant to be.” he continued to say “United we stand in this movement, united we will stomp the oppressors out. We are not a gang, just brothers black and white we stand and fight, we fly no colors, our torn up knuckles and faded blue jeans are the colors we wear. We don’t need no gang to watch our ass just loyal friends from the working class. Arm and arm we fight as one. We should be labeled as the men and women that have built this society from scratch. We should be known simply as WORKING CLASS HEROES!!

Midwest fans have been watching The Hooligans join together as family going to war with Ian Rotten at IWA. What one may have missed is that there is a third Cutter.

The black sheep of the family - Neil Diamond Cutter(Photo Credit Brian "Flair" Kelley)

His name is Neil “Diamond” Cutter, one would say he is a little on the strange side. While the Devin and Mason were planning and plotting on how to take a stand against the oppression in this politically correct world, “Lil” Cutter was in the back room listening to Neil Diamond classics, “Sweet Caroline” and “Kentucky Women” blaring much to the disdain of the Cutter family.

Mason Cutter confirmed this with displeasure in his voice. Neil would always be listening to those damn Neil Diamond cds all night. It drives us crazy. Mason Cutter

I was able to catch up with Neil at a recent Independent  Hardcore Wrestling show in Dupo, Illinois to get his thoughts on his brothers and there upcoming match in the semi title tournament match for the High Voltage Wrestling tag team titles to question weather he would be in the house to support his brothers all he could talk about was the BIG NEWS!!

Neil Diamond had his first ever online store!!?? Yes, now he can buy all his Diamond merchandise at one spot. The little Cutler was quite pleased with himself as he explained to me that “You can get all your Neil Diamond merchandise From the Neil Diamond messenger bag to the Brand new Neil Diamond album The Home Before Dark Deluxe Edition CD which features two BONUS tracks and a second DVD disc with up close and personal footage of the new music. Neil proudly stated “Brian, Don’t Buy it anywhere but from the online store because there you can get the free Neil Diamond Poster!”

With great advice from Neil withstanding, one can not discount the talent of the runt of the family. Fearlessness and toughness have never been in question from Neil, he showed that this April at IWA’S Bloodshowers part one when he assisted his brothers to get the win against the hardcore brothers known as Bad Breed, Ian and Axl Rotten in a Barbed Wire- match.

Neil’s single’s debut at IWA was against up and comer Juice Robinson. Neil must have stayed up late jamming to Neil’s classic “Walk on water” because no matter what he did he crashed and burned with the young pretty boy taking home the win, while his brothers Devin and Mason looked back in disgust.

”I don’t understand Neil Diamond music and even less as to why Neil loves it so damn much.” Devon Cutter

Wrestlers should not let Neil’s odd behavior or his size fool them. He is one of the most fearless wrestlers in the Midwest today. Going into the match with the youngest and smallest Cutler looks to be a cakewalk. When the bell rings he has the ability to use his body like a missile hitting you from every direction. When Neil goes to the top rope and comes down on you with such great height the downward momentum feels like he hit you with a sledgehammer.

Ian Rotten stood up for the lil Cutter at the show , “Truth Justice, and the IWA way” when he stated firmly “Neil has a bigger pair of balls than both of the Hooligans combined!”

Watch out for Neil’s Bombs Away”. While his opponent is down on their hands and knees thinking that it is safe , Neil runs onto their back and jumps straight up to delivers a pain full senton bomb. Explosive and deadly, Neil is always looking to hit one of the many versions of his Diamond Cutter for the win which he calls D.N.D (Dedication to Neil Diamond).

Neil may not be a household name today but this journalist has been around the MWR coverage area scouting talent and he is what you would call a sleeper. A poor mans Evan Bourne, Neil has some of the raw skills that the WWE’S Bourne possesses. Neil shocked the Midwest when he was able to get the biggest win in his short career this past May at IWA Mid-South when he defeated one of the top 5 stars in the Midwest Mark Sterling by delivering the patented D.N.D. Just a small glimpse of what the little guy can do.

In a world where big men rule the ring Neil’s breathtaking moves have the chance to steal the show and the spotlight at any event. Even from his big brothers who look down on him as he tries to show them that he is worthy of the Cutter name.

The Cutters together (Photo Credit Brian “Flair” Kelley)

I will leave you with a request from Neil “Diamond” Cutter himself. MWR fans (I never thought I would be saying this) I give you Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline…..

To book Neil Diamond Cutter please contact him by hitting him up at his myspace at www.myspace.com/redneckextremist. To book The Hooligans please contact them at www.myspace.com/devinnmason

Join MWR in Welcoming Josh Ray back from Iraq this Saturday!!

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

 

Join MWR to welcome back Josh Ray from Iraq 3-14-09 at High Voltage Wrestling!

 

We would like to invite every wrestling fan in the Midwest to join MWR as we welcome back our friend Josh C Ray as he returns from Iraq.  MWR has teamed up with High Voltage Wrestling to bring together a top notch card that promises to excite the young and old.

 

High Voltage Wrestling boasts a wide range of talent that includes:

 

HVW Champion “The Future” Donovan Ruddick- Ruddick is one of the most powerful men in the Midwest. With his manager “The Magic Man” Ruddick has had a stranglehold on the HVW title with no plans on letting it go anytime soon.

 

 The Japanese Nightmare Kahagas- Kahagas is one of the most underrated wrestlers in the nation and has battled with Dusty Rhodes, Tomko, and just recently wrestled a classic against Dingo at HVW in January.

 

Dingo- Dingo is a Champion where ever he goes. He currently holds the NWA Missouri and the IWA- Mid South Championship and the HVW title looks to be in his sights.   

 

“Big” Rick Fuller- Fuller has wrestled Hogan and Goldberg in WCW. Trained under WWE Superstars “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas. A Star in New Japan Pro Wrestling Fuller has been terrorizing wrestlers around the world with a chop that you have to hear to believe.

 

 

Brandon Espinoza – Multi-talented, Brandon came close to becoming the first HVW Champion in a three way with Ruddick and Kahagas. Now he sets his sights on the HVW Livewire title.  Look for an exciting match when he takes on fan favorite Gary J.

 

Gary J – Gary never fails to excite the crowd and is not afraid to put his body on the line. Come and see what the Gary J will do next!!

 

Some of the most talked about tag teams in the Midwest will be in St Louis as well. The devastating duo The Hooligans, the exciting Zero Gravity, the team of the future The Hybrids and one can not forget the HVW’s own Bandana Mafia. Teams that have graced the HVW ring in the past are The LONRS, The Blackhearts, and NBWA’s finest. If you like tag team action then you will love HVW.

 

That is not all….MWR is proud to bring to HVW two of the premier wrestlers in the Midwest. “The King of the 450″ Steve Anthony will be taking on “Superstar” Steve Fender These two men were chosen because they were two of Josh’s favorites in the ring. You will see quickly why Josh feels that way when two hook up. Both have trained under Pro Wrestling Legend Harley Race at WLW. Superstar Steve has been toured Japan several times and you recently saw Anthony wrestled at ROH debut in St Louis. This has a chance to be a match talked about in St Louis for years to come.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to see stars around the nation this coming Saturday. Tickets are only $10.00. Children 7 and under is FREE!! HVW is supporting our troops by allowing all Military personal to save a dollar if you show you’re Military Id.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6:30 Show starts at 7:30.

We hope to see you there!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FAN SHOP- Where the customer is the #1 Fan.

By Brian “Flair ” Kelley

The Fan Shop (formerly known as The Pro Shirt Shop) has changed location and name this past fall, but hopes to carry on the tradition of providing the wrestling fans with a place in St Louis that they can come and buy wrestling merchandise, souvenirs and autographs.

 

I went to their new location this past week and was delighted to not only see a wide range of merchandise but a mini museum of wrestling history. They had on display an autograph Cape from Hulk Hogan’s character Thunderlips from the movie Rocky 3 that really impressed me and for the younger generation there is a Rey Mysterio worn mask from his days in WCW. This is just a few of the fun stuff to check out at the “The Fan Shop”.

 

The store is now owned by wrestling manager Mr. Bigg and managed by fellow manager The Mat Maniac/ Mr. GQ Matthew Wayne Schuyler 3^rd. With years in experience in the sport they are knowledgeable with a passion and love for the sport as you and I do.

 

If you know anything about me then you know I enjoy wrestling autobiographies and Wrestling shoot interviews. While I was in the store I picked up the Larry Matysik book Wrestling at the Chase- The Inside story of Sam Muchnick and the Legends of Professional Wrestling. A book so good I have had a hard time putting down long enough so that I can work on the Missouri Wrestling Revival site. The Fan Shop also has a wide range of classic St Louis Wrestling at the Chase videos you can catch up with the backbone of Professional wrestling’s History with matches that include Harley Race, Ric Flair,Dust Rhodes, Bruiser Brody, the Von Erich’s and much more.

 

Ladies, it is close to that time of the year where you will be searching for a Valentines gift for the special man in your life, why not try The Fan Shop? Show him that he is your World Champion with classic and current Replica Belts. Look for the T-shirt, action figure or DVD of his favorite wrestler, The Fan Shop also has many authentic autographs that will be sure to bring a smile to his day.

 

They also are branching out to All Sports- Collectibles and Autographs. Are you looking for a Custom Jersey or an Autograph come in the store to find out if they happen to have what you are looking for. If you are a fan of MMA, the Fan Shop should be a place for you too check out; while I was in the store my girlfriend even found her a sexy girl UFC shirt that impressed her proving that there is something in the store for anyone.    

My girlfriend Dubray finds something she wants at The Fan Shop.

 

 

The Fan Shop is world renown for bringing in some of the top stars in the area for you to meet. In the past three years they have been a part of autograph signings that is a who’s who in the sport. Current WWE Superstars Batista has been in the store as well as Hall of Famers Harley Race, Terry Funk, Bret Hart just to name a few of the legends to grace their way to the store.

Store manager The Mat Maniac/ Mr. GQ Matthew Wayne Schuyler 3rd and WWE Superstar Evan Bourne.

 

 

Two of the greatest to ever wrestle Harley Race and Terry Funk has been at The Fan Shop

 

 

 

In fact this week they team up with Dynamo Pro Wrestling to host none other than former WWE, TNA and ECW superstar Al Snow to the store. Come and meet one of the hardest working Superstar in the business, January 30^th at 3 P.M. You will have an opportunity to get an autograph or picture taken with him close up at The Fan Store.

 

 

 

Whether your love is WWE, TNA, Old school wrestling or MMA make your stop at  The Fan Store -Where the customer is the #1 Fan. Tell them that Missouri Wrestling Revival sent you.

 

The Fan Shop

1393 Covington Manor

St Louis, Mo

1-314-487-6500

 

Store is open 7 days a week

Monday-Saturday 11-8

If you are a young and inspiring wrestler in the St Louis or Kansas City area that would like to have a chance to train with Al Snow. Take the time to contact Dynamo Pro Gym for a limited chance to learn from one of the most traveled wrestlers in the business.

Sunday 12-7

 

 

 

To train with Al Snow in Kansas or St Louis contact Dynamo Pro Gym.

 

Edmund “Livewire” McGuire goes for Shane Rich’s AAPW title this Saturday in West Frankfort, IL

The AAPW Champion, "The Serial Thriller" Shane Rich

This Saturday in West Frankfort Illinois, the fans will be treated to a special match. Two of the most popular wrestlers in the Midwest will battle for the All American Pro Wrestling Heavyweight title. AAPW Champion Shane “Serial Thriller” Rich will take on Edmund “Livewire” McGuire in the title match that AAPW fans voted on this past fall.

In 2008 Shane Rich was involved in one of the most exciting feuds of the year when he battled “Homicidal” Steven Davis. Davis was champion going into their Last Chance Ladder match on September in West Frankfort, IL. If Rich would have lost that match, it would have been the last chance that he would have had to win the belt. The Aftermath of that match saw Rich get rewarded with the title (Match of the Year in AAPW voted on by the fans), but now Rich has a bulls eye on himself for all the AAPW wrestlers wanting to become the Champion.

Edmund "Livewire" McGuire!!

Little did he know that the number one threat to his title would be the ultra popular Edmund “Livewire” McGuire? Rich and McGuire have teamed up in the past as they defeated the then AAPW Champion Davis and “Thunderbolt” Brandon Walker. Edmund was voted the most popular, Wrestler and one half of the tag team of the year (With Shane Rich) during the Fans Choice Award. McGuire lives up to his nickname “Livewire” as he electrifies the crowd and overwhelms his opponents with his quickness and never die attitude.

One of the true good guys in the Midwest, McGuire can easily be compared to Dusty Rhodes in the aspect that the fans can relate to him, because honestly McGuire is one of them. When McGuire is in the ring, the fans seem to feel every blow given to him, cheering him on and McGuire in turn feeds off the crowd to get that extra boost to get the victory. The “Old School Warrior” Ax Stevens saw firsthand the drive that McGuire has recently in an I-Quit match, Ax did all he could to McGuire to make him quit, but Livewire was able to persevere for the win. Not only did he get the victory but he proved that he is turning into a complete wrestler, adding submissions to something that any of his foes should be concerned with.

The Number one question going into this night will be who will the fans want to win this match? Who’s side will they be on and how will the wrestler who does not have the complete support react? No doubt this will be a great match with two of the most exciting wrestlers in the Midwest. This is sure to be a must see match, Join AAPW with a main event that will sure to be talked about all year.

For more information on AAPW please go to the AAPW Myspace.

To read the April 11 2008 MWR Spotlight with Edmund “Livewire” McGuire got to MWR-Edmund McGuire.

MWR Tribute: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair

Missouri Wrestling Revival Tribute:
“Nature Boy” Ric Flair

by Joshua Ray
MWR Owner-Editor

(Ric Flair as Missouri State Champion in 1983 [Credit: http://www.rfgolds.com/].)

A Tribute

(Ric Flair and the infamous Four Horsemen! [Internet photo database])

36 years of pro wrestling excellence has come to an end, as “Nature Boy” Ric Flair wrestled his last match at Wrestlemania 24 just a few short days ago on March 30, 2008. I am a huge “Naitch” fan, so I wanted to put together a fitting MWR Tribute to the man known as “The Man” to most of the professional wrestling world. I will be bringing Ric Flair to Missouri in this tribute, connecting him to the Show Me State in a way which I sincerely hope will be befitting of a true champion.

This might not be the definitive history of Ric Flair in Missouri. I admit that my research might not have uncovered every single detail about his connection with our great state. It will be a great tribute, though. In my mind, Ric Flair is the greatest World Heavyweight Champion of all time, and this is the least I can do for him. I have been researching every bit of known information about Flair for nearly two weeks.

I’ll leave out less significant events such as individual house show appearances. While I’ll include them in the match totals, the focus is to point out the noteworthy history of the “Nature Boy” as it pertains to Missouri. Feel free to comment on anything included in this tribute, as well as anything I might have left out or any personal reflections.

Ric Flair and Missouri at a Glance

Ric Flair is on record as wrestling 80 times in Missouri in his 36 year career. While the average breaks down to just over two matches per year in the Show Me State, 55 of his Missouri bouts occurred between his Missouri debut on August 6, 1977 and October 16, 1987. This period includes the time in which he set an amazing standard by which most other champions could not meet, as he wrestled 6 or 7 times each week. This averages to just over 5 wrestling matches each year in Missouri alone.

In the winning of his first and only NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship, Flair wrestled four times in the same night in a tournament. He became the title’s 33rd holder. That wasn’t the only belt he won in Missouri, though. Flair also won two NWA World Heavyweight Titles by defeating Dusty Rhodes on both occasions. On the flip side, he lost 2 NWA World Heavyweight Titles to Harley Race, and his only Missouri Heavyweight Title was lost when he was defeated at the hands of David Von Erich.

Flair only wrestled two tag team matches in the state of Missouri. He teamed with Arn Anderson for one to defeat El Gigante and Sting on April 27, 1991 in St. Louis. For the other one, he teamed with Barry Windham in a losing effort to El Gigante and The yellow Dog (A Masked “Flyin” Brian Pillman). As another piece of trivia, Flair only guest refereed one match in the state of Missouri. The match was between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Undertaker on April 21, 2002!

“The Man” has wrestled in seven cities within the Missouri state border. Those cities are (matches in parentheses) St. Louis (51), Kansas City (20), Joplin (2), St. Joseph (2), Cape Girardeau (1), Springfield (3), and West Plains (1).

With all of these connections to the state of Missouri, Flair was inducted into the inaugural class of 2007 of the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame on February 24, 2007.

(Bret Hart giving Flair a taste of his own medicine [Credit: www.wwesuperstars.org])

Personal Reflection

As a young kid (the entire 1980s), I was always partial to the National Wrestling Alliance. Yes, I enjoyed the World Wrestling Federation and all of the glitz and glamor that organization had to offer, but there was just something that resonated in my soul with how the NWA presented itself. It seemed more real, with the heroes more believable in my eyes. Hulk Hogan might have been my favorite wrestler at the time due to his looks and his cartoonish stand for all that was American and good, but Dusty Rhodes, The Rock N Roll Express, Magnum TA, Ricky Steamboat, Kerry Von Erich, Brad Armstrong and later Sting would round out my list.

Why did those simpler and less “larger than life” wrestlers capture my imagination and have me rooting for them just as hard as my favorite wrestler in the entire world at the time, Hulk Hogan?

“Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

He was as bad as a person could be. He had money. He had women. He loved to cheat. Worst of all, he always found a way to win! I hated him with a passion in my younger days. I can still remember getting so excited when somebody would defeat him for the NWA World Title, only for him two win it back so shortly later. I loved to hate him.

Later, i would learn to respect him. His Royal Rumble performance in 1992 was probably the point in my life (I was 11) where I started realizing he was more than just a bad guy. Sure, I still hated him… but he had just lasted an hour in one of the hardest matches to win! He had found a way, yet again, to win the gold. This time it was for the WWF!

Over the years, Flair might not have been center stage or in the main event, but it was obvious that I wasn’t the only fan to respect him and treat him like royalty. Most of the time he was getting the shaft and was nearly buried by terrible booking after his NWA glory years:

- Black Scorpion
- Feud with Robocop and Sting
- Nearly being forced to shave his head, wear an earring, and call himself “Spartacus”
- Late WCW (everybody was bad then, but let’s move on)
- His recent jobber status in WWE before his “retire” storyline

(Ric Flair versus Hulk Hogan in WCW [Internet photo database].)

The great thing about Flair was that he transcended all of that. He was great, and people knew that anything lame about Flair couldn’t possibly be his doing. The man has been a living legend for many years. He’s just finally getting that recognition on a more formal level.

So here’s to Ric Flair.

The greatest of all time! (An issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated with Ric Flair on the cover. [Credit: www.prowrestlingillustrated.com])

Thoughts from Brian “Flair” Kelley:

If you know me then you know that Ric Flair is my favorite wrestler. Ric Flair is the last real wrestling champion, and I am grateful that I got to live with him wrestling since my youth. Before Vince told the world that it was predetermined, there was still a kind of magic that the fans believed in. The magic that every match meant something, whether it be when he broke Dusty Rhodes’ leg or when he was having the greatest scientific matches of all time with Ricky Steamboat. You knew you just had to see it.

Flair was the guy the boys wanted to be, the women loved and the men hated. Flair made you stay home on Saturday nights for just a little longer, just so you could see who he was going to wrestle and what would he say before and after.

Don’t lie, men. You know you have tried one of his pickup lines at least once on a girl.

When I think of Flair today, I still mark out for him. Truth be told, I always will. There has never been a wrestler who can keep my attention the way he did. I feel as if Flair never reached his potential as far as marketing goes, though I wished he would have been given that chance. This is by no means to slight anyone else, because thank goodness for Hogan, The Rock and Austin… three men who really boomed as far as merchandise sales go, but I wish Flair had been given that ball to run with. Maybe it was for the best, though. Flair now has longevity and respect, and when something of Flair’s comes out the people want it, as they showed with the Flair DVDs and book sales.

There is no doubt that I would have always liked wrestling, but “Nature Boy” Ric Flair made me love it.

References:

- Derkweiler.com [http://newsgroups.derkweiler.com/archive/rec/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/2006-05/msg11691.html]
- Slam Wrestling [http://slam.canoe.ca]
- WWE.com
- Wikipedia