Missouri Wrestling Revival Trading Card #61 Tony Atlas!

In the world of pro wrestling few men have ever had the physique like Missouri Wrestling Revival’s number sixty one in the MWR Trading Card set, MR USA Tony Atlas.

Throughout his career Atlas has enjoyed success and failures that has been documented in his great autobiography Atlas: Too Much… Too Soon released by Crowbar Press, co-authored with Scott Teal.

A member of both the WBBG Hall of Fame and the WWE Hall of Fame he has wrestled around the world the along with the biggest stars. Matches with Hulk Hogan, Harley Race and King Kong Bundy thrilled fans as he tested his power that won him the title MR USA among many other bodybuilding titles.

He would make history when he teamed with Rocky Johnson to defeat The Wild Samoans to win the Tag Team Title thus becoming the first ever African-American team to hold the belts. During his time in the sport he would hold also hold titles in the NWA and AWA.

Fans recently will remember Tony Atlas as he worked with “ The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry as he held the ECW Title. Later on ECW he was featured as the announcer for “The Abraham Washington Show” segment each week. On December 12, 2011, he made a brief appearance to co-present the Slammy Award for “Trending Superstar of the Year” with David Otunga.

In 2011, he would make his way to Midwest meeting fans with Dinner with the Legends and wrestling two matches at Harley Race’s World League Wrestling against Farmer Billy Hills and WLW Champion “The Prince” Jason Jones.

During the first night I had a chance to interview Atlas to discuss his match with Hills, his autobiography and the upcoming MWR Trading Card.

We are proud to announce the Tony Atlas as part of the MWR Trading card set.

#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 Wrestler of the Year

#5 Mike Sydal – 2009 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year —-SOLD OUT—

#6 Jeremy Wyatt – 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year, 2008 & 2009 MWR Match of the Year (vs. Michael Strider, vs. Tyler Cook)

#7 Santana G – Midwest Sweetheart

#8 Kahagas – The Tokyo Monster

#9 Mephisto - Hardcore Favorite

#10 Tyler Black – Ring of Honor World Champion

#11 Sir Bradley Charles – Rising star trained by Lance Storm

#12 Brandon Espinosa – 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

#16 Davey Richards – Arguably the best in the world today

#17 “Superstar” Steve Fender – First American wrestler to train in Pro Wrestling NOAH Dojo

#18 MR Late Nite – “Hollywood Super Agent”

#19 Eric Allen – The Pride of Peoria

#20 Eddie Edward – American Wolf

#21 Evan Money – The Pro Wrestling Kid

#22 Delirious – A Familiar Face from “The Edge of Insanity”

#23 Jason Jones – On the Path to Superstardom

#24 Tony Kozina – Rugged and Well-Traveled Veteran

#25 Jeromy Robb – Senior Referee at 3XW and MECW

#26 Sean Vincent- Canada’s Favorite wrestler

#27 Lucy Mendez – Midwest Latino Knockout

#28 Trevor Murdock – Former WWE Superstar

#29 Eric Davis –Senior referee at IHW and PWE

#30 Angel -ECW Original

#31 Jonathan Greshem- Electrifying young star

#32 Brett Young -#1

#33 Michael Crase Jr -Metro and NWA Dynamo Ref

#34 -U-Gene Dinsmore- Lovable fan favorite.

#35- Billy McNeil- Innovating high flyer.

#36 Mia Martinez – Mysterious and fiery, Midwest diva

#37 Mike Sydal – 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year

#38 Stacey O’Brien-2008 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year

#39- Neil Diamond Cutter- Prince of Death

#40- Bloody Harker Dirge- God of Thunder

# 41- Brian Breaker- 2011 Pro Wrestling Noah tour

# 42 Brandon Schmitt -WLW and Metro Pro Ref

#43 The The Mississippi Madman- PWE Champion

#44 Dan Gier WLW Announcer

#45 B.G. James- 7 time World Tag Champion

#46 Rob Conway- 3 Time WWE Tag Champion.

#47 Larry Zbyszko- 2 time AWA World Champion

#48 Michael Barry – MR Saturday Night

#49 The Lumberjacks Abe and Gabe- Most decorated tag team in the Midwest

#50 Larry Matysik - Wrestling at the Chase announcer

#51 Jimmy Jacobs- ROH Superstar

#52 The Survivor Barry Ryte - Cancer Survivor

#53 Jessie Belle Smothers - Tracey Smothers daughter DING DING

#54 The Strong Style Devil’s - Bailey Mannix Eric Allen, Loveley Leon

#55 Ace Hawkins- Young High flyer

#56- Ryan Howe- WWE Tough Enough

#57- Misfitt Manners- Mizfitt Madness

#58- JB Payne-The Midwest Mauler

#59 Dave Hebner - Legendary Ref

#60 El Generico- The Generic Luchador

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.com here.

To purchase MWR Trading cards:

1) Catch the star at a show to have them autograph the cards personally

2) Contact them via facebook or myspace

3) Send $1.50 in money order or check for each card at *

Brian Kelley

305 West 3rd Salisbury Missouri 65281

*Checks will take longer to clear than money orders so expect time for that to happen. Make sure you list exactly what card you are wanting to have.

Please note that when purchasing MWR Trading cards from the wrestlers, that they decide the prices for their cards. We highly recommend that you get them from the stars themselves and let them know that you enjoy MWR.

These cards are limited and are not mass produced making them highly collectable.

Missouri Wrestling Revival honors Referee Dave Hebner

Missouri Wrestling Revival was recently in Caseyville Illinois for HVW at the VFW for a great night of wrestling. During the intermission we had the pleasure to present Dave Hebner with a MWR Lifetime Achievement award along with our good friend Nick Ridenour.

Dave Hebner along with his brother current TNA referee Earl  is known around the world, as the two had been involved arguably with the biggest angle in the 80’s when the evil Hebner cost Hulk Hogan the WWE title to Andre the Giant.

Who can forget the Montreal Screwjob? The Hebners once again cost another champion the title as Bret Hart was the victim this time as Shawn Michaels took home the belt.

Dave Hebner has refereed around the world, on the biggest stage including Wrestlemania, as well as TNA.

Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat

Hebner has spent a considerable amount of time in St Louis supporting a Pro Wrestling shop in the past, made appearances with promotions MMWA-SICW while taking the time with each and every fan he has came across.

The Hebners are truly worthy of a WWE Hall of Fame induction but till then we are proud to present Dave Hebner with a MWR Lifetime Achievement award.

Dave had his head worked out trying to maintain order between the world Champ and then NWA Central States Champ. *Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat*

Dave also took part in refereeing two of the biggest matches that night when Mark Sterling took on former AWA Champion Larry Zbyszko while Santana G returned home to St Louis to meet the former MWR Female Wrestler of the Year Stacey O’ Brien.

Stacey O and Santana G met for the first time ever but not the last we hope.*Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat*

Dave Hebner was the fourth person to receive a MWR Lifetime Achievement Award with
2008 Harley Race
2009 Larry Matysik
2010 Mike Chapman

We are looking forward to presenting Mike Chapman with his MWR 2010 Lifetime Achievement award later this summer.

Big Rick Fuller *Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat*

MWR was also very proud to have “BIG” Rick Fuller wear the MWR Shirt during his match with Alexandre Rudolph and later in the night winning the battle Royal featuring stars around the Midwest last eliminating Brandon Espinosa.

You may have seen Rick Fuller in a cameo appearance in the great movie “The Fighter” based on the Life story of boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and his trainer brother Dick Eklund, chronicling the brothers’ early days on the rough streets of Lowell, Massachusetts through Eklund’s battle with drugs and Ward’s eventual world championship in London. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and , Amy Adams look for Fuller as a bouncer that tries to stop Mark Wahlberg character Mickey Ward.

Fuller a former WCW and star of Japan made a rare appearance in the Midwest for a great night of wrestling action.

Scott Hall comes to St Louis April 30th

415 N Long St
Caseyville, IL 62232-1019

St Louis fans one of the original NWO members, Scott Hall will be in St Louis for a wrestling spectacular that you will not want to miss on April 30th.

Scott Hall has been a former AWA Tag Team Champion with Curt Hennig, and then exploded at the WWE as Razor Ramon. As Razor Ramon he would be a prominent figure during the Attitude era.

He would go on to defeat Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania in a Ladder match, in what many still consider the standard for that type of match to this day.

During the Monday Wars it would be Scott Hall who would invade WCW along with Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan as the NWO changing wrestling as the world knew it.

Since then you have seen him at TNA Wrestling, Juggalo Championship Wrestling and host of the his very own internet show  Last Call with Scott Hall .

You will not want to miss a true rebel of Pro Wrestling on April 30th .

Plus

The Midwest Sweetheart Santana G making her way back home from thrilling fans in Flordia. One of the most popular young wrestlers in Florida she has been improving with each match while taking on many of the best in the sport including Becky Bayless(Cookie on TNA) MsChif, Roxxie Lottalove, and Jessika Haze.

Fans of the big men will love the massive monster known as Rick Fuller. Fuller has been in the ring with Hulk Hogan, Booker T and Jeff Jarrett.

A man who defies gravity is the man Jonathan Gresham. Gresham is one of the most exciting young stars in the game today. Recently seen on Ring Of Honor on DirectTV on HDNet.

The bad boys of the Midwest the Kansas City Killers will be in the house as Mark Sterling and Jeremy Wyatt are always worth the price of admission.

St Louis’s own The Lumberjacks Abe and Gabe have been looking for someone to step up for some time now. Who will be that team to take on one of the most decorated tag teams in ST Louis’s history ?

Brandon Espinosa has impressed the fans from city to city and will look to pick up a huge win at VFW Pro Wrestling Showcase.

Dave Vaughn “The wrestling machine” had a great 2010 and been heating up in 2011. Vaughn will be in action with his no nonsense

The powerhouse known as Nation will be coming to St Louis. Trained by former WWE Superstar MR Hughes, you will not want to miss Nation tear it up on April 30th.

Wrestling fans this event is shaping up to be a great one, Mark your calendar to meet one of the best ever in Scott Hall along with the top young stars of the Midwest on April 30th.

More to be announced.
Card Subject to change

MWR presents Larry Matysik with the 2009 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award

Mickey Garagiola and Larry Matysik

When you say the name Larry Matysik to a wrestling fan in St Louis, you get the same warm feeling that St Louis Cardinal fans get when you mention former ST Louis Cardinal announcer Jack Buck. Admiration and great memories quickly come to mind.

Both men were the fans best friend when it came to providing them with the much desired information about what was transpiring in the sport that they were into.

Buck was the man to hear the play by play of Cardinal greats such as Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee and Bruce Sutter. Fans watched as Matysik called play by play in matches that saw “King Kong” Brody, Dick “the Bruiser, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski, Pat O’Connor, Harley Race, Buddy Rogers and many more in action.

St Louis promoter Sam Muchnick was wise enough to know that for wrestling to succeed in St Louis, a sports town that he would have to bring the same respectability that the Cardinals brought to the city.

Wrestling at the Chase

A main piece to the puzzle would be the Voice of Wrestling at the Chase. The television program which broadcast from 1959 to 1983 from the majestic Chase Hotel would be the face of wrestling in St Louis.

Larry interviewing David Von Erich after beating Harley Race

Matysik has been much more than a man calling the play by play of great matches in St Louis. At the young age of 16 in 1963, Muchnick hire Matysik and would be very supportive and helpful in the career that saw Matysik also man the publicist and office manager, as well as book the matches.

In 1984 he would begin working with Vince McMahon and then WWF (now WWE) till 1993.

Matysik has since gone on to write some of the must read books in the industry including

1) Wrestling at the Chase: The Inside Story of Sam Muchnick and the Legends of Professional Wrestling

Wrestling at the Chase is a fond, informative, amusing, and even poignant look at the who’s who of professional wrestling and legendary St. Louis promoter Sam Muchnick.
St. Louis was the capital, and Muchnick the ruler of professional wrestling, before Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment took over. What happened in St. Louis paved the way for today’s multi-billion-dollar sports entertainment industry. The centerpiece of this magical operation was “Wrestling at the Chase,” a television program which broadcast from 1959 to 1983 from the majestic Chase Hotel.

Larry Matysik was Muchnick’s protégé and longtime announcer for the television show. With an insider’s eye for detail and accuracy, he recalls funny and amazingly touching tales about the characters who created professional wrestling as we know it. Ric Flair, “King Kong” Brody, Dick “the Bruiser,” the Von Erichs, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski, Pat O’Connor, Johnny Valentine, Dick Murdoch, Harley Race, Buddy Rogers, Jack Brisco, and Andre the Giant are all prominently featured. So is Muchnick himself, the Damon Runyan of wrestling, a man who helped mould the bizarre business of circus and sport. The savage twists of the politics of wrestling are on display as well, particularly the changes that rocked the mat world during the early ’80s.

2) Drawing Heat the Hard Way

Thrilling but flawed, entertaining despite the swerves and double-crosses, captivating even when repugnant… professional wrestling has enjoyed the attention and loyalty of untold millions for nearly a century. How and why is precisely what Larry Matysik examines in his third book, Drawing Heat the Hard Way: How Wrestling Really Works.

Wrestlers have their own private language, and in the unique world of wrestling “drawing heat” is a very good thing: the successful generation of crowd reaction and fan excitement. The Hard Way? That’s both exactly what it sounds like and something no one in the industry plans for: a legitimate and unintentional wound suffered because something’s gone awry. In Drawing Heat the Hard Way, Matysik explains what it takes to win the hearts and minds of wrestling fans, and how, at times, mistakes, controversy and unexpected turns of events have damaged the reputation or forever changed the business he loves.

If anyone understands wrestling, the problem-child offspring of whatever “real” sport is, it’s Matysik. Drawing Heat the Hard Way takes on the way wrestling is booked or planned; analyzes the roles of wrestlers and announcers, and explores steroids as an industry and fan issue. It also considers wrestling’s power-brokers, from those who influence the business by reporting on it, like Dave Meltzer, to those who make the final decisions on what gets broadcast every week, like the omnipresent Vince McMahon, and even to those who influence the sport with their pocketbooks — the fans themselves.

At times humorous, occasionally heartbreaking, always insightful, Drawing Heat the Hard Way is ultimately an objective take on what it means to be a wrestling fan, from someone who knows the business inside and out.

3) Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling’s Rebel

The most unpredictable and charismatic grappler of all time? The brute that made brawling an art before the term “hardcore” was coined? The confrontational businessman who fought for every penny he felt he deserved?

“Bruiser” Brody had no peers when it came to blood and guts, controversy and independence. Most wrestling promoters portrayed their top talent as exactly that kind of free-spirited, take-no-guff personality. They didn’t mean it, though — which explains why so few would admit to respecting Brody even as they featured him time and again.
So why did they give him work? Simple. “Bruiser” Brody delivered the goods in the ring and at the box office.

In the 1970s and early 80s, Brody was one of the few performers, along with Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, to be recognized as a national star. With his fiery personality, Brody also conquered the international market.

Nearly two decades after his murder in Puerto Rico, Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling’s Rebel delivers a complete portrait of Brody’s remarkable life. Co-authors Barbara Goodish, Brody’s widow, and Larry Matysik, a close friend, offer a first-time opportunity to truly understand one of the sport’s most complex and controversial human beings. Goodish’s account of her husband’s horrific murder and its aftermath is both heartbreaking and compelling, while Matysik’s insider knowledge of the business puts Brody’s place in wrestling history into perspective. With a foreword by WWE announcer Jim Ross, Brody offers readers the unvarnished truth about one of the greatest wrestling legends of all time.

4) An electronic book- From the Golden Era

This unique digital publication offers a complete record of every twist and turn, of every performer, of all the battles from television’s legendary Wrestling at the Chase, and every card presented at both the historic Kiel Auditorium and The Arena (Checkerdome) during the glory era of the St. Louis promotion.

Wrestling at the Chase announcer and St. Louis insider Larry Matysik adds background about the personalities, business, secrets, and politics to make this electronic book a revealing, in-depth account of three decades of wrestling’s golden era. Featuring everything from attendance figures, to booking strategies, to insights and NWA championship bouts, From the Golden Era: The St. Louis Wrestling Record Book is the once-in-a-lifetime document that every serious wrestling observer must have.

Matysik has also been instrumental in keeping the history of one of the highest rated wrestling television programs Wrestling at the Chase alive with Classic St Louis Wrestling, hosted by Matysik himself. In 2007. Matysik headed a team to bring to St Louis the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame.

He was joined in this effort by promoter Herb Simmons, webmaster Mitch Martsey, sports journalist Keith Schildroth, and longtime fan Nick Ridenour. The Hall of Fame was created to honor the role St. Louis played in helping to establish professional wrestling in North America. Today the hall can be seen at the historic South Broadway Athletic club.

In 2011 fans in St Louis will once again be able to hear the Voice himself call wrestling matches when he returns to TV on Sunday February 6, 2011 at 11:30 am and then rebroadcast on Sunday evening at 10:30pm on Charter Cable channel 8. The matches will be taped in East Carondelet Community Center on Saturday January 22nd.



Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat

We were thrilled and excited when Matysik agreed to accept the 2009 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award. Earlier this month at MMWA-SICW, MWR’S Dubray Tallman had the honor to present the plaque to a true gentleman and ambassador of pro wrestling, Larry Matysik

Once again, thank you so much for your positive contribution to pro wrestling Larry Matysik.

Please join us at MWR on January 1st when we will announce the recipient for the 2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award.

Larry Matysik to be a guest on Over the Top Radio hosted by Brian Schenk 8 pm cst tonight

Harley Race with Larry Matysik and the late Mickey Garagiola in the back take in wrestling at MMWA-SICW.

The 2009 MWR Lifetime achievement recipient, Larry Matysik will be a guest on the wrestling show Over the Top Radio tonight on www.kqcklive.com to listen live. There should be a phone number or you can chat on your computer to ask one of the most influential men in the sport questions.

Just who is Brian Schenk

From the radio stations Website: Tonight we will see the Iron Sheik defend his WWF Title against Hulk Hogan in an awesome match from The Madison Square Garden!” Those were the words I recall hearing back in January 1984 on my favorite TV show – PRO WRESTLING! Since that day, I have been I have been involved in some way, shape or form with wrestling. In 1992, I was watching a public access TV show back in Illinois, where I am from, and a couple of dudes were rambling on about wrestling. It was odd, because I would eventually befriend these two and join them as a host. Strange how things turn out.Well, things went their way after a bit and I was on my own. I soon hooked up with my friend from Kindergarten, Dan Bartels, and Off The Top Rope was born! He was the perfect FRICK to my FRACK and we had a great run from 1994 up until 2005. I started broadcasting school (waste of money, don’t do it!) in June of 1996, and was blown away with the possibilities of hosting my own RADIO show one day.

Then, BOOM, I interned at a station soon after entering school at WEEF AM 1430 in Highland Park, Illinois from 1997 thru 2005.

It was a lot of fun and over the years, I got the chance to meet and interview a lot of the stars I grew up watching in my youth. Both on the TV side on camera and either in the studio or over the phone for the radio part. Lots of great memories and fortunately, I have kept in touch with many of them. I soon moved over to another station – WKRS AM 1220 in Waukegan, Illinois in 2006. I was on that frequency until May of 2007, when I moved here to Arizona.

It would have been one heck of a commute, that’s for sure. So, here I am with KQCK AM 1510 in San Tan Valley,Arizona and I am looking so forward to this opportunity ahead of me. The ownership, location, and presence of the fine radio station is second to none, and everything feels just right. I also appreciate all of you who are fans of the business and those who will listen as often as you can.

MWR Trading Card #18 MR Late Nite

HWC Champion Donovan Ruddick and MR Late Nite

Missouri Wrestling Revival is proud to announce the newest addition to our trading card set – Mr. Late Nite. He is our first manager in the set and he has caused quite a bit of commotion in the Midwest wrestling scene since he came back to the business in 2009. The self proclaimed “Hollywood Super Agent” has gotten his fair share of jeers from the fans of Independent Hardcore Wrestling (IHW) and Pro Wrestling Epic (PWE), where he currently manages “The Future” Donovan Ruddick. Vests, ties, glasses, khakis, rolled up sleeves, and a sharp wit are all trademarks of this very talented up and coming manager.

We’d also like to take the time and give some respect to an often overlooked part of wrestling shows – the managers. A lot of our favorite memories involving big names in the wrestling industry wouldn’t have been possible without them. Who would have been the mouthpiece for Andre the Giant in his heated rivalry with Hulk Hogan if there was no Bobby Heenen? Who would have remembered the rivalries that the Midnight Express were involved in if it weren’t for the great ringside presence and promo work of Jim Cornette? Managers lend their gift of gab to performers who would rather let their wrestling do the talking. They have been an important part of this business for decades and we are honored to have one of wrestling’s most exciting new managers to our trading card set. We are sure that Mr. Late Nite will continue to deliver great promos and entertain fans wherever he goes with his unique brand of showmanship.

Mr. Late Nite can be seen on Pro Wrestling NEXT’s “Genesis” show on September 10 in Moline, IL and Independent Hardcore Wrestling’s show on September 11 in Waterloo, IL. On both shows he will managing “The Future” Donovan Ruddick.

Come out and support these two great companies and support managers in professional wrestling. Thank you very much and pick up one of these great trading cards today! Be sure to look up Mr. Late Nite on Facebook and join his fan page!

#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 – Midwest Sweetheart
#8 Kahagas – The Tokyo Monster
#9 Mephisto - Hardcore favorite
#10 Tyler Black – Ring of Honor World Champion
#11 Sir Bradley Charles - Rising star trained by Lance Storm
#12 Brandon 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.
#16 Davey Richards – Arguably the best in the world today.
#17 “Superstar” Steve Fender-First American wrestler to train in Pro Wrestling NOAH Dojo

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.com here.

Dartallion Allen JR immortalizes Rowdy Roddy Piper with a MWR Top Draw.

By Brian Kelley

 

There is only one Rowdy Roddy Piper. Though he has never been a World Champion, Piper is one of the most loved wrestlers to ever grace the sport. In the ’80s, his feuds with Greg Valentine, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and Hulk Hogan are ones that will never be forgotten.

Multi-talented and oozing with charisma, Piper hosted the legendary “Pipers Pit,” an interview segment featuring Piper, which was a mainstay of WWF/WWE television during the ’80s. Piper has starred in many movies and TV Shows throughout the years.

In 2005 he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Love him or hate him, you can never forget him… He is Roddy Piper.

During the Legends on Tour, I was able to give Piper Dartallion Allen JR’s MWR Top Draw. Piper kindly said, “That’s really cool,” and was kind enough to pose with the photo.
Thank you Roddy from everyone here at Missouri Wrestling Revival

A look at the first half of 2010 in the MWR Coverage area. Nominate your favorite.

By Brian Kelley

We are very close to the half year of 2010 and what a year it has been!

In the past few months both WWE and TNA have hosted PPV’S with WWE’S Elimination Chamber and TNA’S lockdown that was also headline with a fan interaction that allowed fans to meet stars such as Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Rob Vam Dam, Jeff Hardy and most of the rest of the TNA roster.

Old school fans can be happy that they have had a chance to meet the stars that brought memories that will last a lifetime when at TNA’S legends main event brought in the biggest stars of the 80’s and beyond with Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Sting.

The fun would keep coming when you were able meet other stars such as former WWE World Champion Bob Backland, Roddy Piper, Road Warrior Animal, Jimmy Snuka along with several other greats during Wrestling Legends on Tour.

On the Indy front I have to believe that everyone involved with their promotions needs to feel thrilled with the support and attendance from the fans as attendance and action has picked up for the most part at most shows.

Former WLW Wrestler  Dennis T McHawes released an autobiography called “Blood Tables and Chairs that allows fans to get a glimpse of the Indy scene not to long ago.

Mike Sydal continues his rise to the National spotlight after winning the PWI Rookie of the Year he followed that up by wrestling during WRESTLEMANIA weekend with Ring of Honor in a six man tag team race and earned the pin fall for his team.

Will Metro Pro Wrestling jump over the competition in 2010 with their debut at Memorial Hall on June 4th?

Till then lets look at 2010 shortly and what to forward to.

Let’s start out alphabetical.

3XWrestling -The 2008 MWR Promotion of the year continues their standard of excellence with some great action. 3XW Heavyweight Champion Jeremy Wyatt and Ring of Honor a World Champion Tyler Black earned a standing ovation in April when the two went to a draw. Rory Fox who came close in 09 by taking out “The Belt Collector” won the May “Gauntlet for the Gold”. This could easily set up Wyatt vs. Fox feud part 2, one that would be great for the fans.

3XW Pure Wrestling Champion Kraig Kessaman has been rolling through the company using the deadly “Nordic Spike” maneuver and has not been pinned at 3XW in 23 months. While 3XW cruiserweight Champion Jimmy Rockwell came very close in defeating 3XW Champion Jeremy Wyatt at the Over the top show earlier this month

On a sad note the very popular tag team The High Flyers of Zach Thompson and Mike Sydal was forced by Todd Countryman to go against each other in a loser leaves town match that saw Thompson earned quite possibly the biggest win his short career by defeating the smoking red hot Sydal.

All American Pro Wrestling – Exciting feuds , shocking moments and near riots mixed in with former WWE and TNA Superstars brought AAPW among the top of the most talked about promotions in the area coverage.

The year started off with the very popular Edmund “Livewire” McGuire holding the AAPW Championship. During a title defense against the popular and powerful Mississippi Madman that would soon end. McGuire’s mountain to retain was huge but the backstabbing of McGuire’s best friend Shane Rich during the match would cost him the title and a feud is set to happen anytime. Rich was suspended for his actions. The fans and McGuire have been itching for a rematch BUT…

The Madman would find himself in the fire quickly as the 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year Jeremy Wyatt came knocking for the belt. The Madman would retain but not before a near riot almost broke out. AAPW had no other option but to sign a rematch between the two at the very next show. Problems arose when Rich talked his way into the match making it a 3way and capitalizing by taking home the belt.

As of press time AAPW is set to bring to the Midwest WWE’S Jerry Lawler and Kevin Thorn and more AAPW matches at RENT ONE Park on May 22 in prior to a minor league baseball game. AAPW has also brought in TNA’S Andy Douglas and WWE/ECW’S Simon Dean…. We can all look forward to McGuire vs. Rich in the second half of the year.

High Voltage Wrestling – What High Voltage Wrestling lacked in amount of shows they made up for it in quality of matches and continuing their tradition of debuting some of the top stars in the St Louis area. During HVW’s first year they brought you “The Internaininal Superstar” Kahagas, TNA’S Santana G, The Hooligans, Matt Cage, Zero Gravity and Tony Kozina and in their second year they brought to you the very exciting Ryan Phoenix, Flash Flannigan, Dan the Manand Sir Bradley Charles.

Kahagas vs. Flash Flannigan was an instant hit and when the HVW Tag Champions the Hooligans went against the KC Killers the ropes would break but the action would not. Santana G would earn the respect of one of the greatest women wrestlers in the world MsChif and earn the respect of her and the two would team up once again.

Young Brandon Aarons would get a huge win for the fan favorites by defeating fellow young star Mike Sydal for the HVW Livewire Championship.

The HVW Champion has been defending the title around world and looks to face on all challenges in 2010.

Independent Hardcore Wrestling- IHW has been filled with packed shows with action throughout the building. Filled with stars who do not get as much hype like Billy McNeil, Steve Kennedy, Eric Allen, Mephisto and Brandon Aarons they have made themselves a legit promotion and giving the fans their money’s worth.

Former TNA Star Mickie Knuckles and the Great Cheyenne continue the improvement of the  women wrestling Midwest while Eric Allen’s exciting Illinois state Championship shocked the Midwest. IHW Champion Brandon Aarons match with Kennedy was an instant classic. MR Late Nite looks to make his mark in the Midwest to finish off 2010.

IHW heats up the summer in 2010 with a stacked card on June 12th in Dupo Illinois when Mickie Knuckles returns to take on Mia Martinez, SLAM The Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Tony Kozina will take on exciting Bailey Mannix; Champions will collide when IHW Champion Aarons will meet IHW Illinois Champion Allen in a street fight.

IWA Productions – One of the biggest announcements of the first half had to do with IWA P bringing at their free Wednesdays show last week when non other than ICP came into bring fans to their feet. So much excitement that IWA P had to turn fans away do to a fire code. ALL for free.

In January they brought in former WWE Superstar the Honky Tonk Man and their students stepped up to provide a much talked about match between Christian Rose and Danny Cannon ladder match.

A mixture of free shows and paid shows that has also showcased Matt Cage taking on former WWE Champion Eugene, Ladies star Ann Brookstone along with “Homicidal” Steven Davis provide the fans with some top notch excitement.

Metro East Championship Wrestling- Wrestling in Woodriver provides the fans with an exciting night to hang with friends and family. The promotion had a set back when the MECW had to announce that champion Mannix was unable to defend due to an injury. Mannix though respect for his talent was hated for his actions meant that possibly one of the fan favorites such as Devin Carter or the “Kid” Evan Money could get their chance as MECW Gold.

Imagine the disappointment when bad guy Eric Allen was able to win the 8 man tournament and gain his second title in months. Who will be able to take the title back from EA? Will it be Carter in his rematch on the 22nd, or will Gabriel Brimstone, Brian Scrilla, or the returning Shawn Santel come back to glory.

MECW Tag team champions The Bayou Outlaws are one of the most underappreciated teams in the Midwest and loved by the fans.

On a National level MECW can hang their head up high Barry Ryte in his opportunity to appear at the 14th annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament later this summer on Sat. July 10, 2010 in Newark DE.

MMWA-SICW- The 2009 MWR Promotion of the Year has seen some exciting new faces and old friends join the veterans of the South Broadway Athletic Club. Impressive Dave Vaughn has taken on all challenges in his way including the powerful Donnovan Ruddick.
Speaking of Ruddick the Manager of Champions Travis Cook looks to take him to the top as he has signed him to his stable “The Connections.” With the skills of Ruddick and the mind of Cook these two could be unstoppable.

Brandon Espinosa has returned with a vengeance and is currently the MMWA-SICW JR Heavyweight Champion as well as the MMWA-SICW Battle Royal Champion. Will he set his sights on becoming a Triple Crown championship?

Life is not all good in the world of Travis Cook; he has agitated the returning MMWA-SICW Superstar Ron Powers and Danny Boy. In Cooks favor is the fact that Gary Jackson has also wanted a piece of his old rival Powers.

On a National scene the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame that is located at the SBAC presented Ric Flair, Bobby Hennan, Dory Funk JR and Baron Von Raschke with their HOF Plaques at the TNA Fan interaction.

What Midwest Superstars will make their debut at MMWA-SICW in the rest of 2010? I can not wait to find out.

New Midwest Wrestling – The newest promotion at MWR, New Midwest have been around for a long time entertaining fans in Sprinfield Illinois.

The NMW Roster brings together an exciting roster with Cory Carter, Guy Smith, Ryan Phoenix, Dan the Man and Blake Steel as well the New Midwest Wrestling Champion Jonathan Magnus.

New Midwest Wrestling returns this week with Capital Punishment 2010 as Magnus have his title threatened when Rip Mystic comes after him.

NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling- NWA Dynamo has slowly been building steam heading into the second half of 2010. Home of the NWA Missouri Champion Davey Vega and NWA Central States Championship Mark Sterling they brought us the battle of Champions when the two took on each other during their May 1 show where Vega tapped out to the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year.

NWA Missouri Champion Vega will look to get back on track when he takes on Dragon Gate star Kyle O’Reilly on May 22nd.

Like I said a quiet year so far for this top promotion but look for them to sprint to the top in 2010.

NWA Supreme – MWR was honored to be invited to check out this exciting promotion early this year and we were impressed. The giant Bear ST Pierre and the electrifying Da Cobra brings to the ring a fast paced wrestling show with a punch in the Face.

NWA Supreme Champion Da Cobra has been red hot and will look to add Danny Cannon on his list of men he sent home packing. Bear ST Pierre has survived the onslaught on Jeremy Wyatt and De Andre King and Guy Smith and on May 29 he will have the formidable foe of Christian Rose looking to take home the title.

. The Hooligans and the Hybrids tore each other apart in the cage and it looks to only getting hotter as the summer comes around.

Fan have to be excited as the NWA Supreme brings you the NWA Midwest Championship match between the Shiek with Joey Eastman and Silas Young as well on the 29th.

Pro Wrestling Epic – One of the youngest promotions in the MWR Coverage area has been working hard to get respect. Signing some of the top names in the sport they boast some of the top talents in the Midwest today.

One fallback to that statement is that the PWE Champion Keith Walker has been in Japan meaning that he is unable to defend the title as needed. Even with Walker out the states they have the new PWE US Champion Brandon Aarons and the PWE tag team Champions Zero Gravity on their roster.

At their only show of the year the night started of with Mark Sterling as the PWE US Champion. Sterling defeated Mike Sydal then announced to the crowd that he was not done. He would be more than happy to beat anyone else in the locker room. Aarons showed true heart by answering the call even though he was defeated by Wyatt earlier in the night. Amazingly Aarons would defeat Sterling and become the PWE US Champion.

PWE and Aarons returns with their biggest test to date when PWE US Champion Brandon Aarons takes on Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black go at it in a match that you will not want to miss.

Pro Wrestling Phoenix- The faction known as Murder Milita looked to have PWP on their knees and in total control at the start of the year. The Murder Militia (Jeremy Wyatt, #1 Brett Young, Mark Sterling, Joey Daniels & Jayden Draigo) would find that Team PWP (PWP Heavyweight Champion ”Babyface” Tony Cortez, Abu Colossus, Jaysin Strife, Chris Havius & Donnie Peppercricket) was not going to back down for nothing.

The bomb is about to go off in the name of WAR Games this coming Saturday. Will the Militia continue to leave the PWP Wrestlers and fans in fear heading into 2010?
Young David Clark, Jimmy Rockwell and Zac James is set to battle in a ladder match for the chance to get a chance at any PWP Championship that night as well.

The PWP Champion Babyface Tony Cortez has defeated Jeremy Wyatt, Joey Daniels Jimmy Rockwell and Jaysin Strife since becoming the Champion last December.

World League Wrestling- Harley Race’s WLW took their time to get back in the game in 2010 but it was well worth the wait.

Starting off the year they had a tournament to crown new WLW Tag Champions and lo and behold Steve Fender and Mark Sterling walked away with the coveted tag team titles. Sterling and Fender are two of the most rounded wrestlers in singles, together they are scary good.

On the Singles from the WLW Title has been filled with action as the powerful Trent Stone held the title till in front of over 300 people in Richmond former WWE Superstar Trevor Murdoch pinned him in a leather strap match to regain the title.

It won’t be easy for Murdoch as Stone, Brian Breaker along with impressive young stars Jack Gamble, Ryan Drago, the Cancun Kid and Eathon Wright will all have their eyes to get to the top of the Mountain.

The WLW Ladies Champion Amy Hennig finds herself with competition all around as TNA’S Santana G earned a DQ victory from Hennig and the unknown Angelus Layne made her debut at WLW Keokuk IA. Some of the most exciting matches in women’s wrestler may well come from WLW.

That is a look at some of the promotions in the first half of the year. We are asking for the Promotions, Wrestlers and Fans to send in their thoughts on who was the best of the best in the first half year at MWR.

There will not be a winner announced for this but this will help the MWR Awards committee to not forget in the 2010 MWR Awards who is deserving. In each category there is some strong competition if the vote was to be voted on today I could not guess who would walk away the winners.

Wrestler of the Year first half
Tag team of the Year First Half
Promotion of the Year First Half
Women of the Year First Half
Match of the Year First Half

Please send in your nominations for the previous promotions to flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com

St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame and Pro Wrestling Illustrated Lifetime Achievement presentations at TNA Lockdown weekend.

By Brian Kelley

A dream came true for me at Total Nonstop Wrestling’s Fan Interaction in ST Louis on April 17. I was honored when my friend from the St Louis Hall of Fame Nick Ridenour asked me to present one of the greatest NWA World Champions of all time Dory Funk JR, the one and only Bobby the Brain Heenan and Baron von Raschke their St Louis Wrestling Hall of fame plaques live during the TNA Legends main event that also included Jimmy Hart, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Sting.

To say that I was nervous would be an understatement but it will be a day that I will never forget and will always be grateful for. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the members of the ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame committee

After we were done Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Jeff Ruoss was on hand to present Funk Jr, Heenan, Raschke and Hart their Lifetime achievement awards.

Hope you enjoy

Missouri Wrestling Revival covers Total Nonstop Wrestling’s Lockdown weekend.

Total Nonstop Wrestling returned to ST Louis with their PPV Lockdown on April 18th in ST Charles Family Arena with the highlight being the night before at the TNA Fan interaction.

I had attended the first St Louis’s TNA Lockdown and though I felt as if the fan interaction was worth it, the PPV had been a disappointment in my opinion. I must confess I enjoy attending independent wrestling over going too today’s “Big Two”.

The selling point for me was the fact that they were including a “Legends Main Event” in this Fan Interaction with three of the biggest stars to ever grace the sport Hulk Hogan, Sting and my personal favorite “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair at the end of the night with a bonus of having two of the most influential Managers in Pro Wrestling “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart and Bobby “The Brain” Hennan along with one of the greatest wrestlers to grace the sport Dory Funk JR. and “The Clawmaster” Baron Von Raschke.

Some great times was to be had throughout the weekend as we caught up with some old friends and met some new ones. If the TNA wrestlers were on a grading system for their treatment of the fans I would have to give them an impressive A+. Some could complain that the lines took a lot of time to get through but one of the big reasons was the wrestlers were so friendly and took the time to meet the fans. Making the experience that much more enjoyable.

When the time was up for “The Band” Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan and many of the fans had yet to get their autograph or picture they each let TNA know that they were not going to leave until everyone had received what they were promised.

Thanks to my friends at the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame I was asked to present Dory Funk Jr, Bobby Hennan and Baron Von Raschke along with my friend Nick Ridenour with their Hall of fame Plaques during the fan interaction. I was so pumped up about it I could barley calm down; in fact I am still hyped up about it four days later. Regardless it will be forever in my top ten moments of my life as latter I would also be a part giving my favorite wrestler of All-Time Ric Flair his plaque.

Words can’t give justice to my appreciation to Nick, Herb Simmons, Larry Matysik, Tony Costa webmaster Mitch Martsey, sports journalist Keith Schildroth, and  the rest of the crew at the ST Louis Hall of Fame for having me a part of this historic occasion.

Look for video of both the ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame and Pro Wrestling Illustrated in the near future at MWR.

If you would like to check out the ST Louis Hall of Fame your next chance will be on May 8th at the South Broadway Athletic Club. For more information on the ST Louis Hall of Fame check out their myspace here.

After we were done giving the ST Louis Hall of Fame plaques Jeff Ruoss from Pro Wrestling Illiustrated presented the Legends with plaques from everyone’s favorite wrestling publication.

The PPV Would be solid and most importantly a LOT of fun. During the evening Kurt Angle showed why he is in my mind the best wrestler since Ric Flair when he and Ken Anderson tore down the house. Team 3D was on fire and ST Louis fans proved that it is truly Flair country when he was asked to leave by the ref  prior to the AJ Styles – D’Angelo Dinero the fans chanted “We want Flair” chants. Jeff Hardy would show why he is one of the most fearless (or crazy) wrestlers to ever grace the sport during the main event giving Team Hogan a huge advantage over Team Flair.

My girlfriend Dubray had no clue who Rob Van Dam was on Friday evening but by Sunday she was into putting her hands behind her back as RVD’S Music was on chanting ROB-VAN-DAM proving just how over with the fans he is.

TNA would wisely give RVD the chance for the TNA Title the next night on Spike and he would go on to defeat AJ Styles for his first ever TNA World Championship. Some may argue that they gave away a PPV Match on free TV but my opinion is such that RVD can have a full year of PPV matches with just about anyone on the roster including a rematch with the very talented AJ Styles .This weekend and his win will hopefully be the direction that TNA is headed.

I would run into local wrestling talents Chris Havius, Shorty Biggs, Kiwi Jello and Dorian Victor . Local Promoters Herb Simmons and TNT Keny G was in the house while the legends made their appearance during the TNA Title match between Styles and Pope.

In this weekend blast you will see the pictures of the TNA After party hosted by Mike Gordon at Side Pockets in St Charles. Surprise guest were Ken Anderson, James Storm, Chris Sabin and Brian Kendrick. Anderson and Strom was their when I entered the building and was busy signing autographs and taking pictures with fans while being with their respective friends and family. Their patience and kindness with the fans made me fans of the two of them for life. Sabin and Kendrick came later and was just as polite. With a 12:00 closing time on Sunday and the TNA Stars less than 24 hours from having to be in Florida for TNA Impact that made their kindness that much more special.

Once again it was great hanging with old friends during the weekend like Drew and Gary, Chuck and Dave along with new friends Shawn and his girlfriend , Kyle and the Awesome Bomb Radio team just to name a few. A big thanks you to TNA’ and  Bob Ryder for his kindness as well.

I hope you enjoy this exclusive look at TNA Lockdown weekend at MWR.

Jeremy Borash and So Cal Val pump up the fans early in the morning.

Alex Shelly and Chris Sabin (The Motor City Machine Guns) enjoy a visit from a young fan.

TNA Founder Jeff Jarrett should be proud of the Fan Interaction.

Kelly and Jesse Neal

Former WWE Diva, Playboy model and current TNA darling Christy Hemme prepares to meet her fans.

“The Freak” Rob Terry is HUGE

TNA’S Secret weapon “The Beautiful People.”

Eric Bischoff was playing around here without Dubray knowing it. After she saw it she said isn’t that a bit creepy? Which I had to laugh. Bischoff was having fun just like all the TNA guys during the week

Chuck Maddox Black Hogan and Dave Krohn

The Pope D'Angelo Dinero loves the camera.

Scott Hall and TNA’S President Dixie Carter

The presentation for Bobby Hennan, Dory Funk Jr. and Baron Von Raschke for the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame plaques.

The great Dory Funk JR is honored with a PWI Lifetime achievement award from PWI’S Jeff Ruoss

Jimmy Hart is proud of the PWI Lifetime achievement award given to him from PWI’S Jeff Ruoss.

PWI’S Jeff Ruoss Gives The Clawmaster his lifetime achievement award.

Ric Flair was all smiles as he came to his station.

Two of the all time greats Sting and Ric Flair would be on the same side at Lockdown.

Go Team Hogan !!

Jimmy Hart with Hulk Hogan put in extra hours.

Kyle gets autographs from Jeff Hardy and Shannon Moore.

Pro Wrestling Royalty Lacey Von Erich

Kurt Angle and Dave Krohn

Rob Van Dam just one day away from become champion of the World.

ST Louis Promoter Herb Simmons with SoCal Val

 

Just one action photo that caught the energy of the night as one of my favorites Team 3D has the crowd in the palm of their hands.

Mini Keny enjoys TNA Wrestling LIVE!!

The adult radio wrestling show Awesome bomb Radio’s host gives Don West a hug.

My good friends Drew Gary Dubray and myself with the Awesome Bomb Radio crew.

TNA Afterparty at Side Pockets

Ken Anderson with one of his many fans after an awesome match with Kurt Angle.

Brandon with Beer Money’s James Storm at Side Pockets.

Pete with Ken Anderson

Patrick and Chris Sabin

I’m sad to say that Dixie Carter did not offer me a job at TNA but she was kind enough to take this picture with Dubray and I.

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