Funny or Die: Olympic Trials with Kurt Angle.

Wrestling superstar and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle tries out for the 2012 Olympic team sixteen years after winning the gold.

WLW/WWE/Pro Wrestling Noah presented a magical week for wrestlers and fans in the Midwest in October.

By Brian Kelley

For the past 10 plus years the must attend wrestling weekend in the Midwest has been held in Eldon Missouri at Harley Race’s World League Wrestling Academy. Race is considered by many to be the very best wrestler in the history of the sport. During his time as the 8-time NWA World Champion he would travel across the globe defending the title including the very best in Japan. When his career was done those trips and relationships would help build a relationship with Pro Wrestling Noah, one of the top wrestling companies not only in Japan but around the world.

-Wrestling NOAH Ken Hirayama and Ryu Nakata with Harley Race. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Trevor Murdock has been a star around the world but there is nothing like being home with the ones he loves. Here he is joined with his daughter and Wife before meeting his fans. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

WLW and NOAH would team up to trade talent to allow the best to compete against each other in matches that would prepare one Trevor Murdock to not only be ready to make a run in WWE but flourish with tag team partner Lance Cade to become a 3-time WWE Tag Team Champions.

The WLW school would introduce fans to stars like Matt “the Missile” Murphy, Griz, Derek Stone, Trevor Murdock, Wade Chism, the Drill Instructor, Warcloud and Johnny Jett as they mixed it up with many of the top names in the sport like Meng, Butch Reed, Bobby Eaton, The Harris Brothers, Rick Stiener and Japan’s Takeshi Morishima, Takao Ōmori and Go Shiozaki as they toured towns for fundraisers around the Midwest.

While the school runs year round to season the young talent, the annual WLW/NOAH camp works with WWE as past trainers have been John Laurinaitis, Ricky Steamboat, Tom Pritchard, Takashi Suguira, Go Shiozaki, Takeshi Morishima, KENTA, Naomichi Marufuji, Kenta Kobashi, Ty Bailey, and many more.

This year’s camp featured Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, William Regal, Kevin Von Erich, and Harley Race along with representatives from Pro-Wrestling NOAH Ken Hirayama and Ryu Nakata as students around the country came to hone their wrestling skills in the ring.

I was honored to be a guest to sit in during the weeks camp as the 40 plus students took part in the camp. During the days that I was there I was impressed with the patience and dedication that each of the trainers gave each of the students.

Superstar Steve and Pro Wrestling Noah teaches to the students. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Jason Jones and Noah show young Joe Reiling some pointers (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Due to the size of the groups there were two locations for the students, one for the beginners and one for the more seasoned wrestlers. While each group would be able to get great hints on how to work a match, logic, moves and where to be in the ring with hands on from the trainers.

As the camp went on during the week, the Pro Wrestling Noah and WWE representatives wanted to see the wrestlers come up with a match, then perform it in the ring. After the match was done advise was given to each of the wrestlers on what they did right, what they could have done different and how to improve it for the fans.

Dustin Bozworth (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Dillon Divine (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Jonas Albert Robinson (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

SBC (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

During the Saturday wrestling show I sat down with a few of the students to get their take on the weeklong camp and what they got out of it. One Jonas Albert Robinson from Oregon had already been to Lance Storms camp and been wrestling since 2008 stated honestly “What I learned this week was that I don’t know anything about wrestling. When I walked through the door I thought I knew about 60% of how to have a great match but in reality it was more close to 5%. The trainers at the camp really opened my eyes on how to improve my game and give the fans their money’s worth when I get in the ring. Then I was amazed at the positivity and information that Kevin (Von Erich) provided. In the end he was such an added bonus with Steamboat and Regal.

The Freebird -Von Erich feud did not get started again at the camp but Freebird Buddy Roberts son Buddy Roberts JR poses with his dads arch enemies sons Marshal and Ross Von Erich. All three took part in the camp. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

While Jonas have been able to be in the ring prior to the week, Joe Reiling has yet to have a match but knew the importance of getting the proper training and the luxury of having Race’s camp so close to his home in Warrensburg Missouri. Reiling stepped up the plate when Regal asked for two young men to get in the ring to work the arms. Though his experience was limited he gave a 100 percent and tried to soak in all the information that his trainers were given him. During my conversations with his fellow peers in the camp they relayed to me that he had earned their respect that week and had improved a ton from day one to the final day. Reiling stated to me that he did not know when his first match would come but the camp added to the fire to learn more to live his dream to be a pro wrestler.

I watched another Oregon native Dillon Divine as he worked under the watchful eyes of Steamboat and Regal. I was impressed with his facial expressions and Divine said it best to be when said “You get what you put out of it. So go for it.

While many of the Harley students took part in the camp one young wrestler fans at MWR are aware of is the 2010 MWR Future Star recipient Sir Bradley Charles.

The award is given not only to the wrestler MWR feels has the talent but the dedication and work ethic to become better, to be the best that they can be. SBC had been to Lance Storms camp, wrestled outside the country and is a rising star at Metro Pro Wrestling, 3xwRESTLING , NWA Dynamo and SICW but he once again proved that he is deserving of the award by seeking out more training to be the best that he can be.

Ryan Drago looks to slow down Lee Walker. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

SBC receives a punishing blow from Dustin Bozworth. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

OUCH (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Jeff Strong stretches SBC. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Jeff Strong, Ryan Drago and Dustin Bozoworth with the win. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

At the end of the week SBC debuted for WLW as he teamed up on the Saturday show with Lee Walker. & Ethan H.D in a tough loss against the team of Ryan Drago, Jeff Strong, & Dustin Bozworth. Even though SBC did not get the “W” the skills that he learned this week will give him that much more a chance to become a star around the world.

In what was one of the most surprising moments for me during the week the students were all smiles as they told me that Regal had invited them to his hotel room on the final night to discuss wrestling in a special Q and A on the week’s events, his opinions and stories from one of the most traveled wrestlers from the past twenty years. What an invitation from a man who could of easily of stayed to himself during a time that he was not required to but instead respects the sport so much that he wanted to give back to the students who took the opportunity to take part in the camp. To say that with that bit of information from the students didn’t move Regal up on my favorites of all time would be a lie.

The week would not be complete as WLW would bring the action and love to the fans. A great night of wrestling as always added with a request from Regal to actually wrestle on the card. His opponent former WLW wrestler who has worked at WWE and ROH as well as a two time WLW Tag team champion with Matt Murphy and Superstar Steve Fender respectably.

Steve Fender meets the fans. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Ms Natural and her fans. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

This lovely grandmother brought her granddaughter to the matches. They were so adorable that a picture had to be taken. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

MWR Dubray Tallman poses with friends from ST Louis Kyle Valle and Joe Bates. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Everyone wants to talk to the WLW Champ Brian Breaker. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

For 5 hours Kevin Von Erich signed autograph after autograph then took photo after photo. One of the nicest guys MWR has ever met.

The night started off with the fans having a chance to meet the stars of WLW as well as Ricky Steamboat and Kevin Von Erich.

Is Kevin Von Erich Teaching the WLW Women's champ Lucy Mendez how to do the claw? (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Ricky Steamboat was in high demand. Bringing smiles to fans young and old alike. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

I had the honor of meeting a true Superstar on the night when I spoke to the Cauliflower Alley Club’s Karl Lauer.

Master Sgt Ira Scott, 87 yrs young and served in WW11, Korea and VietNam total over 30 yrs

He introduced me his “hero” Master Sgt Ira Scott, 87 yrs young and served in WW11, Korea and VietNam total over 30 yrs. was in the US Air Force and done everything from crew chief on fighters, to copters to bombers to medical attention in emergency and sewed up guys so would not bleed before the medics go to um. A very remarkable man and what a real hero is really all about. 5″6″ about 145 lbs and sharp as a teen ager. Later in the night WLW announcer Dan Gier would introduce him to the fans. Out of respect everyone in attendance gave the man a well-deserved standing ovation.

As fans took the time to get their autographs and pictures taken with the stars, The personal highlight of the night for me was to have a few fans come up to introduce themselves stating that they visited the site and enjoyed it.

Here I pose with a fan of MWR, a great guy who we hope to see in the matches soon.

I have many friends that I know visit the site but it truly makes it worth it when I meet new friends that check MWR out so that they may know when WLW will be back in action or an interview with an up and comer.

One of my very childhood best friends Billy Howser came up for the show on the night with his friend Steve. Billy showed great taste in women once again when the love bug hit him for the “Catholic Schoolgirl” Stacey O’Brien.

Every schoolboys dream is now every wrestling fans as Stacey O has the boys hearts in the palm of her hands. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Billy bought him an 8×10 of her and wanted to know when I thought she would be at in the future as I stated that she is a star as well for Metro Pro Wrestling.

As we gear up for the first ever MWR Yearbook, I have called on friends to help me add some special features for the book. One of them is famed artist ICON who work includes the world renowned painting The Gods of Thunder painting, as seen at WWE Magazine January 2011.

Kevin Von Erich with my friend Icon. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

When he told me of his newest project called “Fantasy Warfare” where he will be drawing two wrestlers from different eras going to war. The first one he did was former WWE Champion the Ultimate Warrior taking on current WWE Star and former WWE Champ Sheamus. I quickly asked to have a special one drawn for the 2011 yearbook and when he asked me who I would like to see go to battle I chose two of my very favorites of all-time, Harley Race vs. Kurt Angle. A match that I think could have won multiple awards throughout the years. Fans be sure to look for this great feature in the book to see who got the edge in this exclusive feature from ICON.

We had posted the importance of Kevin Von Erich coming to the Midwest prior to the show at MWR but little did we know how friendly the man was. All night long he posed for photos giving the fans the famed Von Erich Claw and signing autographs.

Young Jalen Ray will never forget having the claw put on him by a true master of the move Kevin Von Erich. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

One friend came up to me and was impressed on how respectful his sons Marshall and Ross were to them when they asked for a photo. Their comment, Kevin raised them kid’s right. Marshall and Ross by the way took part in the camp as they look to make a name for themselves. Their dad Kevin, proudly told me how talented they were in their high school sports during a special interview with MWR.

Corey Dunken leans on Jason Jones. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

The Prince Jason Jones wins once again in 2011. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

An exciting night of action started off with one of the hottest wrestlers in the country as “The Prince” Jason Jones continued his momentum with a win against young Corey Dunken. Jones would have been a real threat for the NWA JR title if he would have been able to get in the tournament for the vacated title left by former champion Craig Classic.

The WLW women’s title has not been as red hot since Malia Hosaka and Brandi Alexander went to war for the championship.

Ms Natural delivers a punishing move on O'Brien. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Payback from Stacey. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

With Ms Natural, the most decorated champion in the company’s history back in the game the fans got to see a classic as Champion Lucy Mendez showed her heart to win a match that also featured former MWR Female of the year Stacey O’Brien.

Lucy keeps the WLW title much to the delight of the fans in Eldon. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

In a WLW Classic match it would be ALL THAT Matt Murphy teaming up with Steve Fender to meet Trevor Murdock and Bull Schmitt in tag action. Each of these men have been able to take the skills taught to them by Race to make multiple trips to Japan and WWE in years past and their battles have always had a special place in the WLW faithful’s hearts.

Welcome back to wrestling Matt Murphy says Trevor Murdock. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

During the match Murphy looked to have a leg injury and would not be able to continue. It looked so bad that Ricky Steamboat who was watching in the bleachers with Ms. Natural came to ringside to assist Murphy.

Steamboat shows some heart to help the "injured" Murphy. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Murphy was proud of himself as he taunts the former NWA World Champion Steamboat. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

When out of the blue, Murphy showed his true colors and attacked Murdock and Schmitt to the shock of Steamboat and the fans.

Murdock and Schmitt would be able to recover to get the win in what many fans said was one of the most special moments in WLW History. Out of respect each men hugged one another to end the match.

RESPECT. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

This past spring WLW Stars Trevor Murdock and Brian Breaker toured Japan for Pro Wrestling Noah. While the two stars were on the plane tragedy struck when Hurricane Katrina exploded on Japan. The country was left in shambles and many lost loved ones during one of the saddest moments of 2011. During intermission Harley thanked his friends at Pro Wrestling Noah for their support throughout the years. In response Pro-Wrestling NOAH Ken Hirayama and Ryu Nakata spoke to the fans. They spoke about the promises of many countries to stay and help the country during the aftermath but when it came time for action many was no where to be seen, while Switzerland and the USA were front and center with support for Japan. They then thanked the fans and the country while starting a USA Chant out of respect for the men and women of the USA for their help.

Back to action the man who is the current WLW Champion Brian Breaker would defend his title against fan favorite Jack Gamble. In what I thought was the match of the night, Gamble took a beating but refused to lay down to the champion Breaker. It looked as if the speed of Gamble may pay off but Breaker was just to good as his moves of crushing power was too much for Gamble.

Jack Gamble took a beating throughout the match but never once backed down. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Jack Gamble can exploded at any time during a match. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

DROP!! (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

WWE'S William Regal.

In the main event it would be a wrestling clinic as Steven Regal and Ace Steel would go old school as they traded moves and punishing blows that could have been a headlined anywhere in the country.

Sit back and watch a classic wrestling match in front of your eyes as Regal goes against Ace Steel. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Regal would be able to capture a hard earned win on Ace Steel to finish the nights.

Once again World League Wrestling proved that they provide the fans with moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. For the aspiring wrestler , they gave them a chance to become better and be seen by WWE and Pro Wrestling Noah Scouts and for the fans a chance to meet their favorites and watch wrestling the way it was meant to be.

If you missed this years event be sure to keep an eye out at MWR for info on all WLW shows and as soon as we know more about the 2012 WLW/WWE/NOAH camp we will post it here.

Editor’s Note: We would like to thank Harley Race, Pro Wrestling Noah for their hospitably to bring allow us to bring you the fans this awesome look at one of the most important weeks of the year. WLW for over the past 10 years have been dedicated to giving back to communities through fundraisers of their exciting family friendly wrestling shows.

Thank you to the wrestlers of WLW and the students that attended the camp for working with MWR for photos and comments for this story.

Last and most importantly thank you to the fans for their support of MWR and your local wrestling promotion.

Hope you enjoyed this feature and we hope to see you at the matches real soon.

Mike Sydal presented with the 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year Plaque

Fans around the country have fallen in love with “Rock and Roll” Mike Sydal. The brother to WWE Superstar Evan Bourne said it best during his presentation of the MWR Wrestler of the year plaque, “In 1998 MWR ranked him the number 98 in the MWR 100 wrestlers in the Midwest and two years later I was named the MWR Wrestler of the year.

Sydal would not just sit back and live off the name of his brother. From the start of his career Sydal went on the road to earn the reputation of one of the top young stars in pro wrestling today. Sydal would spent the next two years traveling around the country looking for the top competition in almost every respectful promotion in the country including Ring of Honor on Direct TV HDNET and Chikara .

Always looking to get better while training with the likes of Ring of Honor school, trainer Mark Sterling, took the opportunity to train at Harley Race’s World League Wrestling Academy and their annual WLW/Pro Wrestling Noah camp.

The hard work would earn him the prestigious title of being named the 2009 Pro Wrestling Illustrated rookie of the year. Several of the names in the past to be honored with his award are Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Bob Backlund, Kurt Angle and Randy Orton.

His work ethic and professionalism made Sydal a must see draw all around the Midwest when he would return to the area. Great matches at 3XW, Metro Pro Wrestling ,MMWA-SICW and all around the Midwest was just one of the many reasons why the MWR awards committee’s chose Mike Sydal to be named the 2010 MWR Wrestler of the year.

2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mike Chapman

History should
be studied
because it
is essential to
individuals and
to society, and
because it
harbors beauty.

Pro Wrestling fans are passionate about their love of the drama and action inside the squared circle. In a sport where the desire for us, the fans to know more about our heroes and villains more than ever, we are very fortunate to have websites, shoot interviews, movies and documentaries to fall back on.

Growing up I dreamed of a Hall of Fame for the stars that I saw in publications such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Wrestling needed a Hall of Fame just as baseball has Cooperstown New York and the NFL Canton Ohio. Sure, many magazines had a Hall of Fame on paper but I wanted more. I wanted to see the championship belts, photos and posters from past shows.

To be honest, coming from a boom time for pro wrestling in the 80′s with “Rock and Wrestling”, I still lived in a small town in the Midwest where there were still many that did not understand my love for wrestling. I thought that if a Hall of Fame was to exist I would have to make my way to New York or California to see such a wonderful museum.

Thankfully, we have one of the leading authorities on wrestling history in Mike Chapman living right here in the Midwest. Mike took his passion for amateur and pro wrestling and parlayed his talent to provide wrestling fans around the world a chance to gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our heroes.

Mike and Bev pose for a photo in the ring in the Pro Wing of the Museum. (Photo Courtesy of Mike Chapman’s website)

Now fans young and old can come together to look back and remember the stars of yesterday at the The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo Iowa. Mike Chapman founded the museum in 1998. With several years of hard work he retired from the museum on October 31, 2009 to devote full time to his new magazine, Iowa History Journal, and to write books.

Mike has represented the Midwest and the wrestling world with class and honor by promoting the sport as a public speaker, an author of 21 books (14 about wrestling) and his work has appeared in dozens of national and regional magazines.

In his books wrestling fans are able to take a trip back into time to look back at the incredible careers of Frank Gotch in “Frank Gotch: His Life and Legacy” and one of my personal favorite wrestlers and human beings Dan Hodge in “Oklahoma Shooter: The Dan Hodge Story”.

Fans of today are well aware of the talents that the collegiate wrestling world has as many in wrestling such as Bill Miller, Jack Brisco, Bob Geigel Brock Lesnar, Ken Shamrock, Steve Williams, Bobby Lashley, LeRoy McGuirk and of course Kurt Angle . Each of these men have all become important wrestlers in the pro ring at one time or another.

If some of these names are people that you may not know, I urge you to check out the museum or look them up, each a champion in their own right.

Let’s look at just a small part of his resume.

Mike is the founder of W.I.N. Magazine, considered by many the nation’s top amateur wrestling publication; the WIN Memorabilia Show, which draws 8,000 fans each year to the NCAA Championships.  Mike has been important in the jumpstarting the “Dan Hodge Trophy,” which goes each year to the top college wrestler in the United States. It has been called “the Heisman Trophy of wrestling.”

Mike has earned the respect of many in the sport by being named in six Hall of Fames the AAU National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2002 he  received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC), an organization of boxers, wrestlers and movie actors. In 2007 he received the Order of Merit for lifetime achievement from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the President’s Award from the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association.

As a reporter, he has attended 38 NCAA wrestling tournaments, two Olympics and two World Championships. He has won numerous awards for journalism and writing. He has been named National Wrestling Writer of the Year five times, by four different amateur wrestling organizations.

He has met and interviewed such people as Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, Robert Redford, Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk from TV fame), Denny Miller (Tarzan actor and star of “Wagon Train”) and many other famous stars of movies and sports.

Mike has appeared on numerous TV shows –including the networks ESPN, A&E, Fox Sports, Iowa Public Television and Fox and Friends. He has been the guest on over 200 radio talk shows. He has produced three wrestling videos and has two screenplays in Hollywood, including “GOTCH: An American Hero.” The movie rights are owned by Empire Film Group and it is currently in pre-production.

As an athlete, he competed in wrestling, judo, sombo and bench press contests. He once bench pressed 440 pounds at a bodyweight of 205.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Mike Chapman in Newton Iowa, the original home of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum several years ago during an annual Hall of Fame. Several of my heroes from years past where in attendance in 2005 along with theInduction of Harley Race to the HOF.

Terry Funk, Verne Gagne and Larry Hennig were just a few that where there to sign autographs for the each and every one of the fans in attendance. Still one of the fondest memories that I had of that trip to Newton Iowa was how nice this guy that worked for the museum was towards Dubray and I. He spoke to us just like he had known us all of his life, telling stories of the displays and the posters on the wall.

We left that day in Newton with the perception that he just worked there and enjoyed what he done. I would later find out that that worker was none other than Mike Chapman, the founder of the museum, a man who had rubbed elbows former World Champions in Boxing and wrestling, Presidents of the United States, and some of the top Hollywood stars.

At Mike’s website this quote was stated

The mission of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum (DGIWIM) is to preserve, maintain and promote the long and illustrious heritage of mankind’s oldest sport in a manner which will benefit the sport, educate and entertain the public, and to inspire youth to dream big and work hard.

Mission accomplished Mike, this Lifetime Achievement Award is a thank you from the fans of the Midwest and around the world.

Editors Note: Please come back to MWR in the future for updates on the progress Mike latest project as he has been working with a committee in Humboldt, Iowa – the hometown of Frank Gtoch – to build an eight-foot statue of the world heavyweight champion (1908-1915) in the center of town.

If all goes as plan we hope to cover this historic occasion at Missouri Wrestling Revival
Please take the time to check out more information of Mike Chapman at his website here.

Fans of wrestling should check out the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum website here and make plans to see it live in 2011.

Brian Kelley
Missouri Wrestling Revival

MWR welcomes Cloverleaf Radio to Missouri Wrestling Revival

Jimmy Falcon has returned to MWR after a short hiatus. The last we saw Falcon he was causing trouble at High Voltage Wrestling. Now you can check out his very good wrestling variety show.

Cloverleaf Radio is a variety show, with mostly interviews involved around Professional Wrestling, hosted by Jimmy Falcon, James Soley, and Georgeous Ladies of Wrestling Season 3 & 4′s Gremlina, bringing you interviews with some of the hottest professional wrestlers, actors, comedians, etc!

In the past he has had special guest such as former WWE and TNA World Champion Kurt Angle.

What does Angle think about Daniel Bryan? A great interview that you need to listen too.

To listen to this interview and more click here

Up on the Cloverleaf Radio schedule is

Dec. 9th: Jimmy Falcon birthday celebration with Bushwhacker Luke, Kevin Kelly, Pete Gas, Gillberg, WWE sign guy Rick Achberger, Vito Lograsso, and others.

Dec. 16th: EA Sports MMA video game announcer Shannon Rose.

Dec. 23rd: Andrew Anderson from The Wrestler and Skittles commercials and Nikita Brezhnikov from The Wrestlers and Grand Masters of Wrestling.

Dec. 30th: Former TNA head referee Rudy Charles.

Jan. 6th: Razor Ramon, Rick Titan, Jelena from Wrestlelicious, Former WWE head of security and actor Jimmy Noonan and Tracy Smothers.

Jan 13th: ?

Jan 20th: Rocky the Soulman Johnson, uncle of the Rock and wrestling legend

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

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.

`

Meet Hulk Hogan in St Louis this Friday!!

From the TNA WEBSITE

THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FU-MANCHU MEETS THE WORLD’S LARGEST FU-MANCHU

TNA Wrestling confirmed today that it is attempting to break the existing Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of People With Mustaches at the Hogan Fu-Fest, set for this Friday, February 26.

Hogan Fu-Fest will be held from 2-4 p.m. CT at Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood (620 Market Street) in downtown St. Louis, minutes away from the Gateway Arch – which truly is symbolic of the world’s largest fu. TNA’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record is sponsored by Doc’s Harley-Davidson of St. Louis, and endorsed by the St. Louis-based American Mustache Institute (AMI).

AMI Chairman Dr. Aaron Perlut will be present to honor and recognize the golden whiskers of the pop icon, Hulk Hogan.

“We have been in contact with officials at the London headquarters of Guinness World Records, and know TNA fans and Hulkamaniacs will turn out to the Hogan Fu-Fest to shatter the existing Guinness record,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “We need everyone with a mustache, especially a fu, to show up at Shannon’s in St. Louis this upcoming Friday afternoon.”

TNA Wrestling is holding Hogan Fu-Fest in St. Louis on the same day that tickets go on sale for TNA Lockdown 2010, the pay-per-view extravaganza set for Sunday night, April 18, at the Family Arena in suburban St. Charles, Mo.

Lockdown is TNA’s first 2010 PPV away from the company’s stomping grounds of The iMPACT! Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

AJ Styles, the reigning TNA World Heavyweight Championship, leads the St. Louis invasion of TNA stars for Lockdown 2010, along with U.S. Olympic Gold Medal winner Kurt Angle, Ric Flair, Jeff Jarrett, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Samoa Joe and more.
Tickets for “TNA Lockdown” go on sale Friday, February 26, at http://www.MetroTix.com, the Family Arena box office or charge by phone at 314-534-1111.

WHO: TNA Wrestling’s Hulk Hogan
WHAT: “Hogan Fu-Fest” – Judging of Fu Manchu’s to win front row tickets to “TNA Lockdown 2010”; Many prize giveaways, attempting to set a world record for largest gathering of Fu Manchu wearers.
WHEN: February 26, 2-4PM
WHERE: Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood (620 Market Street)
EVENT: TNA Wrestling is attempting to break the existing Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of Mustached People.

Dartallion Allen’s MWR Top Draws- Technical Masters

 Brian “Flair” Kelley

One of the most popular features here at Missouri Wrestling Revival returns with Dartallion Allen’s Top Draws and on this edition he allowed me to choose the name. When I got the artwork and discovered that Kurt Angle, Jeremy Wyatt, Dingo and Bailey Mannix were a part of this group, then Nick Tyson and Mike Quackenbush, I first thought to myself “These guys can hang with anyone” Therefore I call this edition Technical Masters.

My personal favorite wrestler today is Kurt Angle. Angle throughout the years has been in some great storylines but in my honest opinion most of the time they have not known what to do with someone so great. With that said no matter the situation when the bell rang you knew it was going to be a great match. Kurt is able to deliver in the ring or on the mic. As a good guy or as the hated heel he has able to get his point across. He is today’s Ric Flair.

The Technical Masters in the Midwest can do it all. Some are loved liked Mike Quakenbush and Dingo while others are hated like Jeremy Wyatt and Bailey Mannix but regardless you want to see them in the ring. Till the next match MWR fans sit back and enjoy a mix of some of the best wrestlers today drawn by none other than Dartallion Allen.

Kurt Angle

One of the most pure wrestlers in the history of the sport, Angle earned respect nationally by becoming a two time National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I champion in college. The world wide by winning the 1995 World Championship tournament, and made history by winning a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, in heavyweight freestyle wrestling.

Angle has dominated in the past decade as he racked up World Championships in WWE, TNA as well as in Japan. Angle is one of the few wrestlers that claim the big three, the look, the Charisma and the ability to wrestle.

In my mind there is no one better in the past 15 years in pro wrestling than Kurt Angle.

Jeremy Wyatt

The Belt Collector has made an impact with main events around the Midwest with the tops stars today. Wyatt often angers fans with his big mouth but backs it up with by winning big matches in exciting fashion.

The 2008 MWR Wrestler of the year has taken down the biggest of wrestlers such as Donovan Ruddick, and then matched moves with the most technical wrestlers today like Dingo, Shawn Shultz, and Davey Richards. Love him or hate him, he is one of the elite in the sport today.

Dingo

In a sport where it seems as if the big men rule, the truth of the matter is the size of a mans heart that determines where he is able to go. Judge the Australian superstar Dingo by appearance and you see a guy that is in shape but by no means the top wrestler in the Midwest. Then you see him in action and it is not mistaken, that the talent and drive is there. There is no wrestler in the MWR Coverage area that is offered more praise and admiration for his ring work by his peers than Dingo. Promoters love him because they know they can match him up with anyone and the fans will love it. When Dartallion Allen and I spoke about the MWR Top Draws for the site he was the first wrestlers that he said he was excited about drawing. There is no doubt that if MWR had been around in the past he would already be a multiple award winner for Wrestler and Match of the year

Recently Dingo announced his retirement from the sport of pro wrestling. MWR would like to wish Dingo the very best and secretly we hopes that he reconsiders.

Mike Quackenbush

“The Master of a 1000 holds” Mike Quakenbush skills and talent range reaches much further that the square circle. As founder of the very popular Chikara, Quakenbush has been the home of some of the most talked about wrestling today.

Quakenbush is one of the most influential men in wrestling he has trained today’s stars Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli and Eddie Kingston.

Wrestlers in the Midwest have had the chance to get training seminars from “The Ring Wizard in the recent past NWA Missouri Champion Davey Vega can attest to the teaching ability of Quakenbush as he took two tours of training in the past 2 years that had to be an advantage when he was able to defeat his fellow teacher Dingo for the belt on October 16th of this past year.

With 20 years in the sport Quakenbush shows that hard work does pay off in the wrestling business as Quakenbush is one of the most influential men in the sport today

Nick Tyson

Originally known as simply “Nightmare”, Nick Tyson entered the ring with his face painted for battle and let his wrestling do the talking. Employing a combination of submissions and strikes, Tyson held the championship in the WCWF(predecessor to the LWA) as well as in the LWA itself. A few years into his career, Tyson got rid of the facepaint and formed an alliance with fellow Midwest wrestling standouts Dingo and Pierre Abernathy…thus forming the Submission Squad.

Tyson has also competed for GCW and NWA Central States in Kansas. The biggest win of his career was his upset victory over TNA competitor Alex Shelley in March of 2007. Later in the year, Tyson teamed with longtime ally Dingo to battle Shelley and his partner Chris Sabin…the Motor City Machineguns evened the score on that night. One of Tyson’s most recent standout matches was a battle in January of 2009 with CHIKARA wrestler Mike Quackenbush.

 

Whether in singles or tag team competition, the “Technical Messiah” has proven himself to be a formidable competitor wherever he wrestles!

Bailey Mannix

The MECW Champion Bailey Mannix with his manager Lovely Leon looks like an odd pair but in 2009 they ran rough shot through the promotion to claim the title from Zach Thompson in a dog collar match.

A master of the suplex, Mannix was named the MWR Wrestler of the month in January of 2009. This past December Mannix debut at High Voltage Wrestling teaming with Eric Allen successfully against Markus Crane and Bucky Collins.

As great as a year it was for Mannix in 2009 look for 2010 to be even better.

Coming soon at MWR from Dartallion Allen “The Modern Day Viking” Shawn Shultz

NWA Dynamo Pro – Wrestles for a new Heart for Jimmie Bass January 31 in Ottawa Kansas

Christmas time has come and gone, your family and friends have come together in the season of giving. Pro Wrestling has a long history of giving not only during the Christmas season throughout the year. During the year there are many wrestling company’s support fundraisers. They include Toys for Tots, school functions, Relay for life, just to name a few. The wrestlers and the company involved take great pride on helping others. The relationship between the wrestling community and their fans are like none other.

Just prior to Christmas, a tragedy in the Nilwood Illinois when a fire caused a family to not only lose their house but sadly the mother. New Midwest Wrestling quickly stepped and promoted a show to help raise funds for the family.

This past weekend my heart was touched when Larry Barber and NWA-Dynamo Pro Wrestling brought to my attention a fundraiser they were doing for a young boy named Jimmie. Larry also sent me pictures and here is the heartfelt letter that his grandmother Charlene Bernabe sent.

Larry,
Jimmie Bass is a 5 yr. old little boy from Ottawa awaiting a heart transplant. He is now on a heart pump and cannot leave the hospital in Iowa City Iowa until he receives a new heart. He was born with 3 chambers to the heart. The arteries were all routed backwards at birth. Causing the blood to bypass the lungs. He also had a hole in 2 of the chambers. He has undergone several open heart surgeries to try to help fix this problem, but it was not successful. There was too high of pressure in the heart. His heart just was not able to go anymore, that is why he is on a pump. There is a web site that has a video about lil Jimmie and the pump, due to it is not FDA approved. You may get it at KGAN CBS 2 go to there website and scroll down on the top stories called….”A NEW HEART FOR JIMMIE”. Thanks for all your help. Charlene Bernabe

Jimmie Bass enjoys a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Clause in the hospital.

 

Not only will you have the opportunity to help out Jimmie Bass but you also will get to see some of the best wrestling in the Midwest.

Jeremy “The Rebel” Wyatt vs. Former WWE and ECW Superstar Al Snow

Al Snow is well rounded with years of experience; he was one half of the former WWE Tag team champions (with Mick Foley), he can beat you in many ways. Snow was recently seen in TNA when he helped Kurt Angle defeat Rhino by distracting and slapping special guest enforcer in the face.

Wyatt was able to get the victory in a hard hitting match in November when he defeated ROH Superstar Davey Richards in a brutal hard hitting match Will Wyatt’s intensity be used against him by the wily veteran? This should be wrestling classic.

NWA Kansas Championship rematch
Kansas Champion #1 Brett Young vs. Tyler Cook.

There last match in Pomona Kansas, earned them the match of the month for November. Young was able to walk out with the Kansas Championship that night. Cook was able to impress the NWA that he was deserving of another chance to win the belt. This rematch has many interesting questions surrounding it. Young has years of experience to his advantage, was he showing all that he had to offer in that match. Cook on the other hand had his most profiled match against Young and came very close to winning. Will Cooks confidence be at such a high level that the Champion can not overcome the energy that the contender brings?

Tag Team Rematch
“The Ego Express” (Steven Kennedy & KC Karrington)
vs “The LONRS” (Mark Sterling & Darrien Sanders)

Shorty Biggs vs. Billy McNeil

Donovan Riddick vs. Trent Stone

Kraig Keesman vs. Domino Rivera

Adam Rich vs. Mike Sydal

Davey Vega vs. Pierre Abernathy

Join Missouri Wrestling Revival on January 31 in Ottawa Kansas. Come early and sign up for a chance to win a MWR T-shirt.

Al Snow will be having a wrestling seminar prior to the show for only $50.00 Ottawa Middle School – Ottawa, Ks.3-5pmOnly 20 spots available. Be sure to reserve a spot early before they are all filled. Cost $50.00 per person

For more information about the show or the wrestling seminar check out NWA –Dynamo Pro Wrestling at their myspace