2012 Missouri Wrestling Revival Wrestler of the Year – Adam Pearce

The Year of Pearce

One of the most gifted wrestlers in the World today, Adam Pearce would give the fans a roller coaster full of emotion with each and every opponent he met. Photo Credit Wikkd Heir Photography.

When 2012 started Adam Pearce entered the year during his fourth reign as the NWA champ. As a fighting champion Pearce had returned the tradition of defending the World title back in Kansas City against Michael Strider for the first time in over years.

In a classic battle, Strider had thought he had reached a lifelong dream of becoming the NWA World Champion after pinning the champ. Yet, his dream was turned into reality as the match was restarted following Matt Murphy saying Strider’s pin over Pearce was void because Pearce’s foot was under the bottom rope during the pinfall.

Pearce would defend his title in the first NWA World’s Heavyweight title match in Des Moines since 1986 at 3XWrestling on January 27, 201 to meet “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt. Wyatt considered by many to be the greatest wrestler during the MWR Years had earned the respect from fans around the Midwest. The city of Des Moines, Iowa shook as the 3XW fans and Wyatt jumped to their feet after Wyatt had pinned Pearce.

Pure happiness would turn to anger as they saw Referee Jeromy Robb have the second ref (that had come in after being inadvertently crushed by both men in the corner) Steve Biley notified the ring announcer that he saw Mark Sterling hit Pearce with the Spear and that Wyatt had in fact been disqualified! As a result, Pearce retained the title.

This match would catch the eyes of the wrestling world for Jeremy Wyatt as PWI would rank him in their official NWA rankings at number seven in the world.

The students at Magnum Pro Wrestling had a golden opportunity to learn from the NWA Worlds Champion at the beginning of the 2012- Photo Credit Brian Kelley

The next day Pearce would offer his advice and knowledge to the wrestlers around the Midwest for a training seminar at Magnum PRO Wrestling in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Pearce and Magnum PRO gave MWR the honor of sitting in on the day as Pearce was respectful to all and worked with each student in the ring to improve their skills in the ring.

That evening Peace would defend his NWA World title at Magnum PRO against the tough as nails, popular Omaha, Nebraskan “Babyface” Tony Cortez. Cortez fought with the heart and fire that he is loved for but Pearce once again walked out as a four time NWA World Champion.

News would break within days of the Pearce- Cortez match via a video that Pearce would be returning to the St. Louis area, home of Lou Thesz, Harley Race and Sam Muchnick for the first time in years . In the video he offered the chance for anyone to sign the open contract for the NWA World title for Dynamo Pro Wrestling on April 6th.

Wrestling news media around the world got to see the former NWA World Champion Steve Corino urge his friend “The Tokyo Monster” Kahagas to sign on the dotted line to meet Pearce one on one.

Just a few days before the match there would be even more significance as Kahagas would win the NWA National title on March 29 in Miami, Florida from Chance Prophet at the NWA Ring Warriors Battle of the belts.

It was a battle of Champion vs. Champion at NWA Dynamo as Adam Pearce and the Tokyo Monster Kahagas went at it with a vengeance. – Photo Credit Brian Kelley

On Friday night at Dynamo Pro Wrestling fans would see Pearce and Kahagas fight each other with a vengeance, but would retain the NWA World title via disqualification. Pearce’s tactics during and after the match brought out Kahagas’s good friend Ricky Cruz to get order maintained at Dynamo Pro.

The very next night, April 7th Pearce would return to Kansas City at Metro Pro to take on Matt Murphy. Murphy had been Harley Race first graduate student, and had the opportunity to wrestle in both WWE and Japan’s Pro Wrestling Noah in his career. Pearce would be in top form withstanding a hard fighting Murphy in convincing fashion.

After the match Strider announced that he was wrestling his very last match and he wanted one more shot at the 10 pounds of Gold on June 2nd at Metro Pro Wrestling. When it looked like Strider had pinned Pearce during November 21, 2011, the NWA website had made the mistake as announcing Strider as the World Champion before finding out that the match had to restart. Thus fans had already known that Strider was more than capable of riding home in the sunset as the NWA World Champion.

Life has a way of throwing you curve balls, as Striders rematch at the NWA World title would go up in flames. Less than 24 hours of the announcement of their match Pearce would loss the title to arch rival Colt Cabana in Glendale, California on April 8th.

This would set the stage for the Seven levels of Hate series between the new NWA World Champion Colt Cabana and Pearce in a best of seven different matches around country for the winner laying claim as the best in the world.

Pearce would be looking for positive momentum for their matches as he met competition in between the Seven Levels of Hate.

The ref struggles to keep the master of mind games Adam Pearce under control against the red hot Ricky Cruz – Photo Credit Brian Kelley

On June 1st he was signed to wrestle against red hot Ricky Cruz at Dynamo Pro Wrestling. Any doubts that Cruz was not for real was washed away when he nailed Pearce with the devastating Cruz Control to pin the former champ.

On June 2nd, Magic will be in the air for Metro Pro Wrestling at the Turner Rec Center for Michael Striders retirement match. Family, friends, fans and even enemies came up in droves to see one of the top stars in Kansas for the past twenty years seek revenge on Pearce.

For the special occasion Kansas City wrestling artist Rob Schamberger presented Michael Strider with a portrait of the man himself. As they were celebrating, “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce destroyed the painting over Strider’s head thus infuriating the crowd. At the end of the night it would be Strider who would have the last laugh when after many thrilling moments, Strider would have the biggest and best match of his career.

On July 21st, the wrestling world eyes would be back on Midwest once again as Pearce and Cabana was set to wrestle match 4 in the Seven Levels of Hate match number four. Pearce had his back against the wall as Cabana was down 3-0 in the series and with one more loss the Seven Levels of Hate would be Cabana’s brightest moment. Add on the fact that he was suffering with flu like symptoms that day and the match was set to be two out of three falls, it would that a test of true heart and grit for him to even wrestle,

For the first time in Kansas City since September 17, 1981 when Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes the NWA title would change hands when Pearce defeated Cabana.

Less than a day later All American Pro Wrestling announced that the hottest young star in Southern Illinois, Heath Hatton was set to meet Adam Pearce on September 22nd in Marion Illinois for the NWA World title. This would mark the first time in many years that the NWA World title was defended in Southern Illinois.

Hatton would be tested in the biggest match of his career and though he would come up just up short, the experience and confidence that he earned during that match against Pearce will help him for years to come.

On the National scene Pearce would go on to lose the Seven Levels of Hates series and was no longer the NWA World Champion. It looked as if Pearce’s contribution in the Midwest had come to a close in 2012.

It was a battle of Champion vs. Champion at NWA Dynamo as Adam Pearce and the Tokyo Monster Kahagas went at it with a vengeance. – Photo Credit Brian Kelley

Yet, the year was not done as Pearce would have his old ally; Metro Pro Wrestling Commissioner Steven J Girthy set “Santa” aka himself up in a match for ACH’s Central States title on December 8th.

“Santa” would enlist the help of Elf Natural “Miss Natural” in his quest to capture the title during the final show at Metro Pro Wrestling.

ACH finds himself getting the gift he always wanted as a kid, plus a rare victory over Adam Pearce to end 2012 at Metro Pro Wrestling- Photo Credit Brian Kelley

Pearce would end the night and year in the Midwest with a loss, but for the Metro Pro Wrestling fans it was a win as the match featured one of the best in the world today with one of the hottest young wrestlers in the world today, ACH.

During 2012, Adam Pearce would wrestle in five MWR promotions, 3XWrestling, Magnum PRO Wrestling, Metro Pro Wrestling, Dynamo Pro Wrestling and All American Pro Wrestling. During his trips to those promotions he would give wrestlers and artist in the Midwest a great wrestling highlight including Jeremy Wyatt, “Babyface” Tony Cortez, Michael Strider, Rob Schamberger, Kahagas, Ricky Cruz, Heath Hatton, Steven J Girthy, Mark Sterling, ACH and Miss Natural.

Pearce has shown leadership, ring excellence and Professionalism that any NWA Champion of yesterday would have been proud of. Each and every time Pearce made an appearance in the Midwest, it was big news in wrestling.

That is why it is with great respect and admiration we name Adam Pearce as the 2012 MWR Wrestler of the Year.

Where we would like to see Adam Pearce in 2013?

With Harley Race’s World League Wrestling set to start up TV it would be great too see two of the greatest NWA World Champions of all time in the same building. No one can talk the fans into their seats faster in 2013 than Pearce so WLW would welcome to have a great promo man like Pearce on the roster.

We would love to see if these two great minds could co-exist in one promotion.

Ricky Cruz added a big boost to the Midwest in 2012. After knocking Ron Powers off of his throne at SICW to become the Classic Wrestling Champion, he entertained fans at Metro Pro Wrestling, Dynamo Pro and ended the year being the number one contedor for Jeremy Wyatts 3XW Championship. Add on the fact that he met with kids in the community and universally loved Cruz was chosen 1ST runner up in 2012 – Photo Credit Brian Kelley

1ST Runner Up- Ricky Cruz

Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson has nothing on Jeremy Wyatt for coming back from an injury . The Belt Collector was racking up titles and match of the year candidates one after another at the start of 2012. Wyatt nearly defeated Pearce for the NWA World title from Pearce, revenged his IRON MAN loss to Mark Sterling to win the 3XW Championship and making Midwest powerhouse Bull Schmitt tap out for the Metro Pro Wrestling title. As Wyatt was going for the AAPW Championship from Edmund McGuire, tragedy struck and Wyatt when down with an injury. Both MPW and 3XW stripped him of his two belts but it would take less than 4 months till he was back and before the year was up Wyatt had regained both titles back. Amazing – Photo credit Brian Kelley

2nd Runner Up – Jeremy Wyatt

AHC had a phenomenal year in 2012, winning the Metro pro Wrestling Central States titles, while having a breakout year around the country. His matches with Jeremy Wyatt and TJ Perkins are among the best of the year. Exciting and charismatic fans are forced to keep their eyes on the ring or dare to miss out on the excitement. If not for such a great year from Pearce, Cruz and Wyatt in the MWR coverage area, ACH would have laid claim for the 2012 MWR Wrestler of the year.- Photo courtesy of Metro Pro Wrestling

3rd Runner Up- ACH

Others receiving votes: Heath Hatton, Darin Corbin, Mark Sterling, Brandon Espinosa, Jason Jones, Tyler Priegel, Dan Walsh, Edmund McGuire

Past Winners

2011- Brandon Espinosa

2010- Mike Sydal

2009- Mark Sterling

2008 Jeremy Wyatt

#9 ranked in the World “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt captures 3XW belt at IRON MAN 2!!

NEW 3XW Champion Jeremy Wyatt!!!!-Photo Credit Brian Kelley

By Brian Kelley

In a weekend full of hype and excitement, there was no other place to be than in Des Moines, Iowa at 3XWrestling. Though Sheamus would defeat Daniel Bryan for a World title, the Big Show would be able to get revenge on Cody Rhodes with the PUNCH to win the Intercontinental Title and CM Punk would retain his title against Chris Jericho but in the Midwest, the big news was that “The Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt claims another title.

In a match that one 3XW fan stated was better than any of the four WRESTLEMANIA’S that he had attended, the 3XW Champion Mark Sterling seemed to have dominated the 60 minutes of furious brutal action. Yet, Wyatt would never give up and was able to show the heart of champion throughout the match as Sterling battered him from one side of the room to the other.

At the end of the night , in the final moments of the match, it would be Wyatt who would once again take claim as the 3XW Champion. This marks the third time that Wyatt has been the 3XW Champion and ending the reign of Sterling who had defeated Wyatt at December 30, 2011  at 3XW Holiday Havoc 3.

This is an actual photo of two fans in the front row that were thrilled that Wyatt was able to regain the title….In a packed house at ALL-PLAY the fans came to their feet out of respect for the hard earned victory from one of the baddest men in the sport today.- Photo Credit Brian Kelley

Wyatt who is currently #9 in the WORLD by PWI in the NWA rankings is also the NWA Central States Champion, the NWA Metro Pro Wrestling Champion and the High Voltage Wrestling Champion.

In a match that was once named MWR Match of the Year, Jeremy Wyatt and Michael Strider will meet once again. This time for the NWA Metro Pro Wrestling title this Saturday!! Join MWR for this must see match!!

He now has eyes set this month to go add the AAPW Championship held by Edmund “Livewire” McGuire. The match is set for April 21st and promises to be one that the fans in Southern Illinois will not want to miss.

Look for updates soon at MWR on who Jeremy Wyatt will defend his 3XW title against in April as 3XW will once again welcome Perry Saturn to the Midwest.

MWR Book Review: The Somebody Obsession- A Nobody’s Desperate Journey to Stardom by Matt Murphy

Missouri Wrestling Revival Book Review: The Somebody Obsession- A Nobody’s Desperate Journey to Stardom by Matt Murphy

People are often discussed with the notion that societies are black and white. In the world of wrestling it is magnified even more so: promoters are people looking to use their wrestlers, the wrestlers are loose cannons, and the fans, well, we are all missing a few pieces to the puzzle.

The truth of the situation is that each one of us can fit that description at one point during our life. Life is not easy and sometimes the desire to succeed can turn a great payout promoter to struggle to pay his wrestlers, cause a wrestler with all the tools to succeed to become bitter, or have a hard working fan get so upset during a match that he does or says something he/she regrets.

For many, wrestling is a way of life. Whether you work in the sport or you just love cheering on your favorite wrestler, we just can not get enough of the wild world of pro wrestling.

At Missouri Wrestling Revival.com, you have seen many of the stars of the Midwest go after titles, do promos and travel town to town in the hopes of getting noticed. Each man and woman has a tale to tell.

One man with such a story to tell is “All That” Matt Murphy. Murphy grew up in the Midwest, not with a silver spoon in his mouth but with hardships and a love of pro wrestling.

His story talks to the reader with an honest look at himself, his friends, and even his closest peers in wrestling.

His first claim to fame was being named “The first graduate student of former World Champion Harley Race’s Wrestling Academy” but what a trip it was to become that.

Murphy makes you feel like you were right there as he struggles to become a man as a teenager to coming back home as a boy that lived his dreams. Stories of who helped him and who took their advantages of himself and other wrestlers are high points throughout the book.

This is easily a must read for any wrestling fan or aspiring young boy that truly wants a taste of a guy who has had the opportunity to make it to Japan and the disappointment of not making it to the WWE.

Matt Murphy was able to see his friend and fellow WLW Alumni Trevor Murdock make it to the WWE with much success. Hear his thoughts on that, as well as his time working with Ian Rotten’s IWA Mid-South along with current WWE Superstar CM Punk. What kind of impression did former wrestlers Big Van Vader and Meng leave on him plus stories of his time with Pro Wrestling NOAH.

I have had the pleasure of working with Matt Murphy in the past and this book gives us a true look at the man who has been a winner, a underachiever with much self doubt, a self proclaimed asshole, and a man who by all means overachieved and did not appreciate it.

After my final assessment of Murphy with working with him and reading his books, I feel as if he is one of wrestling’s best kept secrets. Matt Murphy is a man who has a wealth of wrestling knowledge that just does not sugar coat his thoughts. If given the chance I have no doubt that Murphy is capable of improving the world of wrestling as we know it today.

His book delivers with a must read story for every fan that loves wrestling.

To Buy this book via paperback or e-book click here.

“Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell reviews Matt Murphy’s book “The Somebody Obsession: A Nobody’s Desperate Journey to Stardom”

Jimmy Rockwell currently is one of the top young wrestlers in the Midwest today.  Rockwell is multi-dimensional  wrestler who has won singles titles around the Midwest and currently holds onto two tag team titles with two different partners.

“Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Rockwell’s title history.

3xw Pure Championship

3xw Cruiserweight Championship

Current 3xw tag team champion with Mike Sydal

1st ever 3xw King of Des Moines

Current Metro Pro wrestling Tag Team Champion with Zach Thompson

NWA  Midwest tag team champion

Mecw tag team champion

MECW Independent champion

Windy City Pro Wrestling 6man tag team champion

By Rockstar Jimmy Rockwell

I get asked quite a bit what’s it’s like to be a pro wrestler… where do i start? How does somebody describe something they’ve completely dedicated themselves to?

Wrestling is filled with the good stuff but there is also the times that is filled with disappointment and setback.

During a huge 6 man match at Metro Pro Wrestling in February , Matt Murphy teamed up with Bull Schmitt and Trevor Murdock to take on Showtime Bradley Charles, Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterling. Here Murphy drops Charles and Wyatt.(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Maybe this where I’m supposed to talk about the blood, sweat and tears?

Rockwell and his partner Zach Thompson otherwise known as Heroes for Hire has had two classic matches with the Hooligans at Metro Pro Wrestling. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Well in Matt Murphy’s autobiography, The Somebody Obsession, he nails it.

Matt overcame a less ideal childhood to follow a dream. He dedicated himself to it in ways other people can only imagine and achieved a level they can only dream about. From being the 1st graduate of the Harley Race Academy and being one of Harley’s best and brightest. He toured Japan, wrestled the best in the world, and entertained thousands. All while living with friends, waiting tables and wrestling with demons.

Matt’s book is an easy read with something for everybody. He’s got funny tales of language breakdowns with some of Japans best, to hilarious “injuries at his own hand”… Gives insight to some of the greatest stars in the history of pro wrestling. Harley Race’s competitive nature and the stubbornness of Bret Hart. Matt also gives his candid opinions on some of the best wrestlers covered in in the MWR area. Murphy does this with a writing style that makes you think he’s in the room telling you the stories personally.

This book is a must have for wrestling fans everywhere.

To purchase this must read book from All That Matt Murphy click here.

Fans can catch Matt Murphy and Jimmy Rockwell at Metro Pro Wrestling and various other quality promotions around the Midwest.

Kevin Von Erich and his sons Ross and Marshall returns to WLW on April 20th-21st!!!!

One of the true great moments in 2011 was the return of Kevin Von Erich to the Midwest during the WLW/WWE/NOAH camp in Eldon, Missouri. Fans young and old raved about the pleasantness of both Kevin and his sons. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Editors note: Kevin is scheduled to be at the Fort Gibson ,Oklahoma show and is (believed) to be at the Warrensburg show as well. Still MWR fans I highly encourage you to make that show as Von Erich’s sons will be in action.

Sorry about the confusion on my end.

Brian Kelley Owner/Editor Missouri Wrestling Revival

 

#####Press Release#####

     World League Wrestling is proud to announce that the son’s of the legendary World Class Championship Wrestling superstar Kevin Von Erich will be making their debut on April 20^th, 2012. The location of this event is in Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma at the Fort Gibson High School Gymnasium in conjunction with Cystic Fibrosis Solutions.

     World League Wrestling is owned and operated by 8-Time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Harley Race. Started in 1999, WLW provides the best wrestling throughout the Midwest year-round. Wrestlers that come through this company have stated that World League is one of the best companies in the world.

     Alongside WLW, Race also operates the Harley Race Wrestling Academy. Training some of the best wrestlers in the world, the wrestling school also operates year-round. Some of its notable students include Trevor Murdock, John Cone, Joe Hennig, Ted DiBiase Jr., and Richie Steamboat.

Marshall and Ross took part in the camp in 2011. (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

     Now, another group of third generation wrestlers are coming to take WLW by storm and they are Ross and Marshall Von Erich, sons of professional wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich. In October of 2011, Ross and Marshall came to Eldon, MO to train under Harley’s academy during its annual week long wrestling camp. While there, they were scouted by Pro-Wrestling NOAH representatives (WLW’s sister company in Japan) and were invited to continue their wrestling training in Tokyo, Japan. In January of 2012, they left for Japan and are currently still there.

     In April of 2012, Ross and Marshall Von Erich will return to the United States and World League Wrestling. Their professional debut will be on April 20^th, 2012 in Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma and will continue the next night in Warrensburg, Missouri. They are only going to be here until mid to late June of 2012 as they are set to return to Japan for Pro-Wrestling NOAH shortly thereafter.  

     Promoters wanting to book Ross and Marshall, please contact WLW at wlwmom@earthlink.net. For more information, please visit harleyrace.com

Twitter: @worldleaguewlw

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/World-League-Wrestling/108479465857318

Youtube: www.youtube.com/thewlwchannel

Vote for the MWR Sexiest Female of the 2012!!

The TNA Knockouts are a huge reason why fans turn onto TNA on Thursday nights, but fans can catch sexy and talented women right here in the Midwest each and every weekend. You never know you may catch a future star at your local show in your hometown. Before Angelina Love was one of the Beautiful people she wrestled in Eldon Missouri for Harley Race’s World League Wrestling at one point. (Though she is not pictured here with Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Lacy Von Erich at TNA in St Louis)

By Dubray Tallman.

Hello MWR fans, we hope that you are having a great start to 2012. At MWR we have always supported wrestling and the promotions of the Midwest. This also includes the women of the Midwest, and thankfully we have one of the top women to ever grace the ring, right here in the Midwest, MsChif.

At times though, the competition has been very light as there have not been many women matches throughout the years. Thankfully, that is not the case today as there are not only beautiful women that enter the ring in the Midwest but women that really “bring the excitment” !!

Hard hitting matches between the women have been in demand more than ever as fans have been thrilled to see them go at it as they prove they are as marketable as their male counterparts.

Last year we had some fun with the 2011 MWR Sexiest Male wrestler of the year. The winner was none other than Bailey Mannix.

This year we are honoring the women of the Midwest, with the MWR Sexiest female of the MWR coverage area for you to vote for. Each of these women are lovely in their own special wonderful way.

Yet, there can only be one lady that can be named the MWR Sexiest female of the Year award. We hope you take the time to vote on these lovely wrestlers, managers, valets and important women in the Midwest who is your favorite to be named this year’s 2012 MWR Sexiest wrestler of the year.

Remember MWR fans don’t forget to ask your favorite promotion to bring in your favorite women to your area.

Please note the first checkmark is for Amanda the blood thirst Vixen and the second one if for Angelus Layne, for some reason it is not showing up on the page but I can see total votes at the final edit…..

Miss Natural has some words for MWR’S Fan relations Dubray Tallman.

What is going on here? Watch the video to find out!!

MWR fan relations Dubray Tallman was able to catch up with Miss Natural, one of the top women in the sport today in Des Moines, Iowa at 3XWrestling this past weekend. We thought at the time that we would have caught the 5-time World League Wrestling Women’s Champion in a good mood after she had just defeated the 2011 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year Stacey O’Brien.

Wrong!!!

Let’s watch in as Dubray Tallman interviews one of the most decorated female wrestlers in the sport.

Fans remember this coming Monday we will have you the fans vote for the MWR Sexiest female of the year award for 2011.

Wrestlers and promoters who have sent in photos so far for the lovely ladies of the Midwest are as follows.

Amanda the Bloodthristy Vixen
Angelus Layne
Jessie Bell Smothers
Kiandra
Lucy Mendez
Melanie Cruise
Miss Mayday
MsChif
Myranda Virago
Nikki St. John
Patty Bach
Santana G
Stephani King

Remember, that all the females in the MWR Coverage area or a part of our trading card set you are up for this award. If we do not receive photos from you girls we will find one to add to this election (Much more fun to decide who to vote for here than who we should vote for president, right guys ??)

If you do not want to be involved in this, please let us know and we will not add you. Yet we hope that you take part in this election. Otherwise please send in your photos to Dubray Tallman at dubray_tallman@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Brian Kelley

SLA Presents Evan Gelistico vs. Micheal Elgin 2/25/12

At Yuletide Terror Gelisticos 17 month reign as a champion came to a end when he said the words I Quit to Dan Walsh.  Even though he is not the champion Evan is still one of the top wrestlers in the world of Anarchy and on Feb. 25th he will face a top wrestler from one of the top promotions in the world.

Micheal Elgin is one of the fastest rising stars in the Ring of Honor promotion.  He is most known for his top notch strength and powerful throws Elgin has earned the nickname “Unbreakable”.  Elgin looks to make a impact in Anarchy by beating the man who before Yuletide Terror was unbreakable himself.

At Gateway to Danarchy for the first time ever it will be Micheal Elgin taking on Evan Gelistico. For tickets call 314-616-7981 $10 gen admission and $15 front row.

Saint Louis Anarchy Presents: Gateway to DANarachy

Saturday Night February 25th

Rivers Edge Complex in Granite City IL

Doors Open at 6:30pm, Net Tapings are at 6:45pm

Tickets are: $10 advance and $15 front row by calling (314) 616-7981

ONLY 200 SEATS AVALIABLE

College guys and girls with valid ID are $5 and event is BYOB

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

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

By Brian Kelley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

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

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

(Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great NWA world title moments in the Midwest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking news: St. Louis Anarchy arrives at MWR in 2012!

All photos courtesy of Texas Anarchy

Editor’s note: ST Louis Anarchy can be hard hitting and very violent at times. Their shows are not for the weak of heart and the language can be extreme at times at the shows and in their videos so don’t watch if you are easily offended. With that said, for the fans that have asked us to include this red hot promotion to our site. You now get your wish.

By Brian Kelley

Missouri Wrestling Revival is excited to announce that St Louis Anarchy will be covered on this very site starting 2012 as they will be our 15th promotion in our family.

I had the chance to sit down with the head of the STL Anarchy office to discuss where Anarchy has been and what MWR fans should expect when they come to one of their shows or purchase one of their DVD’S through SmartMarkvideo.com.

First off let me say thank you for joining MWR today as we try to catch up with the exciting wrestling history of ST Louis Anarchy Pro Wrestling.

SLA- We are happy to be a part of your growing website. Thanks for having us.

MWR- The fans at MWR will recognize many of the stars of Anarchy such as The Hooligans, the Submission Squad, Shorty Biggs and Evan Gelistico but your promotion is filled with a stacked roster from Anarchy Championship Wrestling of Austin, Texas, as well as many of the top stars of ROH including the current Ring of Honor World Champion Davey Richards. The Anarchy wrestling brand is stationed out of Missouri, Illinois, and Texas through our affiliate company, Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW). Please let the fans know more about the history of SLA and what we have missed as we hope to catch up with rivalries in the past of your company and the key players that have made an impact at SLA.

SLA- Well when we were the Lethal Wrestling Alliance a group of our guys would travel down to Austin for ACW and every now and then a group of them would come and wrestle for us. The passion of both the offices was the same it was to take wrestling from being looked at as “boring” or “lame” and let more people see what we provide which is extremely fun and well worth the price of the ticket. We offer our fans way more than $10 worth of action in Saint Louis as well as Texas. We are about passion and not leaving fans feeling cheated out of their money. Speaking for Saint Louis I feel our stories and in ring action is really second to none. This past year we saw Evan Gelistico and Dan Walsh in a very passionate and bloody battle for the SLA title that saw Walsh become a main event star when he ended Gelisticos 17 month reign dating back to when he was LWA champion. Dingo returned to Saint Louis to battle his student match Fitchett a feud that started as a friendly rivalry and turned very personal leading the bloodiest match I can remember at Yuletide Terror. Davey Vega went from ½ of a tag team to a legit guy on the Indy’s have five star matches with Davey Richards, Johnny Gargano and Kyle O’ Reilly. Gerlard James and ACH have been at each other’s throats for the whole year and that feud will come to a head on January 15th in Austin Texas. Those are the main things going on there’s  so much more but I would be talking all day.

MWR- St Louis Wrestling Anarchy returns to action on February 25th in in Granite City Illinois with “Gateway to DANarchy” at the Rivers Edge Complex. New Saint Louis Anarchy champion Dan Walsh will defend the title against Darin Corbin, formerly one half of the 2008 MWR Tag Team of the Year, the Northstar Express. Corbin teamed up with Robert Evans to upset (Team Ambition) Davey Richards & Kyle O’Reilly in tag action.

Rookie sensation Mat Fitchett and Davey Vega look to defeat Davey Richards and Kyle O’Riley to continue Richards and O’Riley’s losing streak at Anarchy. Even with the talent of Fitchett and Vega, that should be easier said than done as Richards and O’Riley hate to lose.

Both of these two matches should be hard hitting, for sure and are easily worth the price of admission. How do you see Corbin’ strategy as he chases his biggest singles title in his career since he last won the IWA MID-SOUTH title during their glory days on January 21, 2006 against mentor Arik Cannon?

SLA- Darin Corbin is a guy who gets tight casted as a comedy act or a sidekick when really he is a great in ring competitor. All of 2011 Corbin has stepped up to show SLA fans that he is the real deal and I am very proud of what he’s done this past year. Walsh went through hell to win that belt and he isnt going to let it go because Corbin had a great 2011. Corbin has the road miles and experience on Dan but I dont think he can out brawl him. I think its going to come down to who can throw who off there game plan.

MWR – We mentioned the stars that are fans at MWR are familiar with but for a moment let’s take the time to shed light on the stars from Anarchy in Texas and beyond that have not been featured at MWR in the past.

First off the ACW Champion, ACH and what is the history of the ACW title and who did ACH defeat for the title?

SLA- The ACW title has a very rich history. Some of the very best pro wrestlers in the world have held that title. From Jerry Lynn to Jimmy Jacobs to Showtime Scott Summers. ACH won the title by winning the 2011 Lone Star Classic. He won the finals by pinning JT Lamotta. However Gerald James attacked him and took the title and trophy from him which is why they will meet at ACWs flagship event Guily by Assocation 6.

MWR- Rachel Summerlyn.

SLA- Rachel is one of the best wrestlers on our roster. See how I said wrestlers and not “female” wrestler. Yes Rachel is a female but inside the ring she will knock you out rather you are a man or a woman. We dont put labels on people when you are in Anarchy you are a wrestler plain and simple.

MWR- Khris Wolfe.

SLA- Wolfe is a student of the Necro Butcher and really came into his own in 2011. He has some killer strikes and a variety of suplexes. He also is not afraid of the “death match” game winning several of them is his career. One of the most under rated guys in Anarchy.

MWR- TJ Perkins.

SLA – Feb. 25th will be his first time that Perkins is coming to the world of Anarchy. Perkins is one of the best well rounded wrestlers in the world and I am excited to see him in Anarchy.

MWR- Robert Evans

SLA- The King of Monarchy. Evans is one of the most entertaining guys I have ever seen preform. He is a former ACW heavyweight and U-30 Champion. Evans ring entrance is worth the $10 ticket alone. If you dont believe me just ask his legion of fans in Austin Texas.

MWR Darin Childs

SLA- Darin outside the ring is the main reason that there is a Saint Louis Anarchy. His passion and drive for ACW is a lot of the reason we asked about doing this in Saint Louis. As far is in the ring this is a guy who dropped over 100lbs and is a former ACW Champion. He competed with Davey Vega in a no rope barb wire match that was just awsome.

MWR- ACH

SLA- ACH is flat out amazing. He can do things in the ring that no one else can do and it made him one of the most popular wrestlers in Saint Louis. This is a guy who is going to take the world by storm sooner than later.

MWR Scot Summers

SLA- Summers is a icon in Texas. He has won every title and tournament there is to win. His matches with Jerry Lynn were classics and he is a corner stone to Anarchy.

MWR- How many shows doe SLA look to run in 2011 and what venues and areas will MWR fans be able to catch all the stars in action?

SLA- Right now we are looking at doing 6 shows a year. We hope to keep Granite City our home for 2012. We had great success in 2011 and if there becomes a demand for more shows we will do more. Fans if you want to see more shows you let us know..

MWR- Now let’s play a game where I say a name and you answer with one word that best describes them at SLA.

MWR Evan Gelistico

SLA- MVP

MWR- Gary Jay

SLA – Underated

MWR- JT Lamotta

SLA- Smart

MWR- Lillie Mae

SLA- Heart

MWR- Athena

SLA- Awesome

Jordan Lacey – DANCE DANCE DANCE

MWR- Jordan Lacey

SLA- Great Dancer

Dingo works over Mat Fitchett.

MWR-Dingo

SLA- Legend

MWR- Davey Vega

SLA- Ace

MWR-The Hooligans

SLA- Hard Hitting (2 words I know)

MWR- Mat Fitchett

SLA- Star

MWR- Fans can purchase past shows on DVD at Smartmarkvideo.com, if a fan was to purchase one St Louis Anarchy DVD, which one would you recommend them to choose from?

SLA- I would say start with Gateway to Anarchy 2011 and follow the stories for the whole year. However if you just had enough money for one I would say Tigers Blood the Art of Winning.. The Akira Tozwa goodbye is one of the most heartfelt things you will see.

MWR- We would like to thank you for joining us today and we are thrilled to add SLA to our coverage area in 2012. MWR fans can purchase tickets now for you’r must see show on February 25th as Darin Corbin challenges new Saint Louis Anarchy champion Dan Walsh and much more.

Saint Louis Anarchy Presents: Gateway to DANarachy

Saturday Night February 25th

Rivers Edge Complex in Granite City IL

Doors Open at 6:30pm, Net Tapings are at 6:45pm

Tickets are: $10 advance and $15 front row by calling 314-616-7981

ONLY 200 SEATS AVALIABLE

College guys and girls with valid ID are $5 and event is BYOB

Other Talent Signed:

ACW Champion: ACH

Evan Gelistico

Gerald James w/Family

Rachel Summerlyn

Darin Childs

The Hooligans

Jordan Lacey

Khris Wolfe

Serenity

Shorty Biggs

AND MORE