Site Has Moved!

MWR has moved, and can be located with brand new news and updates at www.missouriwrestlingrevival.com!

Wrestling Revival Cup Leaders - Female Wrestler Top 15!

Here are the overall female points leaders in the 2008 Wrestling Revival Cup. Remember, the top 10 will be voted on at the end of the year, with one point added to the individual wrestler's point totals. An All-MWR 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team will also be selected.

All accomplishments under the ranked wrestler or tag team is specific to the 2008 season. Women get points assigned to them based on matches and type of victory, to include title wins and title defenses. There are no points assigned to "quality of wins" as the points system for such would be too subjective.

The 2008 season runs from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 with point leaders moving on to a voting phase in January 2009.

Of 22 women rated throughout Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Illinois, here are the top 15:


Female Wrestlers (Updated 9/22/2008) -

1. Stacey O'Brien
WLW Ladies Champ, MMWA-SICW Women's Champ, MWR May Woman of the Month, MWR Woman of the 2nd Quarter, MWR July Woman of the Month

2. Ms. Natural
WLW Ladies Champ, MWR February Woman of the Month, MWR March Woman of the Month, MWR 1st Quarter Woman

3. MsChif
MWR January Woman of the Month, MWR April Woman of the Month

4. Alexis Lightfoot
MMWA-SICW Women's Champ (2X), MWR August Woman of the Month

5. Diabla
RPW Women's Champ

6. December
PCW Women's Champ

7. Sulema
RPW Women's Champ

8. Sara Del Ray
MWR June Woman of the Month

9. Kimberly Kash

10. Cherry Malone
NGW Powderkeg Champ

11. Ann Brookstone

12. Lacey

13. Amy Hennig

14. Daizee Haze

15. Allison Wonderland

MWR's "Midwest Best Series" Match 1!

3XW "BAM-O-Ween"
featuring MWR and the MWR Midwest Best Series
October 17, 2008
Des Moines, IA

www.3XWrestling.com
www.MissouriWrestlingRevival.com

3XWrestling (3XW) and Missouri Wrestling Revival (MWR) have teamed up to bring pro wrestling fans in the Midwest something to be proud of. As part of 3XW's "BAM-O-Ween" on October 17, 2008 in Des Moines, IA at inPlay, MWR is sponsoring a match as part of the "MWR Midwest Best Series" for the 3XW Pure Championship between two of the best wrestlers that the MWR coverage area has to offer.

The MWR "Midwest Best" match alone offers a glimpse into the future of professional wrestling. 3XW Pure Champion Tyler Cook defends his newly acquired belt against Shane Hollister, one of the fastest rising stars in the Midwest! 3XW management contacted MWR with the possible match, and MWR Owner-Editor Josh Ray was so excited by it that he wanted to help make it happen!

As part of this sure-fire crowd pleasing card, 3XW Heavyweight Champion "Delicious" Devin Carter defends his title against a man who was once closer than a brother, Casanova, the former 3XW Cruiserweight Champ. Since Carter won heavyweight championship gold this summer, Casanova has turned his back on him. Two straight 3XW events have featured Carter on the receiving end of a Casanova attack. Now they settle their differences in the middle of a 3XW ring!

One-half of the Northstar Express, the Midwest's premiere tag team and longest reigning 3XW Tag Team Champions, faces one-half of the Gentlemen's Club, the current 3XW Tag Team Champions, when Ryan Cruz squares off against Mark Sterling! Sterling is no stranger to singles matches as a former 3XW Pure Champion, but he's in the opposing corner from a tag team specialist who impressed many at 3XW's "Clobberpalooza Classic" when he faired well in a two-on-one handicap match against the Gentlemen's Club. The Northstar Express undoubtedly have a claim as the number one contenders to the 3XW Tag Team Championships, but a Ryan Cruz victory could raise his stock as a solo wrestling star. Mark Sterling will be his typical ruthless and brutal self to stop Cruz dead in his tracks.

It's only 3XW's second female wrestling match of 2008, but it is one for all of Iowa to pay attention to as Malia Hosaka, a star in WWE, WCW, ECW, and now SHIMMER, takes on Ring of Honor's beautiful-but-dangerous Allison Wonderland. A match with these two is sure to please, but it is anyone's guess as to who will emerge victorious. This is a must-see match!

If you are still looking for reasons to go to 3XW's "BAM-O-Ween", look no further than this awsome list of wrestlers who are scheduled to be in action:

"The Anarchist" Arik Cannon
Maddog McDowell
Mike Sydal
3XW Cruiserweight Champion "The Rockstar" Jimmy Rockwell
"The Rebel" Jeremy Wyatt
Arya Daivari
Ryan Slade
Zach Thompson
Aaron Masterson-Slade
Ricky Kwong
Krotch

Plus man more!

3XW "BAM-O-Ween"
featuring MWR and the MWR Midwest Best Series
October 17, 2008
Des Moines, IA

Tickets go on sale October 4, 2008 at:

inPlay
615 3rd St
Des Moines, IA

Jay's CD & Hobby
5921 SE 14th St
Des Moines, IA

Tickets are $12.00 for general admission and $6.00 for children ages 4 through 10. Children ages 3 and under get in FREE!

Don't miss out on pro wrestling history! 3X Wrestling and Missouri Wrestling Revival: Giving Back to Midwest Pro Wrestling!

www.3XWrestling.com
www.MissouriWrestlingRevival.com

Wrestling Revival Cup Leaders - Tag Team Top 70!

Here are the overall tag team points leaders in the 2008 Wrestling Revival Cup. Remember, the top 10 will be voted on at the end of the year, with one point added to the individual wrestler's point totals. An All-MWR 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team will also be selected.

All accomplishments under the ranked wrestler or tag team is specific to the 2008 season. Teams get points assigned to them based on matches and type of victory, to include title wins and title defenses. There are no points assigned to "quality of wins" as the points system for such would be too subjective.

The 2008 season runs from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 with point leaders moving on to a voting phase in January 2009.

Of over 300 tag teams rated throughout Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Illinois, here are the top 70:



Tag Teams (Updated 9/21/2008) -


1. Northstar Express (Darin Corbin & Ryan Cruz)
3XW Tag Champs, AAW Tag Champs (2X), MWR January Tag Team of the Month, MWR July Tag Team of the Month

2. Phoenix Twins (Tweek & Dash)
AAPW Tag Champs, MWR March Match of the Month, MWR March Tag Team of the Mont, MWR 1st Quarter Tag Team of the Month, MWR May Tag Team of the Month

3. Windy City Classic (Danny Daniels & Trik Davis)
MWR January Match of the Month, SCW Tag Champs

4. Marc Godeker & Steve Anthony
WLW Tag Champs

5. Zero Gravity (Brett Gakiya & CJ Esparza)
MWR January Match of the Month, NMW Tag Champs, SCW Tag Champs

6. LONRs (Mark Sterling & Darrien Sanders)
PWP Tag Champs, MWR April Tag Team of the Month, MWR 2nd Quarter Tag Team

7. Abuse of Power (Josh Powers & Morton Von Prose)
NBWA Tag Champs, NGW Tag Champs

8. Danny Ice & Davey Boy Sloan
RPW Tag Champs

9. Dave Vaughn & Mr. Bibbs
MMWA-SICW Tag Champs

10. Feature Presentation (Blake Steel & Eric Ruffington)
MWR August Tag Team of the Month, NMW Tag Champs (2X)

11. Maximum Destruction (Sage Ramsey & Jason Wells)
NMW Tag Champs

12. Team W.A.R. (Acid & Synn)
EPW Tag Champs

13. Adrenalin Overdose (Bryce Benjamin & Shane Hollister)
AAW Tag Champs, MWR June Tag Team of the Month

14. Damian Blade & Searcher
FTW Tag Champs

15. Davey Vega & Johnny Vinyl

16. Petey & Jesse Clark
GAW Tag Champs

17. Body Count (Daniel Allure & Santanna Sparks)
PCW Tag Champs

18. Gentlemen's Club (Gage Octane & Mark Sterling)
3XW Tag Champs

19. JC Michaels & Kenny O'Brien
GAW Tag Champs

20. Jeremy Wyatt & Tyler Cook

21. Hybrids (Donovan Cain & Jason Lyte)

22. Bobby Houston & “Catalyst” Cory Carter
NGW Tag Champs

23. Cheapshot McGrot & Noon Moon
NBWA Tag Champs

24. Team Taliban (Jake O'Neill & Prince Mustafa Ali)

25. Evan Gelistico & Jordan Lacey

26. Wally Wilde & Whiplash
PCW Tag Champs

27. Absolute Answer (Caden Ames & Christian Able)
MWR March Match of the Month

28. “Da Bomb” Brian James & Brandon Espinosa
MWR February Tag Team of the Month

29. B.A.B.E.WATCH (Brandon Aarons & Brandon Espinosa)

30. Jay Jensen & Michael Elgin
EPW Tag Champs

31. Jester & Sage Ramsey
NGW Tag Champs

32. Darin Waid & Steve Fender
WLW Tag Champs

33. Ego Express (KC Karrington & Steven Kennedy

34. Full Throttle (Brandon Marino & Aaron Scott)

35. Lumberjacks (Abe & Gabe)
MMWA-SICW Tag Champs

36. Sex, Drugs & Wrestling (Ash & Kris Chambers)

37. Mixed Breed (Rik Rockett & Rion Skillz)

38. Aaron Masterson & Mad Dog McDowell
MECW Tag Champs

39. Gridiron Grapplers (Joe & Steve Heisman)

40. KC Jackson & Mississippi Madman

41. AJ Williams & Gary Jackson

42. Brian Ealey & Chris Hazard

43. Cecil Cerveza & Nicky Mankotti

44. Shane Hollister & Tyler Black
SCW Tag Champs

45. Brett Gakiya & Jason Hades

46. Chris Michaels & Shawn Schultz
AAPW Tag Champs

47. Eric Marx & Johnny Mac

48. Mike Sydal & Zach Thompson

49. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
AAW Tag Champs

50. Right Stuff (Jordan MacIntyre & Knight Walburg)

51. Cheapshot McGrot & Cyclone

52. Chuck Ray & Jeff Harris

53. Dixieland Destroyers

54. Egotistico Fantastico & Gilbert Lewis

55. Krotch & Mad Dog McDowell

56. Steve Fender & Wade Chism

57. Brian Parker & Tony Rican

58. Newer Era (Ryan Slade & Aaron Masterson)

59. Simply the Best (Hype Gotti & Tony Cortez)

60. Steven Bishop & Tricky Dick Moore

61. Adam Rich & Dorian Victor

62. Chris Hamilton & Matt Creed

63. Dangerous Derek & Dinn T Moore

64. Donnie Peppercricket & Joey Daniels

65. Gary Jay (Gary the Barn Owl) & Jordan Lacey

66. Guy Smith & Spencer Powers

67. Jerome Cody & Phil E. Blunt
MMWA-SICW Tag Champs

68. Justin MacIntyre & Nick Brubaker

69. Krotch & Zach Gowen

70. Marshall Law (Marshall Garrett & Steve Santel)
MECW Tag Champs

MWR Book Review

MWR Book Review:

Matt Murphy's
The Story of a Nobody and the Pursuit to Become a Somebody

Book Review by Josh Ray with contributions from Brian "Flair" Kelley.


This summer I attended a World League Wrestling event with my good wrestling buddy Brian. We got into a conversation about pro wrestling books and which book I personally felt was the best I had read. I was quick to point out Chris Jericho's book A Lion's Tale and Ric Flair's To Be the Man, as both books really stuck out in my mind as genuine and great reading material for the wrestling fan. Brian didn't hesitate when countering with another book.

"What about Matt Murphy's book," he said.

"Matt Murphy has a book?" I replied.

Evidently Matt Murphy, known to Missouri wrestling fans as "All That" Matt Murphy of World League Wrestling (WLW), had a book out. Murphy wrestled for Harley Race's WLW during my time away from Missouri in the military, but I was familiar with him as part of the WLW team and had recently purchased a few items from his online store. I had no clue that he had even entertained the thought of writing a book.

Luckily for me, Brian is around to clue me in to such things. I obtained a copy of the book, titled The Story of a Nobody and the Pursuit to Become a Somebody, and gave it a look. I was hooked from the very beginning:

"If your reading this, I appreciate the fact you didn't skip to the part where I begin wrestling. I think a reader must read the story, start-to-finish, to completely understand it, and to understand me. Someone please send this message from the author to those pricks that skipped over all this---- Thanks for buying the book. When you're finished be sure to go rent a movie and fast-forward through the first half hour of it, eh?"

Murphy has a no nonsense and easy-to-understand approach to writing that is refreshing. I enjoyed reading the book because it felt like one of my buddies was giving me these great stories while drinking a beer (or two... or ten). It was candid and yet very informative.

In the book, Murphy discusses his early childhood and it really connected with me and my family background. His love of wrestling started as a young boy and grew from a sort of fascination into something of an obsession and a crutch to prop him up from the realities in life that a boy should not be required to realize at a young age. He discusses it all without the "whoa is me" attitude that many people from similar backgrounds want to adopt.

The thing that hooked me as a reader also managed to upset me at points in the book. Matt had the ability to describe things as only a true friend can open up and say, but the fact that I do not know the man writing it well made it disturbing. Don't get me wrong. The book was great and a must read for any true wrestling fan, but it isn't for the easily offended (or faint of heart). He tackles reverse racism, drinking habits, and various sexual exploits among other topics.

Thankfully, the main theme is definitely pro wrestling and making it in the business. It just so happens that those topics are more often than not parts of it. With that said, I would not recommend this book for anybody under the age of sixteen.

I agree with Brian's original review of Matt Murphy's book. He is a wonderful, talented writer and opens up in a way that rarely occurs in autobiographies. He's not trying to make the reader like him or respect him. He is simply telling it like it happened and how he sees it. Brian said in his original review:

" ... at times I found myself liking the guy and wishing the best for him and then on the next page finding him to be arrogant and lazy."

While I didn't find him overly arrogant at any point in the book, I could see in places where people might find him lazy. Brian made my point a little later in the same paragraph of the review:

" ... you could tell the stories were not intended to kiss ass in order to stay in the sport, unlike most wrestling autobiographies these days."

If you like comeback stories, stories about the underdog, and inspirational tales, then this book is for you. If you want a uniquely insightful look at pro wrestling from the standpoint of a talented and heralded independent pro wrestler, again, this book is for you. Matt Murphy does what wrestlers with WWE book deals can not. He can be open and honest with no fear of business-related repercussions.

I'll close this review by saying that Matt Murphy's The Story of a Nobody and the Pursuit to Become a Somebody is the best wrestling book that you have never heard of. Now that you've heard of it, why don't you go out and pick up a copy?

Amazon is your ticket, so go to the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/Story-Nobody-Pursuit-Become-Somebody/dp/1413730493

This is my first book review for the site, as I typically do not enjoy critiquing somebody else's hard work. Internet critics generally upset me. I hope you have enjoyed my attempt at becoming what I hate, though!

MWR Sponsors First Ever "Midwest Best Series" Match

3XW "BAM-O-Ween"
featuring MWR and the MWR Midwest Best Series
October 17, 2008
Des Moines, IA

www.3XWrestling.com
www.MissouriWrestlingRevival.com

3XWrestling (3XW) and Missouri Wrestling Revival (MWR) have teamed up to bring pro wrestling fans in the Midwest something to be proud of. As part of 3XW's "BAM-O-Ween" on October 17, 2008 in Des Moines, IA at inPlay, MWR is sponsoring a match as part of the "MWR Midwest Best Series" for the 3XW Pure Championship between two of the best wrestlers that the MWR coverage area has to offer.

The MWR "Midwest Best" match alone offers a glimpse into the future of professional wrestling. 3XW Pure Champion Tyler Cook defends his newly acquired belt against Shane Hollister, one of the fastest rising stars in the Midwest! 3XW management contacted MWR with the possible match, and MWR Owner-Editor Josh Ray was so excited by it that he wanted to help make it happen!

As part of this sure-fire crowd pleasing card, 3XW Heavyweight Champion "Delicious" Devin Carter defends his title against a man who was once closer than a brother, Casanova, the former 3XW Cruiserweight Champ. Since Carter won heavyweight championship gold this summer, Casanova has turned his back on him. Two straight 3XW events have featured Carter on the receiving end of a Casanova attack. Now they settle their differences in the middle of a 3XW ring!

One-half of the Northstar Express, the Midwest's premiere tag team and longest reigning 3XW Tag Team Champions, faces one-half of the Gentlemen's Club, the current 3XW Tag Team Champions, when Ryan Cruz squares off against Mark Sterling! Sterling is no stranger to singles matches as a former 3XW Pure Champion, but he's in the opposing corner from a tag team specialist who impressed many at 3XW's "Clobberpalooza Classic" when he faired well in a two-on-one handicap match against the Gentlemen's Club. The Northstar Express undoubtedly have a claim as the number one contenders to the 3XW Tag Team Championships, but a Ryan Cruz victory could raise his stock as a solo wrestling star. Mark Sterling will be his typical ruthless and brutal self to stop Cruz dead in his tracks.

It's only 3XW's second female wrestling match of 2008, but it is one for all of Iowa to pay attention to as Malia Hosaka, a star in WWE, WCW, ECW, and now SHIMMER, takes on Ring of Honor's beautiful-but-dangerous Allison Wonderland. A match with these two is sure to please, but it is anyone's guess as to who will emerge victorious. This is a must-see match!

If you are still looking for reasons to go to 3XW's "BAM-O-Ween", look no further than this awsome list of wrestlers who are scheduled to be in action:

"The Anarchist" Arik Cannon
Maddog McDowell
Mike Sydal
3XW Cruiserweight Champion "The Rockstar" Jimmy Rockwell
"The Rebel" Jeremy Wyatt
Arya Daivari
Ryan Slade
Zach Thompson
Aaron Masterson-Slade
Ricky Kwong
Krotch

Plus man more!

3XW "BAM-O-Ween"
featuring MWR and the MWR Midwest Best Series
October 17, 2008
Des Moines, IA

Tickets go on sale October 4, 2008 at:

inPlay
615 3rd St
Des Moines, IA

Jay's CD & Hobby
5921 SE 14th St
Des Moines, IA

Tickets are $12.00 for general admission and $6.00 for children ages 4 through 10. Children ages 3 and under get in FREE!

Don't miss out on pro wrestling history! 3X Wrestling and Missouri Wrestling Revival: Giving Back to Midwest Pro Wrestling!

www.3XWrestling.com
www.MissouriWrestlingRevival.com

MWR Statement - Revised

About MWR

Contacts:
Josh Ray (Owner-Editor): inadvertent.nerd@gmail.com
Brian Kelley (Contributing Writer): flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com
Kari Williams (Contributing Writer)
Peter Hahn (Contributing Writer)
Andrew Scott (Contributing Writer)


Missouri Wrestling Revival (MWR) is more than just a professional wrestling website that covers pro wrestling in Missouri. MWR is a group of people with the desire to make pro wrestling in the entire Midwest more successful as a way of giving back to those that go out there and entertain us on a weekly basis.

On January 3, 2008 when MWR official began operations, it was a way to focus all of the creative energy of owner/editor Josh Ray. Recently relocated after eight years in the Army and a huge pro wrestling fan, Josh desired to get involved in the local pro wrestling scene by using his writing ability and professional attitude. He spread himself thin on a variety of projects, and MWR was his way of channeling everything into one focal point.

Since then, a talented ensemble of pro wrestling enthusiasts from the surrounding area have joined the MWR team to make it the most positive and outgoing source of wrestling information in Missouri and the surrounding area. Kari Williams helps us cover MMWA-SICW in St. Louis with her recaps and also does spotlight features that profile some of the best wrestlers you might have never heard of. Brian "Flair" Kelley conducts interviews and gives you "Your Trip to Space Mountain" as he travels throughout Missouri and into Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. Peter Hahn operates behind the scenes, providing valuable information and ideas for future features and site layout. "Smart" Mark Anthony stays in the shadows while simultaneously standing up on his soapbox for a dose of the Internet Wrestling Community reality with his "Mark This Down" column. MWR is truly a group effort and a labor of love for those involved.

If there is something that isn't adaquetly covered by MWR, chances are that we are just not aware of it. We depend on the promoters, wrestlers and fans to help us get the word out. We can not be considered a success unless we make the Midwest pro wrestling community more successful. That is part of our philosophy: "Giving Back to Midwest Pro Wrestling!". It embodies how we operate.

There was a time when pro wrestling thrived as a form of entertainment in local venues across the Midwest, and Missouri Wrestling Revival aims to bring it back to the spotlight through publicity, cooperation and professionalism.

Keeping MWR on track to achieve this end is an ongoing process. We keep this process moving by the many projects:

The MWR awards system recognizes those organizations and people in our coverage area that are doing great things. The awards are broken down in monthly, quarterly, and year-end awards.

The MWR Wrestling Revival Cup is a January through December championship series that assigns point values to wins, losses, title defenses, title wins, and other predetermined factors. At the end of the year, fans vote on the best wrestler from a list of the top ten finishers of the Cup. Each vote counts as one point and adds to the wrestlers end of the year point total. After the MWR Wrestling Revival Cup winner is declared, an All-MWR 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team will be honored.

The MWR 100 is another achievement that brings recognition to the many wrestlers in the region. It's a list compiled by owner/editor Josh Ray of 100 wrestlers that could be considered the best that Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Illinois have to offer. It's a tough and controversial list, but offers booking information and achievements of top talent to thousands of individuals each year. It's a great promotional tool.

We've also made ourselves available to help any wrestler or promotion in the Midwest in any capacity. Missouri Wrestling Revival is constantly evolving. We encourage those of you that love this unique form of entertainment to evolve with us. Get involved. Bring a friend or two to the shows. Spread the word!

Between The Turnbuckles

Between The Turnbuckles
By Peter Hahn

I am quite sure that most readers of Missouri Wrestling Revival already know the great news, but for those that haven't heard yet, Ring of Honor is going to debut in the St. Louis area on December 5, 2008! Seeing as the event was recently announced and is months away, we can only speculate on what Ring of Honor is going to give the fans of St. Louis. Hopefully, over the next several weeks, I will be able to give an idea of what we can expect at Ring of Honor's St. Louis debut and more.

Part 1 - New Markets in 2008
So far in 2008, Ring of Honor has expanded into three new markets. I say “expanded” and not “debuted” because Ring of Honor has already returned or has announced returns to each of these markets. It should also be noted that Ring of Honor has announced debuts in several other markets as well, and if the trend continues Ring of Honor will be returning to these markets once again after several months.

As it would be when testing a new market, one would want to present a really good card with recognizable names (to bring in the fans) and follow through with great wrestling (to bring back the fans). We all know that’s how most independent wrestling shows are when we determine whether we will go to a show or return for another. What’s great about Ring of Honor is that it is a great mix of both, with more emphasis on the quality of wrestling compared to their television counterparts. Ring of Honor will definitely want to put their best foot forward in St. Louis, just as they have with debuts in the past.

We all know, or at least should, that Full Impact Pro (Ring of Honor’s sister company) is based in Florida and has been running shows since 2003. Many wrestlers that have appeared in Full Impact Pro have also appeared in Ring of Honor. Ring of Honor made their debut in Orlando, Florida in late March with two huge shows: “Supercard of Honor III” and “Dragon Gate Challenge II.” Both of these cards were highlighted with top stars from Ring of Honor taking on popular stars of Japanese promotion Dragon Gate. The fans were already familiar with many of the wrestlers, both from Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate, as many had previously been appearing in Full Impact Pro regularly.

In early May Ring of Honor made their way to Manassas, Virginia for a show titled “Southern Navigation.” While Manassas, Virginia may not be in the South, it is in the general direction compared to where Ring of Honor holds most of their shows. Several months later Ring of Honor tested out Toronto, Ontario and ended up with one of the largest attendance turnouts in Ring of Honor history! This show was titled “Northern Navigation” as it was their first venture into Canada. Could the debut in the St. Louis area be titled “Western Navigation?” It’s a good guess based upon past expansions this year.

The shows in Manassas and Toronto were filled with Ring of Honor’s top stars including: Chris Hero, Delirious, Brian Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Austin Aries, Jay & Mark Briscoe, Tyler Black, Jimmy Jacobs, Necro Butcher, Ring of Honor World Champion Nigel McGuinness, and appearances by Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Naomichi Marufuji and Go Shiozaki. Ring of Honor doesn’t let down when it comes to bringing together the best talent on the independent scene and from overseas. Based upon past shows, Ring of Honor’s debut in St. Louis is sure to be explosive!

Tune in next week as I speculate on what Ring of Honor will bring to the fans in St. Louis!

Kari Williams MMWA-SICW Recap

MMWA-SICW September 6, 2008 Recap

by Kari Williams


MMWA-SICW’s return to South Broadway Athletic Club this month enticed fans with high profile matches, controversy and even the surprise return of a former champion.

Johnny Courageous battled Waco to top off a memorable night. Both competitors were as determined as ever to control the match up, as each had his moment of glory. Waco tried to control the match as best he could, all the while wearing Courageous out with numerous pinfall attempts. At one point, Waco had Courageous hanging upside down in the corner of the ring and delivered an imposing dropkick to the helpless American hero. In the closing moments of the match, Courageous was able to get in a bit of revenge against his foe, as The Big Texan—who Courageous has feuded with in the past—interjected himself in the bout, causing so much confusion that Courageous squeaked out a win with a quick roll-up on Waco.

The prior encounter was all in good fun as two fan favorites—Jeremy Lightfoot and Mr. Bibbs—gave the fans everything they had. Bibbs and Lightfoot went nearly 15 minutes, and each man once again proved why they are adored by the fans—they will do anything to please the crowd. Lightfoot controlled the first half of the bout, connecting with numerous aerial moves and, of course, his signature chops, that have caused some fans to call him “Sir-chops-a-lot.” The tide changed for Lightfoot when Bibbs was able to stop the Indian warrior instantaneously, almost as if Lightfoot had run directly into a freight train. Bibbs then looked as if he would secure a win, but it was not to be. Lightfoot smashed his boot square in Bibbs’s face and followed that up with a headscissors from the top rope. Victory soon followed, and the two men shook hands after the match, signifying their friendship.

One word can describe the previous match fairly easily—Chaos. A.J. Williams and “Night Train” Gary Jackson relentlessly fought The Connection’s Phil E. Blunt and Jerome Cody, who were accompanied by Travis Cook., in a tag team elimination match. The winner would then get a chance to take on the reigning champion, Kevin X. From the moment the bell rang, bodies were flying every which way, and one could hardly keep up with the action at hand. Less than a few minutes into the fight, Williams, with an assist from Jackson, launched over the top rope and crashed to the floor, making sure to take The Connection with him. For most of the brawl, Cody, Blunt and Cook did everything they could to put the odds in their favor, regardless of whether or not it was legal. Eventually those tactics caught up to the Junior Heavyweight Champion, and Williams was the first man eliminated. Jackson then had to face his adversaries at a disadvantage. Not one to give up, Jackson threw everything he had at Cody and Blunt, managing to come out on top—but not without controversy. The final two competitors—Jackson and Blunt—each claimed that they had the other’s shoulders pinned, however the referee ruled in favor of Jackson. That prompted Blunt to request a re-match with Jackson at some point in the future.

In a somewhat calmer match, the Battle Royal Championship was on the line because Commissioner Keith Smith forced Lumberjack Gabe to forfeit either the tag team title or battle royal championship. According to MMWA-SICW rules, a wrestler cannot hold more than one belt at a time. After much hesitation, Gabe refused to give up the tag team belts, proclaiming that, “The Lumberjacks will always be tag champions.”

The bout consisted of Jeremy Lightfoot, Mr. Bibbs, A.J. Williams, Shaft, The Big Texan, Waco, Blunt, Dave Vaughn, Cody, and Brandon Espinosa who made a surprise return earlier in the evening. Throughout the bout, Cody snuck out of the ring through the second and third ropes, giving himself an unfair advantage. However, he got what he deserved in the end, as The Big Texan eliminated Cody to become the new Battle Royal Champion.

Dave Vaughn took on Shaft before competing in the aforementioned match. Vaughn’s vicious persona shined bright, as he attacked Shaft before the bell had even rung. Once the match actually got underway, both men tried to outwrestle each other with technical skill, although Vaughn seemed to have the advantage in this area. Nonetheless, Shaft was able to catch Vaughn at a weakened moment and clasped on the ankle lock with relentless force. Unfortunately, both men let their egos get in the way, as they both shoved the referee out of the way and continuously struck each other, until the match was called as a double disqualification.

Two powerhouses wrestled in the second match of the night, as The Big Texan attempted to defeat one-half of the tag team champions in Lumberjack Abe. Neither man gained a clear advantage but both showed their will to win. There were a decent amount of pinfalls from either man, and both tried their best to outsmart the other. To the disappointment of fans in attendance, the bout ended in a time-limit draw.

Despite an action-packed night, the opening bout was more than likely the most surprising, as Brandon Espinosa, a former MMWA-SICW Junior Heavyweight Champion, appeared with the company for the first time since January of this year. He was welcomed back whole-heartedly and had the majority of fans behind him as he attempted to defeat Bobby D. Espinosa wrestled a techinically sound match against D, incorporating some of his signature moves that Broadway fans remember him for. D appeared at times to be disgruntled that fans cheered Espinosa, which may have caused him to use as many illegal tactics as he did. Despite Espinosa’s advantage, when he attempted a frogsplash and D moved out of the way, D capitalized by rolling up the former champion and cheating his way to victory by grabbing Espinosa’s tights for leverage. In spite of this, Espinosa walked away from the ring with fans cheering for his performance.

Bobby Lashley-From Wrestlemania to Sedalia.

Your Trip to Space Mountain

By Brian "Flair" Kelley
flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com


I woke up on Saturday morning and almost decided to not attend the WLW event that evening as I would be checking them out the next weekend in Moberly. I was also concerned that I would not be able to get tickets as it may be a “sell out”, But as the morning came to a close, I couldn’t resist. My girlfriend and I left for Sedalia, Mo for W.K. Chevrolet where former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley was to sign autographs.

While waiting in line the Noon Day Optimist Club announced that they had tickets for sale, I picked up second row tickets and was all set for the evening. Before I knew it some kids in the line were excited and yelling "He is here, Bobby Lashley is here... and he is huge!"

When I first caught sight of Bobby, the child was right, he was huge, he was all smiles and, with kids jumping up and down around him, he gave them high fives and exclaimed he was glad that they were there. He headed to the table to sign Autographs and take pictures. We took our pictures and said hello to one of my heroes, Harley Race, and headed off to supper prior to the show.


The show started off with Akiyago taking on Brian Breaker in the opening contest. Akiyago is despised by the fans and he used mind games to keep Breaker from using his power to his advantage and was able to get the win. But before he left, he couldn't resist the urge to antagonize the fans, who were not happy that he had won.

Akiyago has Brian Breaker on the ropes.

Up next was fan favorite "The Vietnam Phenom" Bao Nguyen taking on the newcomer Dustin Lane in his wrestling debut. The match started off in a slow pace and before I know it the two wrestlers where hitting each other with exciting moves as the action went back and forth which led me to believe that this was not Lane's first match. I was later told that in fact, this was his debut in wrestling so I witnessed history as Lane was able to get the win when he rolled up Bao with a small package. Though Lane was able to get his first victory, I am sure that Bao Nguyen will look to even the score in their next encounter. I hope to see the rematch to see these young guns go at it.

Dustin Lane lets Bao know he is a quick learner.

WLW at this point had an intermission and Bobby Lashley came out and took pictures inside the ring and once again he was all smiles. I enjoyed watching him interact with the fans young and old. He picked up one young child with one hand and teased that he would throw him out the ring over the top rope only to bring him back in the ring and all the while the child was smiling from ear to ear. You know that kid will be telling the story to all his friends at school on Monday morning. He played with one female fan by getting on one knee and she could not believe her eyes as her face turned red. She too would have a story to tell. To say the intermission was worth watching would be an understatement.

Prior to the match Stacey O'Brien even gives the ref Martin T a hard time.

Up next was what I like to dub the future of women's pro wrestling: Amy Hennig taking on WLW Womens Champion Stacy O'Brien . I was fortunate to say that I was able to see Amy in her wrestling debut in Eldon and her first opponent was this same Irish troublemaker. The first match up Stacy really used Amy's inexperience against her and at times made her look foolish in her attempt to break into the WLW Womens Title hunt.

Amy Hennig proves to Stacey O' Brien that she may be a rookie but she will not be pushed around.

You could tell Amy had worked hard and learned from her mistakes in her first encounter and was giving Stacey fits throughout the match. Though Amy had improved immensely since the first time they met, Stacy was always one step ahead of the one who she sarcastically calls "Little Miss Perfect". Stacey seized the opportunity with the ref out of position; she put her feet on the ropes to get the pin on Amy. As Stacy would say " That is soooo Stacey O".

There is no doubt that Amy is WWE bound but I would be shocked if Stacy wasn't there to greet her. Amy will get another shot for the WLW Women's champion this weekend as she will face off once again in Moberly,MO on September 13, 2008. It is a match that I highly recommend you come and check out.

The next match up would feature two of the most charismatic wrestlers on the WLW roster Dinn T Moore and Michael Strider. Dinn T Moore has floundered in the WLW since his departure with Brandon Tatum and that may have attributed to him just barely missing the Missouri Wrestling Revival Top 100. Make no mistake about it, there are few in the Midwest that can get under the fans' and wrestlers' skin like the former WLW Tag Team Champion. He has the talent to win any match he is a part of.

On the other side of the ring you had one of the hardest hitting wrestlers in the Midwest. Strider has taken on some of the best in the business and really can work a crowd to his advantage. This would be a very interesting match as both men look to move up the ladder to the WLW Heavyweight Title currently held by "Dangerous" Derek McQuinn.

Dinn T Moore shows that the heavyweights in the Midwest can fly as well, as he goes up top to hit Michael Strider with a big move.

At first, Strider got the upper hand on Moore to start the match and as Moore regrouped outside the ring the fans chanted "chicken". Strider urged him to return to the ring for a beating and when Moore returned, he withstood some more punishment from Strider. With one mistake from Strider, though, Dinn T put the heat on Strider - knocking him down with one big move after another. Strider continued to get up and each man did not give an inch. The fans were cheering on Strider for the bad guys have won all the matches in these evening to the fans dismay and Strider was there last chance to celebrate, Dinn T Moore though had other plans and was able to get the win this evening with a roll up along with the tights pulled ,as he left the ring, Dinn T bragged to the fans know that he is among the WLW elite. The fans last hope for happiness would be Bobby Lashley.

In the end what promised to be a hard hitting match lived up to the expectations, with another future battle between these two foes a must see.

The Main event would be none other that a 3 way match with Bobby Lashley, NOAH'S Go Shiozaki and one half of the current WLW Tag Team Champions Marc Godeker.

The wild card in this match would be Godeker, Godeker and his tag team partner Steve Anthony have the skills that is reminiscent of a great tag team that went by the name of "The Steiner Brothers" in their prime, but unfortunately Steve Anthony has been healing from an injury due to a match earlier this year so Marc has had to go out solo for the time being. How would Marc be able to respond to working with two of the best in the business? We were about to find out.

Bobby Lashley enters the WLW ring for the very first time.

The crowd was like mini WWE with the crowd going nuts when Lashley hit the ring with the crowd giving no doubt to who their favorite was, Lashley's two opponents must have came up with a game plan prior to the match as they worked together to start the match, but Lashley was in World Championship form and was overpowering two wrestlers who are no lightweights themselves and then something happened... Lashley slammed Shiozaki hard onto the mat and when Shiozaki cried out in pain and reaching for his leg, help came from the WLW staff as they rushed to assist the Japanese Superstar. Lashley went to assist Shiozaki with Godeker outside the ring and, with Lashleys guard down, Shiozaki showed his true colors and attacked him as Godeker quickly entering the ring to assist him. The two wrestlers who each come from a different background had one thing in common and that was to get a win off the former ECW Champion but when it came to the time for each of them to get the pinfall on him, they broke up the count before the other one could get the win.

A perfect ambush from Go Shiozaki.

This was a very exciting match as the crowd was rallying Lashley to get back on the offensive. When Lashley would get the edge, Godeker and Shiozaki would stop the momentum and vice versa. It looked to be a shocking ending to Lashley's WLW debut but when the two new friends had a disagreement, Lashley struck and overwhelmed them with power and speed and in the blink of an eye Lashley and the crowd were as one when he was able to pin Godeker for the 1-2-3. Though they were unsuccessful, Go Shiozaki and Godeker shook Lashley's hands out of respect for such a great match.

During the main event Marc Godeker proved he was more than capable of hanging with some of the best in the business.

The question I had on whether or not Godeker would be able to hang with the two Superstars was answered with a resounding YES, as he more than held his own in one of the most exciting matches in WLW history. A match that will go on in history in WLW along with, Derek Stone's battles with the great One Man Gang, Kenta Kobashi taking on Wade Chism and when a young Trevor Rhodes defeated Rick Steiner and Wade Chism in a Three-way match to win the WLW Heavyweight Title.

Before the night was over Bobby asked for the microphone. With Lashley’s speech and his actions throughout the day, he made me a fan of his for life. He stated that he had a passion for the sport and he missed the fans, he said that he does what he loves, not for the money as he has plenty of that, He also said that he has a desire to be back on TV soon. He encouraged any fans that saw him on the street to not be shy and come up to him and shake his hand and introduce themselves. He said that he doesn't take very many independent bookings but when a WWE Hall of Farmer calls you and tells you to work a show, you listen. He thanked not only Harley, but his wife BJ for the opportunity to work with WLW and to be close to the fans once again.

Because I took the drive to Sedalia I was able to meet one of the most impressive wrestlers in person that I have ever seen, and quite frankly is one of the few that is better than advertised. Bobby Lashley has all the tools to be on top of the sport and I am amazed that TNA has not jumped on him as he could really be the one guy who they could sign that could make a difference in closing the gap between the two organizations.

I hope to see you at an independent show soon and, till next time, drive carefully, take care of yourself, and don’t forget to check out Missouri Wrestling Revival.