Author: Ben Simon

By Brian Kelley

This story originally appeared at MissouriWrestlingRevival.

Just two months after he lost the MMWA Heavyweight Championship to the 2013 St. Louis King of Cable winner “Da Bomb” Brian James, Brandon Espinosa is once again the champion.

The details of the treachery can only be explained by the two conspirators involved, but neither Espinosa or, the 2014 MWR Wrestler of the Year, Jake Dirden are talking.

The night started out with the biggest crowd in the history of the historic South Broadway Athletic Club as 625 fans came in from the cold for the red hot action.  In today’s MMWA you never know what will happen, as was the case when Commissioner Jim Harris informed Lynn Mephisto that Lenny had a match that evening against Harris’s hand-picked opponent.

You couldn’t tell if the fans or Mephisto were more surprised when Dirden marched to the ring.  Mephisto had been on a roll at the SBAC and looked to have Dirden in trouble.  However, Dirden was just too much to handle as he applied the Asiatic Spike for the tap out.

As the crowd celebrated, Espinosa came into the ring to attempt a post-match double-team, yet it would be for naught, as Dirden turned the tide, forcing Espinosa and Mephisto to retreat.

It is amazing how fast happiness can make a U-turn in no time. That is what happened when the James-Espinosa match ended.  With Barackus, Mephisto, and Brandon Gallagher suspended (Mephisto assisted Gallagher in beating down Gary Jackson), it seemed as if Espy was all alone during his chance at the MMWA Championship.

Wrestling journalist Patrick Brandmeyer recapped the action: “The referee was bumped as Espinosa hit the brainbuster; Espy went for the move again, but James reversed it into the sit-out gourdbuster.  There was no referee to count the pin attempt… then Jake Dirden stormed the ring looking for Espinosa. Both men got to their feet as Dirden entered the ring… but Dirden turned around and leveled James with his thumb strike to the throat!  Dirden took his leave and the referee recovered in time to count Espinosa’s pin.”

When and how did Espinosa get Jake Dirden to assist him in regaining the MMWA Championship?

We may never know, but once again, Espinosa has power at South Broadway and Jim Harris knows that he will have to be at the top of his game to outsmart Brandon Espinosa.

The big night of new champions also included “Big” Dave Osborne capturing the TV Championship from “The Enforcer” Jimmy D.  Ace Hawkins defeated Andrew Wilder for the MMWA Junior Heavyweight Championship as well.

By Ben Simon

Opportunities like this don’t come often for Big Jim Hoffarth.  On Saturday, February 15 at the East Carondelet Community Center, the big man will try to break the hearts of Travis Cook and Classic Wrestling Champion, Ken Kasa.

Wouldn’t it be a shame; just after Valentine’s Day, too.

Formerly known as “The Big Texan,” Hoffarth hasn’t received a shot for the Classic Wrestling Championship since November 2012.

Hoffarth lost his mask against Gary Jackson in November.  Since taking that loss in stride, he has defeated Max Archer, Alexandre Rudolph, and Joker (the last two in tag competition).

On the other side, “Ironman” Ken Kasa will make his eighth Classic Wrestling Championship defense when he steps into the ring on Saturday.  Say what you will about his manager Travis Cook, but Cook knows how to keep the title in his own camp.

Also on the card, Ron Powers & Jake Dirden take on Ricky Cruz & Flash Flanagan; in singles action, the unpredictable Dave Vaughn meets Heath Hatton.

The bell time is 8 P.M.

By Ben Simon

The five hundred in attendance sat and stood in concerned silence January 11 after Barackus made his South Broadway debut.  Really, it was quiet.  The 350-pound monster had just driven Da’Marius Jones’ head onto the canvas.  The move earned Barackus the victory by rare means: a knockout.

See Barackus’ vicious clawhold flatliner that knocked out Jones

The big man seemingly arrived in Saint Louis via Brandon Espinosa and Lynn Mephisto.  This trio is dangerous, but they must tread lightly or they’ll draw the ire of the new MMWA Commissioner, Jim Harris.

Barackus wasn’t done for the night.  Once again, he set his crosshairs on Dave Osborne in Osborne’s match against A.J. Williams.  After the distraction cost Big Dave the match, Barackus laid him out with the claw-flatliner combination.  Barackus has been suspended until March.

It seems inevitable that Barackus and Osborne will meet in a match.  When Osborne is aware of his opponent’s attacks, the former heavyweight champ is quite the force.  Would he be able to avoid the mighty grip strength of Barackus?  Could he slam the big man?  Fans everywhere should look forward to this eventual showdown.

The main event tag match was an out-of-control double count-out.  Following, the new Commissioner granted Brandon Espinosa a MMWA Heavyweight Title opportunity against Brian James on February 8.

Jimmy promised Mephisto a “big surprise” in February, perhaps a mystery opponent.  Mephisto isn’t exactly buddies with the Commissioner; Lenny infamously shoved (then referee) Harris out of the ring and was almost arrested in October 2011.

Jim Harris’ new position was the closest thing to an open secret to be found that night.  Earlier, the former Senior Official wanted to sit anonymously in the crowd and watch from the fans’ point-of-view.  Harris sent this announcer text messages throughout the night to set up stipulations and enforce rulings.

A big ruling was in the tag bout pitting Ace Hawkins & J-Mal Swagg against Andrew Wilder & Flaming Freddie Fury.  The victors would decide the stipulation in the MMWA Junior Heavyweight Title bout on February 8.  Ace’s team won, and he decided that when he meets Wilder for the strap, it will be a no disqualification match.

Wilder insisted that Hawkins put up his MissouriWrestlingRevival “Sexiest Male Wrestler Award” as an additional prize.  Hawkins agreed.

Webmaster Stevie K retained the Battle Royal Championship (a rarity for this title) in a six-man affair.  For his win, Stevie earned a TV Title shot against Jimmy D.  Jimmy walked out of the subsequent match, which gave Stevie a count-out win, but no double championship reign.

Jackson Whitechapel was unfocused in his bout against Moondog Rover.  Rover won after delivering a spinebuster.  Whitechapel’s manager, Sean Orleans, served a suspension and was out for the night.  Orleans will return on February 8 and must direct his protegé’s energy in a positive direction.

Hello MMWA fans,

I have to first say “Thank you” for coming out and supporting some of the greatest wrestling in the Midwest on January 11.  It was standing-room only and people were still pouring in and packing the beautiful South Broadway Athletic Club.

It was humbling to see such a huge crowd, cheering for their heroes, giving the business bad credit loans to those who wanted it, leaving with enthusiasm, and giving high fives to each other. That tells me we meet the needs of our fans and we made some changes that night that the fans appreciated and wanted to see.  It was great to see some of the old faces that I’ve been with for the last 27 years but it was also awesome to see a lot of new faces.

Many were intrigued by the matches and asked how they could become a wrestler for us.  That’s when you know you’re doing something right.  That magic has always been here and that’s what made me want to be a part of wrestling in the first place.

On my last night as the Senior Referee in December, I was approached by (incumbent Commissioner) Tim Miller and (MMWA Executive Director) Tony Casta and asked if I would consider becoming the Commissioner for the Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance.

Tim explained he would step aside to concentrate on event production and work with the commentary team.  Tony wanted me to stick around and help him with match-making.  I was honored to be asked and was given time to think about it.  On January 11, you saw my answer.

I had the opportunity to be in the crowd with the fans.  I was able to text (ring announcer) Ben Simon what I needed done to stay anonymous.  I wanted to see reactions of what was going on in the ring.  From the fans’ response, it looked like we were firing on all cylinders and giving you what you wanted.

We plan to give you more of what you like and build our staff and manpower up.  We are going to get more talent into the locker room, keep the show family-friendly, and keep you smiling.

I need to thank Ben Simon for his work and reports here on SaintLouisWrestling.com, as well as his RingSyders show (on hiatus) with Drew Abbenhaus.   Brian Kelley’s MissouriWrestlingRevival is great and the insights of Patrick Brandmeyer are valuable.  Without these folks, you would not get all the information and inside stories on your favorite wrestlers and events in the Midwest.

Thank you to my referees, Nick Ridenour and Jay King.   I look forward to watching you grow just like one of my mentors did for me in Ed Smith.  Thank you to our SBAC President and boss Tony Casta for having faith in me to step in and help him out and to Tim Miller for allowing me the chance to step in as well.

Fans, I look forward to seeing you and presenting great cards.  Locker room, get ready to be shaken up and earn your rights for title matches.  There will be order in my ring!

Jimmy “Big Time” Harris Sr.
Commissioner MMWA

By Ben Simon

Gary Jackson slapped the fourth turnbuckle in succession.  Lynn Mephisto had been defeated.  The chain match in December at the South Broadway Athletic Club was bloody and brutal.  However, it was the scene after the battle that may have been more significant.

Mephisto and Brandon Espinosa began a vengeful assault on Gary, tying him to the corner so “The Great One” was helpless to defend himself.  Thankfully, the brand-new MMWA Heavyweight Champion Brian James ran to the ring and saved Jackson.

It was only natural that outgoing Senior Official Jim Harris would make the match on his final night in the stripes: Brian James and Gary Jackson will tag against the savages Mephisto and Espinosa on January 11th.

It is not known to this writer how Harris had the authority to make the match, but SBAC President Tony Casta and incumbent Commissioner Tim Miller presumably liked it enough to go along with it.

Speaking of which, the new MMWA Commissioner will be revealed this Saturday at the SBAC.  Miller will stay on as the producer of TV’s Wild World of Wrestling.

Barackus, the huge athlete who demolished Dave Osborne recently (sneak attack, no match), will make his wrestling debut January 11.  The opponent hasn’t been confirmed, but I wouldn’t want to be him.

Also that night, Moondog Rover will try to take a bite out of “Morbid Messiah” Jackson Whitechapel.  The two have teamed before but Whitechapel doesn’t like the antics of Rover much.

Whitechapel is the protegé of commentator Sean Orleans, who saw potential in the struggling big man shortly after Whitechapel’s debut.  Orleans will be absent on Saturday due to a one-month suspension for an unspecified incident with management.  Can Jackson Whitechapel keep his head straight without Sean Orleans?

Tickets are $8 at the door, $4 for kids.

Ace Hawkins (left) pinned Andrew Wilder in November 2013. The two meet again this month for the Junior Title. Photo: Maurice Ramsey

By Ben Simon

December at the South Broadway Athletic Club is always a fun time.  A loaded card of matches is presented, Santa visits the kids at intermission, and Gary Jackson enters to Elvis’ “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.”

This year, Gary Jackson has had enough.  He can no longer challenge for Brandon Espinosa’s MMWA Heavyweight Championship, thanks to collusion from Mephisto in November.

Jackson called out Mephisto for a match where “anything goes.”  While Mephisto didn’t formally accept the challenge, he did post the following to Facebook:

Saturday I am Wrestling against Gary Jackson…… Saturday I rid St.Louis of a fool Tyrant who should have been disposed of years ago.

I guess that settles it; the match is on!

Big Dave Osborne will get a heavyweight title shot on Saturday.  Osborne was the champion for four months earlier this year.  This will be the first time that Espinosa and Osborne meet one-on-one for St. Louis’ most honored championship.

MMWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Andrew Wilder has gotten himself into trouble.  He was to defend his strap against the winner of a recent Ace Hawkins – Da’Marius Jones bout.  Wilder’s interference cost Hawkins that match, but Commissioner Tim Miller ordered Wilder to face both opponents this Saturday in a three-way.

This month, we say goodbye to the 25-year veterans, Lumberjacks Abe & Gabe.  The Lumberjacks will wrestle one last tag match on December 7 against opponents to be determined.

The Lumberjacks last held South Broadway’s tag team championship in June 2012.  That title and every other tag title the brothers have ever held are gone now.  There is nothing left for Abe and Gabe to accomplish.

A.J. Williams will defend his TV Championship against “The Enforcer” Jimmy D.  If clean, technical matches are your thing, this one won’t be for you.

Also notable, Senior Official Jim Harris will referee his last match at the SBAC on December 7th.  The corrections officer has been on ref duty for 27 years.  Harris is a fan favorite among referees (if there ever was one) and he will be missed.  Harris will retire later this month.

This article first appeared on Missouri Wrestling Revival

By Patrick Brandmeyer

If history is any indication, Brian James is on the road to the MMWA Heavyweight Championship. The Midwest veteran defeated three tough opponents in the same night to win the King of St. Louis Cable tournament, thus earning himself a title shot of his choice.

Of course, he wasn’t alone in his ambition; the tournament field was full of current and former titleholders. Many of the wrestlers in the competition had previous issues with current champion Brandon Espinosa or former champ Gary Jackson. Each contender had his own motivation, but only one could emerge victorious.

The tournament started under unique circumstances as Espinosa claimed he and Lynn Mephisto would “challenge” for the vacant Tag Team Title if Mephisto won the tournament, thus claiming the belts without a fight.  After that, the Battle Royal Champ tried to talk his way to an easy first-round win, but Wild World of Wrestling Television Champion A.J. Williams wasn’t hearing it.  Despite Mephisto’s “generous” (and extremely condescending) job offer, Williams answered with a fist to the face and the fight was on.

 

Former TV Champ Jimmy D affected the match outcome, distracting the referee as Mephisto knocked out Williams with brass knuckles.  After that, Mephisto got the cheap pin with feet on the ropes to reach the semifinals…but his night was just starting.

The next quarterfinal match was already heated as Junior Heavyweight Champion Andrew Wilder had cheated his way to victory over former titleholder Ace Hawkins in recent months. On top of that, Wilder cost Hawkins a contenders’ match to Da’Marius Jones, which led to a three-way match set for the December card.

Ace was intent on knocking the young titleholder down a peg…and he accomplished that feat by countering Wilder’s “Call of the Wild” inverted neckbreaker finisher into a rolling prawn pin.

In the next bout, 2012 tournament king Dave Osborne was matched against up-and-coming rookie Da’Marius Jones. Osborne was the only man in the field to have competed in all three King of Cable tournaments and was looking to repeat his past success.

Jones had a good showing but the size and experience edge was too much to overcome.  Osborne got the win after his devastating cobra clutch suplex.

The final first-round match featured opponents who were no strangers to each other; Brian James and Jimmy D had traded the TV Title earlier this year.  After Jimmy’s earlier actions, A.J. Williams saw fit to return the favor…and the distraction gave James the opening to finish off Jimmy with his sitout gourdbuster.

The semifinals began with Hawkins taking on Mephisto.  Mephisto had a slight advantage as Ace had been through a longer first-round bout and had less time to rest, but Hawkins kept him off-balance with his aerial arsenal.

Unfortunately for him, Hawkins fell prey to another cheapshot as Wilder ran out to deliver a low blow behind the referee’s back.  That allowed Mephisto to drop Ace with an Air Raid Crash to advance to the final.

James and Osborne had clashed in last year’s semifinals and the two met once again this year. It would prove to be one of the most competitive matches in the tournament; James had trouble using his power moves against the 300-pound Osborne so he improvised by taking to the air.

In the end, James was finally able to lift the big man up into his finisher for the victory, evening the score from the previous tournament!  Respectfully, the two shook hands after the bout.

The final was marked by some controversy.  Mephisto had gotten involved in Espinosa’s title defense against Gary Jackson earlier in the night. With the stipulation in place that Gary would get no more title shots as long as Espy was champion, Mephisto hit his own “ally” with the belt…thus getting Jackson disqualified and costing him his opportunity to reclaim the gold. With Espinosa lurking in the background, it seemed like a plan was in place to ensure Mephisto’s victory.

Both finalists came out swinging in the final, but Espinosa stuck his nose into the proceedings and hit Mephisto with his title belt… trying to get “Da Bomb” disqualified. However, Senior Official Jim Harris said that the same trick wouldn’t work twice and ordered the bout to continue. The plan had backfired.  With Mephisto dazed, James was able to capitalize with his sitout gourdbuster finisher for his third and final win of the evening!

His opposition consisted of a former Television Champion, a former Heavyweight Champ (and previous tournament winner), and the current Battle Royal Champion… but “Da Bomb” Brian James emerged victorious as the 2013 King of St. Louis Cable!

By Larry Matysik

Ron Powers gets the opportunity to become the Classic Wrestling Champion for the second time when he duels titleholder “Ironman” Ken Kasa on the SICW card at the East Carondelet Community Center Saturday, Nov. 16.

Also, Gary Jackson risks the end of his career when he tackles The Big Texan, who has agreed to put his mask in jeopardy as well.

Powers earned this chance by pinning Kasa to win a tag team decision for the unlikely combo of Powers and Ricky Cruz over Kasa and Flash Flanagan Oct. 19.  The decision by promoter Herb Simmons to give Powers the title match left both Flanagan and Cruz furious.  They felt they deserved the bout; Cruz is a former champion who was  upset by Kasa last June and Flash defeated Powers after a controversial finish in September.

But Powers feels that SICW is his home and his overall record was strong enough along with the pin of the champion to persuade Simmons to give Ron the Nov. 16 battle.

Cruz and Flanagan, who have their own hot rivalry, will be on opposite sides of a tag team affair Nov. 16.  Each has a strong young prospect as his partner — it’s Cruz and Daniel Eads against Flash and 410-pound Bull Bronson.

As for Texan and Jackson, both solid title contenders, they’ve been butting heads for a couple years.  In fact, a headbutt by Texan Oct. 19 (when the referee was distracted) gave Dave Vaughn a win over Jackson.

The angry Jackson demanded a bout with Big Texan where Texan unmasked if he lost by pin or submission.  The ensuing argument saw Texan agree — if Jackson agreed to end his own long, outstanding career should Gary lose.  Simmons saw a headline bout and got the deal done.  Career versus mask: Gary Jackson against The Big Texan.

A client of controversial manager Travis Cook, Dave Vaughn can stop the title drive by Jake Dirden.  Add Vaughn vs. Dirden to the Nov. 16 lineup.  Cook, feeling better after being smacked by the guitar of The Honky Tonk Man Oct. 12, will be back to “advise” both Vaughn and Kasa.

More matches will be added and tickets are available by calling (618) 286-4848.

By Ben Simon

It was October 12 at 9:30 P.M. and the main event was about to begin.  Gary Jackson hadn’t arrived at the building yet.

Gary was set to team with Brian James and the Lumberjacks to take on Brandon Espinosa, Dave Osborne, Jimmy D, and Mephisto in an elimination tag match.  However, the members of the latter team made their way to the ring, smug looks on their faces.

Espinosa told the crowd that they would see a 4-on-3 handicap bout; Jackson was nowhere to be found.  Even if he was there, how would his neck hold up after that piledriver he took one month earlier?

Indeed, the match started at an unequal tilt.  Within three minutes, both Lumberjacks had been eliminated by pinfall.  Very quickly, Brian James was all alone.  Mephisto smiled at James devilishly from across the ring.  He and his teammates anticipated this 4-on-1 massacre.

Gary Jackson suddenly came running down to ringside to even the situation a bit.  He and Brian were able to cut it down to even before Gary was eliminated.

The match rode on the finale of Espinosa vs. James.  “Da Bomb” Brian James showed why he earned that nickname and detonated an attack on Espy.  Brian James picked up the pin with his signature inverted suplex slam.

Brian James is a good guy to have on your team.

The rivalry between Jackson and the Espinosa-Mephisto duo isn’t over yet.  In fact, on November 9th at South Broadway, Gary Jackson will challenge for Brandon’s MMWA Heavyweight Championship for the last time.

That is, if Gary doesn’t win the title, he can’t get another shot until Espy is no longer champion.