A few weeks ago when new Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Owner Shawn Blanchard arranged a title defense for Champion “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin, he went back into the annuals of Pittsburgh professional wrestling history for a suitable candidate. In fact, Blanchard chose a Megastar who shouldn’t be trifled with.

Welcome back to the KSWA, “Mr. Puniverse” Bob Atlas!

At 6’3,” 368-lbs of granite abs and sex appeal, “Mr. Puniverse” is no stranger to wrestling success. In his first KSWA match on January 19, 2002 at the Bloomfield VFW, Atlas was involved in a Triple Threat Match for a title that was called the “KSWA Pittsburgh Title.” That match was won by Shane O’Shea (The Great Toyota was also in the contest), but Atlas was well on his way.

In what was a harbinger of things to come, Atlas defeated future KSWA World Heavyweight Champion La Lucha in only his second match on July 13, 2002. Later that same year, Atlas nearly beat The Great Toyota, who subsequently defeated Shane O’Shea for the Pittsburgh Title. Somewhere along the line, in an undated match, Atlas finally did upend Toyota for the strap.

Over the next year or two, Atlas would wrestle some of the premier wrestlers in the KSWA.

On March 29, 2003, Atlas would win a Keystone Karnage Battle Royal, thus unifying the Pittsburgh Title and the International Title. Atlas would also beat “Double-A” Anthony Alexander that same night to retain the new title, which was branded the “Tri-State Title.” On October 4, 2003, Atlas would lose the belt to Billy Rich.

On August 14, 2004, Atlas would win the Tri-State Title for the second time when he bested Shawn Blanchard.

On October 9, 2006 Atlas would vacate the title due to injury. Unfortunately for the elite athlete Bob Atlas, injuries would be a chronic issue that would truncate his KSWA career over the years. The first Tri-State Champion, Atlas has been without a championship for more than seven years.

In recent years, Atlas has been remembered for much more lighthearted fare. On August 23, 2008 at “When Worlds Collide,” Atlas and “The Drunken Luchadore” Joey Quervo faced off in a dance contest. As the Tijuana drunkard attempted to dance, he fell flat on his face in the center of the canvas and didn’t move. The Standing Room Only crowd went berserk with laughter. The two would later become close friends and tag team partners.

On June 12, 2010 Atlas was in his last match, losing to “The King” Del Douglas, who was defending the Golden Triangle Championship (the Tri-State Title was merged in with it years before). Since then Atlas has healed from his multitude of injuries and recently reached out to his former employer. Blanchard, seeing a chance for boffo box office (Atlas has always had a rabid fan base), immediately signed Atlas. Martin is chomping at the bit, despite the fact that the two have never met in one-on-one competition in Pittsburgh’s professional wrestling organization.

In other matches, Golden Triangle Champion Shane Starr defends against Shawn Blanchard.

The KSWA Tag Team titles are on the line with the newest members of the VIPs—Edric Everhart and Tyler Cross defend against Kaida and Blood Beast. This should be a hard-hitting match for Kaida and Blood Beast, who recently had a match interrupted by Everhart and Cross.

The 5-Star title is on the line when Champion Mitch Napier defends against former 5-Star Champion Kris Kash. The 5-Star championship was developed to be a showcase for technically adept Megastars, and these two technicians fit the bill.

In other action, “The King” Del Douglas and The Jester face off against old foes Jay Flash and “Ice Man” Tony Johnson and Jonny Axx takes on “The Drunken Luchadore” Joey Quervo.

Shawn Blanchard has since announced that he will soon make a statement regarding Lord Zoltan and Justin Sane, who beat the VIPs in tag team competition at Millvale Days. Lord Zoltan also beat Martin in a non-title matchup the first day of Millvale Days, forcing the KSWA Champion to wear a chicken suit in the ring on Saturday.

In addition, as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, KSWA Krazies will be able to step inside the ring at intermission—and for a small donation—get your picture taken with the KSWA Megastars! All proceeds go to fighting breast cancer. Click away with your cell phone or camera. Select pictures will also be posted on the KSWA.net website. With that said on October 12th here is your chance to get in the ring with some KSWA Megastars!

In addition, do not forget to wear your Halloween Costume to Autumn Annihilation. Prizes will be given out for the best kid’s costume, as well as the best adult costume!

KSWA’s “Autumn Annihilation” will be Saturday, October 12 at the KSWA Arena in the Lawrenceville neighborhood within the city of Pittsburgh. Bell time is 7:30 (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for kids. For information call 412-726-1762. Card is subject to change.