As the calendar year comes to a close, now is a great time to look at the top moments and highlights of the wrestling year in Pittsburgh. With a historic 2015 right around the corner, let’s look back at a remarkable 2014!

Number 10: The Top 35 Megastars of All Time

Often imitated but never duplicated, the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) was the first independent wrestling promotion anywhere to compile a list of the most important wrestlers in its history. Inspired in part by the annual and infamous Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500—where there is no cognitive explanation for most of the random list—the KSWA Top 35 Megastars of All Time broke ground.

In more than 14 years, Pittsburgh’s KSWA has featured more than 100 wrestlers in more than 170 events. Since its debut on February 18, 2000 the KSWA has provided countless opportunities for all its wrestlers—nicknamed Megastars—and a large majority of them have blossomed with the chance.

The number of Top Megastars was paired down by the KSWA Championship Committee from an initial list of 54. Some decorated champions were omitted from subsequent drafts. The final list took overall success (championship and otherwise), recent success, longevity, impact on the organization—and in some cases—historical and/or cultural significance—into consideration. Released on August 5, the list started with KSWA Owner Bobby O (who has never competed in a matter that didn’t have incredible significance), and proceeded to ruffle feathers until it got to the end and “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin. Martin, a two-time World Champion, bested all others in Pittsburgh’s storied history. His longevity and success in the ring propelled him to the front of the pack.

Since the list was compiled, a select few other promotions have dabbled with complementary lists designed to include each and every person who ever laced up a wrestling shoe or stepped onto a canvas. Prior to all of that, the KSWA left multi-time champions off its list as to make it as exclusive as possible.

Social media picked up conversation as Megastars and fans alike talked about the ongoing list. More than 1, 500 views were tallied on the Pittsburgh Pro Wrestling blog that hosted the discussion. Thousands more read the stories at kswa.net.

This list will soon continue with Number Nine…