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 9: The Sudden Return Of Mike Malachi

Over the past few years few matches have become as highly-anticipated as KSWA’s “Battle Bowl.” An every-man-for-himself Battle Royal, the event features long-time favorites, returning Megastars and others. The event helps “re-set” the championship landscape for the coming year. Traditionally, the last three-or-four wrestlers in the match qualify for opportunities at KSWA gold. Sometimes the event simply features off-the-wall excitement.

In 2014, 26 different Megastars fought for shots at the KSWA World Title, Golden Triangle, 5-Star and Tag Team belts. Krazies were really into the match already when “Mr. Puniverse” Bob Atlas raced out at number 10. At number 11 the gigantic Blood Beast was next, two minutes later. Blood Beast and Bulldozer (who was already in) went toe-to-toe. At number 12, the Krazies were charged. An unfamiliar theme song hit. That confounded the crowd. Then, moments later, the familiar frame of a robed, green and orange-wearing “Big” Mike Malachi burst through the curtains. The standing room only crowd, especially those near the bar area, exploded in elation. One long-time fan raced from the back of the room to near the entrance, just to high-five the former KSWA and multi-time Champion.

It had been more than four years since Malachi had lost to “Double A” Anthony Alexander at FanFest 2010. Alexander held onto the Golden Triangle Championship, and as per stipulation, Malachi was forced to retire. In fact, other than an occasional visit to see friends, Malachi hadn’t even made a peep about returning. Then, Battle Bowl 2014 arrived and the 6’4”, 293 lb. Malachi returned to the KSWA Arena.

Malachi won the match after dumping “The King” Del Douglas and J-Ru over the top rope and onto the concrete floor below. Hundreds of fans jumped and shouted in jubilation over the win.

Malachi would later parlay that victory into an opportunity at the most prestigious tag team titles in the Commonwealth. That, however, might just be a tale for a different day.

This list will soon continue with Number Eight…