Historic Main Event Caps Off A Most-Anticipated Card Of Pittsburgh Wrestling
April 26, 2015
by Trapper Tom, Ring Announcer/Wrestling Journalist
Since December 2014, the “Krazies” of the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance have been clamoring for a one-on-one matchup between two of the brightest Megastars in the KSWA cosmos.
It was at the most recent FanFest when Jay Flash, who had just returned from a lengthy injury-related absence, turned on his long-time friend and intentionally placed a boot under Tony Johnson’s chin. The record-busting crowd at the Teamster Temple nearly rioted. In January, the capacity crowd went berserk when Johnson entered Battle Bowl and went right after Flash. Johnson would be dumped over the top rope and Flash would win the entire, now-prodigious Royale.
In February, Johnson would team with Lord Zoltan and the reigning KSWA Tag Team Champions—Jack Massacre and Mike Malachi—to defeat the Mercenaries, “King” Del Douglas and Flash in an 8-man fiasco. In March, Jay Flash helped helm “Team Faime” in its one-man-advantage lead over a Bobby O less “Team Bobby O.”
Now the KSWA Championship Committee has demanded that the two polarizing personalities Main Event next Saturday’s night of impressive action at the Teamster Temple in Lawrenceville. Bell time is at 7:30, $10 a ticket for adults, $8 for kids.
The rivalry picked up steam within the past week when Flash paid off two wrestlers to ambush Johnson in the bathroom of a wrestling show in West Virginia. In an accompanying video, Flash pays off the hoods and taunts his former tag team partner while punctuating his point with boots. Johnson would later wave off the attack and say it just sharpens him for next week.
The most coveted tag team championship in the Commonwealth—the KSWA World Tag Team Championships—are on the line Saturday night as “Big” Mike Malachi and Jack Massacre attempt to fend off the formidable foes of Bobby Badfingers and J-Ru. “Big and Bigger” have their mitts full with this devious duo. A former Golden Triangle and 5-Star Champion (who didn’t lose that belt by being pinned) have taken their aggressions out on Mike Malachi. The combination, who now calls themselves “Dirty Deeds,” took their shot at Malachi at the conclusion of his match at the Joe Abby Memorial evening. With Massacre out of Pittsburgh, J-Ru joined Badfingers (and Mayor Mystery) in a beat down of the multi-time champion. The 7-foot-tall colossus will be back to help the “Wall Street Cover Boys” defend the tag team belts.
Now-former KSWA World Heavyweight Champion Shane Starr has been uncharacteristically quiet since losing the title to Shawn Blanchard. Since winning the most Prestigious Single’s Title in the Commonwealth in 2013, Shane Starr had been the busiest “fan favorite” World Champion the KSWA had ever seen. He continually made appearances at fundraisers and community events around Pittsburgh. In addition, he had always backed up his philanthropy with impressive title defenses. All of that came to an abrupt end on March 28 when he was bested by J.J. Dillon, Blanchard and the ring bell. Blanchard is now the 6-time KSWA World Champion. Starr reportedly asked for a Street Fight Stipulation and Blanchard angrily accepted during his visit to the 50th Anniversary of the Cauliflower Alley Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s also been rumored that Starr hired a camera crew to record his challenge, but KSWA Co-Owner Tommy Faime supposedly put the kibosh on that, as a way to embarrass the former champion. Blood still boils over this epic battle-in-the-making.
Arguably the most-exciting division in the KSWA is the battle for the 5-Star Championship. The current title-holder, The Jester epitomizes what the circuit has become—a showcase for technical prowess and passion. The Jester, who won the belt at FanFest last year, has his most imposing challenge to date as he faces Ric Rumsky, Tyler Cross and Edric Everhart in a Fatal Four Way. Rumsky has been a friend to the Jester, while System Elite has been one of the KSWA’s most active tag teams. The former tag champs have branched out to single’s competition in recent months, but this is arguably the first time that they’ve singularly competed for the same prize. All four combatants have their own arsenal of high-impact moves, and there’s always The Jester’s kick and frog splash to contend with. This foursome is a showdown that no one wants to miss.
The Golden Triangle Championship is on the line as Kaida takes on “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin. Kaida bested Bulldozer at FanFest and has been on a tear ever since. Lou Martin, who last year was decorated as the Top KSWA Megastar of all time, has not held the Golden Triangle Championship since January, 2001. He was crowned the fourth Golden Triangle Champion in just over a year. There have been 18 (including Kaida) since. Meanwhile, Kaida has exhibited the most impressive suplexes in Pittsburgh since his debut on February 1, 2003. These Megastars have teamed together and faced one another many times during the history of Pittsburgh’s longest-running professional wrestling organization. This match will also be among the most talked-about in its vaunted history.
Also of historical significance, Lord Zoltan is set to take on Doink The Clown in a Legend v. Legend contest. While at this point in their prospective careers, a match between two fan favorites may seem odd, it’s believed that none other than Mayor Mystery poked and prodded the KSWA Championship Committee—and KSWA Kommissioner “Gentleman” Joe Perri specifically—for this bout. On September 4, 2010, Doink joined KSWA Hall of Famer Dominic DeNucci in a match against Lord Zoltan and “Nasty” Nick Crane. At the time, Zoltan was a devilish fiend and Crane was his co-hort. Doink and DeNucci were victorious in that clash. Five years later Zoltan and Doink (who have met often in regional appearances) are set to face off for the first time in KSWA history. While the in-ring action may not be of the highest technical prowess achievements, this will be pairing that all old-school wrestling fans will appreciate.
As for Zoltan’s Party Gras partner, Justin Sane, he has had his hands full with newcomer Harley T. Morris. While victorious in their first match, Justin Sane finds himself followed by the West Virginia villain and his manager, the “Evil Genius” David Marbell. Morris has employed the likes of KSWA Royalty in “King” Del Douglas to take on Sane and any partner of his choosing. Since Zoltan had already been roped into the Doink match, long-time friend and high-flying expert Kris Kash eagerly jumped at the chance. Plus, this gives Kash a chance to get his hands on long-time foe Douglas once again.
The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance returns to the Teamster Temple, 4701 Butler Street in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood on Saturday, May 2. Bell time is 7:30. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for kids and more information can be obtained at kswa.net. Card subject to change.
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