In the seven years since the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) instituted the 5-Star Championship, a number of Megastars have held the title. It’s been a “who’s who” of up-and-comers, as well as crafty and deserving veterans. Most recently, the incomparable Sly Scarpone has been a fighting champion. Since his second reign began at Brawl Under the Bridge 5 in Homestead, and rarely against just one opponent.

In recent matches, Scarpone has successfully defended against a host of Megastars, including "The Gavel" David Lawless, Justin Sane, Lucio Deveer, Harley T. Morris, “Rev” Ron Hunt, Officer Dan Murphy and others. None of the challenges have been easy; but regardless, Scarpone continues to impress the KSWA Championship Committee.

At KSWA FanFest/ToyDrive 15, the Action Hero from Indian Lake, Pennsylvania, Scarpone will face off against not one, not two, not three, but four competitors on December 7. And each of the challengers have their own peculiar and organic set of skills that will make this an interesting contest. Under this format it is possible for Deveer to lose the 5-Star Championship without even being pinned.

Zak Hunter, who has fought valiantly win-or-lose in the KSWA, might be the leading candidate to unseat Scarpone. Hunter has been in several matches against multiple opponents, just like Scarpone. On October 12, the Bell Air, Ohio native and Yinza took on Scarpone in a Triple Threat Match, but the champion retained. In addition to those types of showdowns, Hunter has had shots at the KSWA Heavyweight Championship, most recently November 9 in Brackenridge. Hunter has also had numerous matches like this, where he faces a few fellow fan favorites.

J-Ru might be a wildcard in this unique contest. The multi-talented J-Ru returned to challenge Bubba the Bulldog on November 9 for the Golden Triangle Championship. A multi-time KSWA champion, Charleroi’s J-Ru has only had a handful of matches in Pittsburgh in 2019, and he understands how important it is to have an opportunity such as this at FanFest.

Lucio Deveer has had other opportunities at the 5-Star Championship and in fact he matches up pretty well physically with the powerhouse that is Sly. While Scarpone possesses the distinct strength advantage (as he does with all of the challengers in this match), “The Enigma’s” striking ability is among the best in the KSWA roster. It also goes without saying that a recent weight loss and focus on cardiovascular conditioning has helped “The Other Side of Your Mind’s” most important export gain this break.

Malakai Gage is another question mark for the 5-Star Champion, as well as the rest of the KSWA. The rookie Side Show Psycho has exhibited skills and in-ring savvy beyond his years. He made his debut at Battle Bowl in January and returned on September 29 at All Summr Uptown. Most recently he tagged with Lucio Deveer in a hard-fought match against the Best Bros Around. Mitch Napier and BROhemoth just happen to be the Number One Contenders for the KSWA tag team championship, and Deveer and Gage clicked well in their first outing as a team. Gage has the quickness and striking ability to keep all of the others on their toes.

The KSWA 5-Star Championship will be defended at KSWA FanFest 15 on Saturday, December 7 at Spirit Hall, 242 52nd Street in the Lawrenceville neighborhood within the city of Pittsburgh. Wrestling Hall of Famer and former Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund is scheduled to appear. All front row tickets are SOLD OUT, and all remaining General Admission tickets are $10. Seating is never guaranteed at FanFest/Toy Drive, so reaching out to kswa.net or 412-726-1762 is important. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and bell time is 7:00 p.m. Card is subject to change.