June 2, 2023
by Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest
No Heavyweight Champion in professional wrestling maintains the schedule of the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Heavyweight Champion. And “The Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin continues that lofty trend. And Saturday, he faces arguably the most daunting challenge of this, his third go-round.
Martin will defend the richest prize in the Commonwealth against former 6-time KSWA Heavyweight Champion Shawn Blanchard at “Mayhem at Hickory Heights 2” at Hickory Heights Golf Course, in Bridgeville.
In recent weeks, Martin has successfully defended against “Mr. Big Stuff” Anthony Alexander, as well as the mammoth Man-Child. The always ready-to-fight Martin has his work cut out for him with Blanchard, the 25-year-friend turned most hated foe. This battle, under the stars and on the tee box of one of Western Pennsylvania’s most beautiful golf courses, has the possibility of being a highlight of the professional wrestling year.
“King” Del Douglas’ stable–Blanchard, Anthony Alexander and Kris Kash–The Dynasty–is certainly in disarray or shambles, but that doesn’t mean that Blanchard won’t have a game plan that might fetch him the KSWA Heavyweight Championship for a record-extending seven times.
The KSWA Golden Triangle Champion, J-Ru, will defend against Tyler Grayson on Saturday. The Leader of the Grayson Nation has been on a tear in recent months, and could pose himself as a legitimate competitor for single’s gold, and this could be his chance.
A former KSWA Heavyweight Champion, and Timothy Moore Memorial Battle Royal winner, J-Ru continues to be one of Pittsburgh’s most notable stories. A veteran of more than 20 years inside the squared circle, J-Ru is one of the industry’s most underappreciated. While he’s no one’s “Tea Pot,” J-Ru is a worthy champion, but if he takes Grayson for granted, anything can happen.
T-Rantula is set to return Saturday Night. The Battle Bowl winner, T-Rantula has been raked with injuries in recent months. He is set to return to take on “Mr. Big Stuff” Anthony Alexander, who played mind games with Lou Martin by no-showing his rematch for the KSWA Heavyweight Championship last week in West Mifflin. Assuredly, “King” Del Douglas will have Alexander ready to go against the icon, T-Rantula. It’s not often that “Mr. Big Stuff” has faced opponents this much larger and powerful. This will not be a match of high-flying flips. This will be the hardest-hitting match of the evening.
The KSWA’s 5-Star Championship is rarely a simple one-on-one affair. It’s usually Fatal Fourways, or some other unusual contest and Saturday’s defense is no exception. A “Golf Bag of Terror” Match between 5-Star Champion Sin Born and challenger Justin Sane has the promise of wildness. And both of these Megastars are up for the challenge. Since winning the 5-Star Championship, Sin Born has been a fighting champion. He’s taken on all comers and Justin Sane loves the chance to wear single’s gold once again. The mysterious part is the “Golf Bag of Terror.” One will have to attend to find out more information.
And if that wasn’t enough, the KSWA tag team championships will be on the line as the Apex defends against The Freek Show. “Rev” Ron Hunt and “The Regent” Joshua Kavod are about as good a tag team as there is anywhere in wrestling, and they have their hands full with Man-Child and Freek E. Doyle. Freek continues to improve with each and every outing, and with the mountain of a man in Man-Child, anything can happen.
Shane Starr and Edric Everhart, who have battled often before, have another opportunity to shine here. Both men are veterans and former champions. No decisive victor has been decided in this feud between like-sized and skilled athletes, and this will be an important match for both men.
One of the biggest surprises of last week’s event was the shocking victory of Hunter Huffman over Shawn Blanchard. The veteran Blanchard has a lot on his professional plate, and may have simply looked past the impressive Huffman, but Hunter gets back on the horse this week with a Triple Threat Match. He will take on Harley T. Morris and “The Ram” Anthony Drake in a Triple Threat Match. All of these Megastars need a win to keep in the favor of the KSWA Championship Committee. Everyone in the locker room will be watching this contest.
KSWA Wrestling’s Mayhem at Hickory Heights 2, 116 Hickory Heights Drive, Bridgeville, PA 15017, takes place this Saturday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. Ringside tables, front row and balcony packages are available. General admission tickets are also available at the club. Go to kswa.net or call 412-726-1762 for more information. Card is subject to change.