Nearly 60 wrestlers announced for WWE 2K15

By JJ Miller

WWE and 2K began announcing the roster for its upcoming next-generation video game, WWE 2K15, over the weekend, with more expected wrestlers to be reveled down the road.

While I don't watch wrestling anymore, I was a fan during my latter high school years and several names jumped out at me while looking at the list on 2K's website, including Big Show, Chris Jericho, John Cena, Goldust, Kane, Mark Henry, Rey Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker and Triple H.

Two other big names are included, with two versions of Hulk Hogan (classic Yellow and Red and "Hollywood" Hogan) included in the "Hulkamania" edition of the game, as well as retro Sting in addition to his The Crow-style persona from later years. Sting is available as a pre-order bonus.

Other popular wrestlers of note include the recently let-go Alberto Del Rio, the popular-but-injured Daniel Bryan and the "retired" CM Punk. Other names joining the list include Batista, Brie and Nikki Bella, Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, Kane, Randy Orton, RVD and The Miz.

Other wrestles and divas expected to be included when the game is released on Oct. 28 are AJ Lee, Bad News Barrett, Big E, Bray Wyatt, Cameron, Cesaro, Curtis Axel, Damien Sandow, Darren Young, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, Fandango, Jack Swagger, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Justin Gabriel, Kofi Kingston, Luke Harper, Naomi, Natalya, R-Truth, Roman Reigns, Ryback, Santino, Seth Rollins, Sheamus, Summer Rae, Tamina, Titus O'Neil, Tyson Kidd, Xavier Woods.

A note at the bottom of the page says that the full roster is "coming soon."

ECWA July 13 Newark, DE results

ECWA Hall of Famer Aden Chambers

- Aden Chambers inducted into Hall of Fame by Ace Darling and retires 

- "Greek God" Papadon wins ECWA Heavyweight Title for second time

 

- DLINE wins tag titles

 

East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA)

Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club

Newark, DE

Sat, July 13, 2013

 

Results:

 

1. Mr. Ooh La La & Kid USA defeated Little Mikey & Gus Grand

 

2. As voted by fans for future title shot, Anywhere/Anytime: Bobby Shields DCOR Matt Saigon w/ Joel Blackhart

 

3. ECWA Legend and first Super 8 Champion (1997) Ace Darling inducted Aden Chambers (former ECWA Heavyweight, Mid-Atlantic, Tag Team, Super 8 (2008) and K-Cup Tag Team (2012) Champion) into 2013 ECWA HOF

 

4. Also as voted by fans for a future title shot any time/any place: “Greek God” Papadon beat Vordell Walker w/ Joel Blackhart

 

5. Fans As Lumberjacks Match: Jessie Kaye beat “Boss” Michael Tartaglia

 

6. Mixed Tag Team Match: “Heart Killer” Chris Wylde & Renee Michelle defeated ECWA Mid-Atlantic Champion Ricky Martinez & Keri

 

7. ANYTHING GOES for the Vacant ECWA Tag Team Titles w/ Special Guest Referee Damian Dragon: D-LINE beat MONSTER AHTU & Breaker Morant w/ Joel Blackhart to win titles

 

8. ECWA Heavyweight Title: VsK (Champion) beat “Cuban Crippler” Ricky Reyes

 

9. ECWA Heavyweight Title Match: "Greek God" Papadon used his title shot and defeated VsK to win the ECWA Title for a second time

 

10. Kekoa the Flyin Hawaiian beat Aden Chambers in Chambers’ ECWA retirement match

 

NEXT EVENT

ECWA returns for the 46th Anniversary Show

Sat, Sept 7, 2013

Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club

Newark, Delaware

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CSN to air combat sports show featuring MMA, boxing and pro wrestling

(The Phanatic Magazine) - The GFL Combat Sports Network (GFL.tv) and Comcast SportsNet have  announced a partnership to launch a weekly combat sports series commencing with its first airing date this Saturday night (Aug. 25, 2012). 

GFL will provide combat sports content for both The Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet.

“We are able to offer Comcast SportsNet a diverse programming schedule to include the best MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing & Professional Wrestling events this region has to offer. This is a great opportunity for fighters to showcase their talents and grow their fan base in their community.  I guarantee our audience 2 things: action packed shows and that many fighters from this series will go on to become world champions,” said GFL CEO and Founder David Klarman.

Starting on August 25, GFL will bring the best in mixed martial arts (MMA), boxing, Muay Thai and professional wrestling to The Comcast Network (TCN) and Comcast SportsNet (CSN) viewers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Delaware, New Jersey and even some parts of New York.  

Air times will be in primetime from 8-10 PM EST Saturday evenings on TCN-PA and TCN-MA, with replays on Sunday evenings from 8-10 PM EST on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and 11:30 PM – 1:30 PM EST on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic.

“We are extremely pleased to embark on a new relationship with Go Fight Live to provide fans with great MMA and boxing matchups as we bolster our Saturday Night Fight Night programming on The Comcast Network,” said Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia Director of Programming Bob Selah.

The initial Programming schedule is as follows:

8/25 & 26 – Friday Night Fights from Dover Downs Hotel and Casino (Boxing)
9/1 & 2 – Cage Wars XVII  (MMA)
9/8 & 9 – Boxing at Bally's: Joel Diaz vs Guillermo Sanchez (Boxing)
9/15 & 16 – New Breed Fighters  (MMA - Not GFL)
*9/22 & 23 –  Ring of combat XLII – (MMA)
9/29 & 30 – Friday Night Fights from Dover Downs (Boxing)
10/6 & 7 -  IZW (Professional Wrestling)
10/13 & 14 – Battle at Bally’s II -Take On Promotions (Muay Thai)
10/20 & 21 – Fight Night from Harrahs, PA (Boxing)
10/27 & 28 – Cage Wars XVIII (MMA)

*After Football Game

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Wrestler Bison Smith passes away

Bison Smith

Professional wrestler Mark Smith, a former offensive lineman at the University of Colorado, who was a star in Puerto Rico and for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan as Bison Smith, passed away from a massive heart attack in San Juan at the age of 38.

Smith broke into wrestling after being trained in Northern California by Donovan Morgan and Michael Modest. By 2003 he was a main eventer for the  International Wrestling Association in Puerto Rico, winning the group's World Heavyweight Championship on two different occasions.

His biggest success, however, was in Japan for Pro Wrestling Noah, where he earned the GHC Tag Team Championship a pair of times with partners Akitoshi Saito and Keith Walker.

"Incredibly sad to hear about Bison Smith," fellow wrestler Chris Hero wrote on Twitter. "Over the last 5 years he'd become like a brother. He was a big scary lookin guy w/ a heart of gold."

In the U.S, Smith's most notable impact came in Ring of Honor, where he feuded with Bryan Danielson, who is now WWE superstar Daniel Bryan, in 2009.

"Ring of Honor officials, management, and the locker room would all like to take this time to acknowledge the passing of one of our alumni, a former member of The Embassy, Mark “Bison” Smith," the company said in a statement.

"Late last night word began to travel that Bison, aged 38, had passed away due to cardiac issues shortly after returning from a tour of Pro Wrestling NOAH. Smith first debuted in ROH back in January of 2009 at “Full Circle” and competed regularly throughout the year until his final appearance in March of 2010 at “Phoenix Rising”. During his tenure with ROH, Bison primarily competed alongside The Embassy and had several memorable bouts against Bryan Danielson and The Necro Butcher.

"More importantly, during his short time in ROH, Bison touched the lives of many individuals as noted by the outpouring of memories on Twitter shared by many of those who crossed his path."

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15th annual ECWA Super 8 results from Voorhees

15th annual ECWA Super 8 champ Tommaso Ciampa

15th Annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament - Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees , New Jersey - Sat, April 30th, 2011

 

Special Guest Hostess: WWE Hall of Famer Tammy "Sunny" Sytch 

Referees: John Finegan, Matt Bennett and Mike Kehner

 

-          Mr. Ooh La Lawon and OVER THE TOP ROPE Battle Royal

-          Quarter Finals: Adam Cole def. Sami Callihan

-          Quarter Finals: Austin Aries def. Bobby Shields

-          Quarter Finals: Tommaso Ciampa def. Rich Swann

-          Quarter Finals: Shiima Xion def. SHOCKWAVE the Robot

-          “TEAM ECWA” ECWA Heavyweight Champion“Greek God” Papadon, ECWA Mid-Atlantic Champion “Heart Killer” Chris Wylde and “Team MackTion” TJ & Kirby Mack def. “TEAM TWA” TWA Tag Team Champion“Fusion D.S.” Damian Dragon & Matt Saigon and “True Professional” Joshua Daniels.  

Post-match, a late arriving TWA Heavyweight Champion Breaker Morant came to the ring in street clothes to explain to his team mates following their loss that he had transportation issues.  Josh Daniels had none of it and hooked Breaker in a cross face submission.  Dragon and Saigon left in disgust as referees and TWA Commissioner Joel Goodhart broke it up.

-          Semi-Finals: Adam Cole def. Austin Aries

-          Semi-Finals: Tommaso Ciampa def. Shiima Xion

-          BATTLEOF THE ECWA GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS, TEACHER VS. STUDENT: “The 1st Super 8 Champion and Hall of Famer” Ace Darling def. “2008 Super 8 Champion” Aden Chambers

-          Finals: Tommaso Ciampa def. Adam Cole to win the 15th Annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament.

ECWA Super 8 Conference Call

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Video: Colt Cabana crowned NWA champion

Pro wrestler commits suicide

The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Shawn McGrath has passed away from an apparent suicide. McGrath, 34, wrestled as "The Bad Seed" Shawn Osborne in Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2006 while under a WWE developmental contract. McGrath was released by WWE in early 2008.

Gage surrenders to Collingswood police

Nicholas "Nick Gage" Wilson, an independent pro wrestler best known for his violent matches in the South Philadelphia-based Combat Zone Wrestling promotion, surrendered to Collingswood, NJ police on Friday.

Wilson was wanted for allegedly robbing a PNC Bank branch in Collingswood, NJ, last week and has been
accused of stealing $3,000 from the bank along Haddon Avenue at about 1:40 p.m. on Dec. 22, according to Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk and Collingswood Police Chief Richard Sarlo.

Wilson, a four-time CZW champion who is 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, allegedly handed the teller at the bank a note saying he would shoot her if she didn't hand over the cash.

"Combat Zone Wrestling, LLC has no direct knowledge of any alleged wrong doings by Nick Gage," the company said in a statement released on its website. "We firmly discourage any fans from emulating any of the actions alleged. We also hope that if these accusations are true that Nick will turn himself over to authorities."

Wilson turned himself in at Noon and is being held on charges of second degree bank robbery. He is currently in the Camden County Jail being held on $150,000 bond. 

Pro wrestler sought in Collingswood bank robbery

Nicholas "Nick Gage" Wilson

Nicholas "Nick Gage" Wilson, an independent pro wrestler best known for his violent matches in the South Philadelphia-based Combat Zone Wrestling promotion, is being sought for allegedly robbing a PNC Bank branch in Collingswood, NJ, last week.

Wilson is being accused of  stealing $3,000 from the bank along Haddon Avenue at about 1:40 p.m. on Dec. 22 according to Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk and Collingswood Police Chief Richard Sarlo.

Wilson, a four-time CZW champion who is 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, allegedly handed the teller at the bank a note saying he would shoot her if she didn't hand over the cash.

"Combat Zone Wrestling, LLC has no direct knowledge of any alleged wrong doings by Nick Gage," the company said in a statement released on its website. "We firmly discourage any fans from emulating any of the actions alleged. We also hope that if these accusations are true that Nick will turn himself over to authorities."

Wilson's last known address was on Lakeshore Drive in Camden and authorities are asking the public for help in locating him. Anyone with information can call the Camden County Prosecutors Office at 856-225-8400.

Oxycodone likely contributed to Luna Vachon's death

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office found a box containing Oxycodone in the kitchen near a pile of "blue, chalky debris next to a small straw" when investigating the death of Gertrude "Luna" Vachon, according to TMZ.com.


Vachon was found dead in her mother's kitchen at 48 on Friday in Port Richey, Florida.

Officials also claim they discovered "multiple prescription bottles and miscellaneous unsecured pills" in the master bedroom ... along with a small plate that contained more pill residue and another snorting straw."

According to the report, Luna's mother, who discovered the body,  told police that Vachon "often appeared 'medicated' as she suffered from several wrestling injuries."


Vachon was the daughter of Paul "The Butcher" Vachon and the niece of five-time former AWA champion and WWE Hall of Famer Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon.

Meanwhile, independent wrestler J.C. Bailey was found dead this morning at the age of 27. The cause of death is currently unknown.  Bailey was known for his high-flying, hardcore style and wrestled for various  indy wrestling promotions, most notably the Philadelphia-based Combat Zone Wrestling.

"It is with great sadness that CZW management has the unfortunate duty to again report on the news of the passing of another one of its own," the company said in a statement. "Early this morning, CZW officials learned that Joseph Carl “JC” Bailey Jr. passed away in his home at the age of 27. JC was a beloved member of the CZW locker room, and a member of the extended Combat Zone family for nearly a decade.

As a performer, JC was fearless. He was renowned and admired by fans and colleagues alike for his toughness, his resilience, and for the undying passion he showed for the sport of Professional Wrestling… the sport he loved.

Away from the ring, JC was a true friend to so many people, and today, we all remember him, and mourn his loss. Rest in Peace JC Bailey." 

Pro wrestler Trent Acid dead at 29

Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi, passed away this morning in his Philadelphia home at the age of 29, according to The Wrestling Observer.

Verdi was a regular on the independent circuit around the area and was best known as part of the the Backseat Boyz tag team with Johnny Kashmere. He was thought to have major league potential but struggled with drug addiction throughout his life.

Verdi had been arrested on April 2 for possession of heroin and had just gotten out of rehab a few days before his death, according to friends. 

WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka to appear in Voorhees at TWA show

The Tri-State Wrestling Alliance returns to the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees on Sunday, Apr. 11 for their adopt a pet show with WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka set to appear.

For the past several weeks, "The Midnight Idol" Nicky Benz has been protesting the fact that Snuka will be in attendance at the Skate Zone for a BODYSLAM AUTISM Meet & Greet with "Wiseguy" Jimmy Cicero.

Benz has told TWA Commissioner Joel Goodhart  that he feels since Snuka and Cicero are such good friends, that he does not trust Snuka to mind his own business and feels that the playing field  will not be even.  Benz has asked that Goodhart ban Snuka from the show following his pre-show Meet and Greet appearance.

Goodhart dismissed the request by Benz saying that Snuka is a guest of not only Cicero but also the TWA promotion and he trusts the TWA referees to maintain an impartial atmosphere for all TWA matches at all times.
 
When Benz was reached for a comment, "The Midnight Idol" issued this challenge, "If Snuka is going to be in the FLYERS SKATE ZONE, I want him where I can see him.  I tell you what, Jimmy Cicero, why don't we change this up a bit?  Why don't you get your BFF, Jimmy Snuka, to be your partner in a tag team match, and I will go get one of my close personal friends, and let’s end this once and for all."

Cicero, not surprisingly, jumped at the opportunity, "If Nicky Benz thinks I need ANYONE to beat him one more time, then I think that the glue he uses to hold that toupee in place has started to seep into his brain, but hey, I have already spoken to Snuka and he is onboard.  So yes, I accept.  Personally I am going to love to stand side by side with the 'Superfly' and BODYSLAM AUTISM right inside that squared circle."

Goodhart has now sanctioned the match and has been informed that Benz’s tag team partner will ne none other than former ECW/TNA Star Julio Dinero.

If you are looking for ringside seats, call (856) 232-9932 or visit www.twaprowrestling.com.  You can purchase tickets off the website via PayPal.  So far, three sections of ringside (first three rows) are already gone and we only have one section remaining.

Ringside seats are only $12.00 and General Admission is only $10.00.  Also a note for all fans, please be sure to retain your ticket stubs for this event as there is a $5.00 off coupon to Jiffy Lube for Signature Service Oil Change at these locations only...
 
508 S. Lenola Road
Maple Shade, NJ
856-866-5557
 
and
 
5781 Route 42
Turnersville, NJ
856-232-1341


Here are the matches signed so far:
 
- TWA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH- "Mr. Wrestling" Steve Corino (Champion) w/ "The Certified Genius" Rob Dimension defends against "Hitman" Tony Stetson (Challenger)
 
- SPECIAL CHALLENGE MATCH: WWF/E Hall of Fame Member & Legend "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka & "Wiseguy" Jimmy Cicero vs. "The Midnight Idol" Nicky Benz & former ECW/TNA Star Julio Dinero in Dinero's TWA Debut
 
-USA vs. FRANCE FLAG MATCH: "The Red, White & Blue Express" former WWE/ECW Star The Blue Meanie & Kid America w/ Mini-America vs. Mr. Ooh La La & Robere' Shields w/ "L'Empereur" Carlton P. Hightower ... the team that captures their opponents' country's flag off the pole in the corner wins!!!
 
- TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH- "Hitman" Michael Bruno & The Sensei vs. "Living Legend" Larry Winters & Cujo
 
- SHOCKWAVE the ROBOT vs. Billy Bax
 
- Matt & Bryan Logan vs. the debuting team of Damian Dragon & Adam Cole
 
- Making his TWA Debut, "The Cuban Crippler" Ricky Reyes will be defending his WORLD-1 North American Championship against another TWA newcomer Alex Anthony
 
- SIX MAN GAUNTLET MATCH for a PERMANENT SPOT on the TWA ROSTER: Don E. Allen, Ryu Lee, Shane Harris, Breaker Morant, Jimmy Jannetty, and "The Angry Pizza Man" Johnny Calzone (order of participants will be randomly selected)
 
 *Card subject to change.
 
The BODY SLAM AUTISM MEET & GREET with Snuka and Cicero takes place at noon while bell time is at 2 pm.

The TWA is having the AAC at our April 11th show to raise awareness about homeless animals/pets, collect donations for the shelter (supplies/money) and hopefully get at least one pet adopted as a result of the show, either directly or indirectly.
 
  HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP...
 
1. Make a monetary donation the AAC via mail, on-line Pay Pal or in person at the TWA Show on Apr 11th http://www.animaladoption.com/give/donate.html
 
2. Make a donation of supplies needed off of the AAC Wish List direct with the AAC or in person at the TWA Show on Apr 11th http://www.animaladoption.com/give/wishlist.html
 
3. Volunteer to work at the AAC
http://www.animaladoption.com/give/volunteer.html
 
4. Support AAC's partners
http://www.animaladoption.com/give/index.html
 
 5. Spread the word to family, friends, co-workers and on your social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and myspace http://www.animaladoption.com/index.html
 
 6. If you have room in your home and heart, adopt a pet
http://www.animaladoption.com/adoption/index.html
http://www.animaladoption.com/adoption/cats.html
http://www.animaladoption.com/adoption/dogs.html
 
This year over 1250 cats and dogs, puppies and kittens are now loved and safe at home with their families. Thanks to you, thanks to us.  But the animals keep showing up. Can we say, "There is no room at the Inn?"  With your help our "inn" stays open. Without you there is no us. - Animal Adoption Center, Lindenwold, New Jersey.

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Wrestler arrested in Philly

Pro wrestler Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi, who has made a bit of a name for himself in the Philadelphia-based Combat Zone Wrestling was arrested on Oct. 3 in Philly on a possession of a controlled substance charge.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports Acid was released on a non-monetary bond and has a court appearance scheduled for Oct. 30.

Drawing Heat the Hard Way with Larry Matysik

By John McMullen

Philadelphia, PA (The Phan) - Pro wrestling is one of the most interesting subjects I've ever covered. A fusion of entertainment and sports, the industry rarely gets the mainstream media coverage it deserves.

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is the "worked" aspect of the industry. Most sports editors dismiss it since it's not real athletic competition while most entertainment editors look the other way because it resembles a sporting event.

Larry Matysik, an invaluable bridge between pro wrestling's territorial days and its current incarnation, takes a hard look at the industry in his third book on the subject, "Drawing Heat the Hard Way" (ECW Press; $19.95).

A former television announcer and office worker for legendary St. Louis promoter Sam Muchnick, Matysik also toiled for World Wrestling Entertainment chairman Vince McMahon from the start of the company's national expansion in 1984 through 1993. Before McMahon, Muchnick, the long-time National Wrestling Alliance President, was arguably the most powerful man in wrestling as the owner of the St. Louis Wrestling Club.

Matysik opens his latest book by dissecting the ludicrous real vs. fake argument that has been around since the turn of the 20th century. "Worked" is the proper term for wrestling and always has been. Yes, the outcomes are all predetermined but the injuries are often real. In fact, every football player or mixed martial artist I've talked too that has given the "fake industry" a shot comes back with the same story, pro wrestling is way tougher on the body.

"There's a lot going on in wrestling and a little mystery is part of the package," Matysik said in a phone interview this week. "We had more of a sports mentality in St. Louis. Of course, everything was worked but when you got to the main event with people like [Lou] Thesz, [Gene] Kiniski and Harley [Race], there was always a certain aura of 'This guy is real and this [The NWA championship] is important."

Matysik isn't shy when discussing the underbelly of the industry. He expertly tackles things like the rampant steroid abuse and the wrestlers laughable classification as independent contractors, but also points out the infectious enthusiasm well-booked wrestling can generate among its fans.

McMahon, an amateur bodybuilder for years, is often vilified for fostering a system that places too much emphasis on bloated, chemically induced physiques. But, the author notes that steroids were a staple in wrestling long before McMahon, noting that former star Ken Patera "made no bones about the fact that he had taken steroids" as far back as 1972 in preparation for weightlifting competition the Olympic Games.

Of course, McMahon is no saint and Matysik references a conversation between John "Big John Studd" Minton and the WWE boss prior to a 1984 TV taping at the Kiel Auditorium in which McMahon encouraged the 6-foot-10, 325-pound monster to get bigger so he could match up better with Andre "The Giant" Rousimoff. Studd bulked up for what was a highly successful program but lost in the long run, succumbing to Hodgkins Disease on March 20, 1995 at age 47.

In today's wrestling world, things change with McMahon's mood. A brilliant businessman, McMahon is running more of a marketing company than a wrestling company, according to Matysik.

In the late '90s when consumers seemed to get off on the anti-hero, McMahon pushed the foul-mouthed Steve Austin and the incredibly charismatic Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Now, with a weak economy to deal with and a wife who is running for the United States Senate, McMahon has gone back to a more PG environment.

Matysik explains that McMahon's dominance of the industry allows him to shape the face of pro wrestling as he sees fit.

"He considers himself a television producer more than a wrestling promoter," Matysik said. "It certainly has been good for his bank account but it can be frustrating for fans who love the genre."

Despite a number of potholes along the way including the abhorrent Chris Beniot murder-suicide story, Matysik, 62, remains a fan of the industry but worries about the future of the business with an ever-shrinking talent base to draw from. He notes that the NWA, under Muchnick's guidance, would donate thousands of dollars to help fund amateur wrestling, including the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team.

Former pro wrestling stars like Jack Brisco, Bob Backlund, Steve Williams and Bob Roop all came from the amateur ranks. Now, the top-tier amateurs have their eyes set on MMA.

"The main event talent is still there right now but I don't see the next generation," Matysik said. "The depth is not there. In St. Louis, we are able to bring in the best. There might have been 30 territories and three or four great workers in each. Now it's the same guys over and over."

To order "Drawing Heat the Hard Way," visit ecwpress.com by banging the link.