TV Debuted In Pittsburgh 1/11/1949, Wrestling Followed Days Later

Valet Hunter cleans up Gorgeous George. Photo from Wrestling's Glory Days FB Page

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

On January 11, 1949, television first hit the airwaves in Pittsburgh. The DuMont’s Television Network’s WDTV, Channel 3, aired its first program from the Syria Mosque. “Window on the Air” broadcast, simultaneously along a 13-station network stemming from the east coast to the Midwest. Powered by telephone lines, the WDTV had aired test programs for about a week.

It was a big deal for Pittsburgh, having previously been the official birthplace of the movie theater and KDKA radio. WDTV did not have any local studios. On January 11, a 30-foot-long bus carrying 10 crew members and three cameras which could convert the Syria Mosque, Duquesne Gardens or any of the Carnegie Institute buildings around town.

Dr. Allen DuMont, 47, was the man behind the Pittsburgh station, and 49 others around the country. Another 310 were in the works. The first TV broadcast was in 1928, when General Electric owned WGY in Schenectady, NY went on the air. Donald A. Stewart, a 10-year industry veteran, came to Pittsburgh to manage WDTV. It was reported earlier in the month that plans were being made by a local brewery to sponsor and create a local “Studio Wrestling” type show that could be recorded and aired with Bob Prince as its voice in Pittsburgh. (A short-lived program would debut in 1950 and quickly fold. The Pittsburgh-famous “Studio Wrestling” show would debut in November 1958).

WDTV was a “video” station, which meant the early broadcasts were all taped. At the time, televisions were too expensive for home ownership. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette baseball writer Vince Johnson wrote that “swank” taverns in New York had “Magic Screens.” While Johnson wrote that sports like baseball would be difficult to follow on television, he suspected that more “compact” sports basketball and hockey, boxing and “women’s wrestling” would fare better in TV’s early days, 77 years ago.

On January 13, published reports indicated that the DuMont network had a collection of boxing and wrestling videos that could be aired at any time. Television had been good for wrestling, which had been described as “dying on the vine.” Even then, sportswriters publicly debated whether wrestling was a sporting event or “exhibition.”

On Saturday, January 22, Channel 3 offered a “Family Night” of programming from 8:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. and “wrestling films” was scheduled before New Years Bowl highlights. Action from Chicago’s Rainbo Arena and then National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) promoter Fred Kohler’s Monday Midway Arena program had been airing since 1946. Orville Brown was the NWA Champion for most of 1949. He was injured in a car accident in November.

Jack Brickhouse, a couple of weeks away from turning 32, was the ringside announcer, and most likely the first wrestling voice heard in Pittsburgh. He had started his legendary career in Chicago television in 1948.

There’s really no way to tell what card was presented that evening; however, Bobby Nelson defeated Zack Malkov in Chicago on January 20 and that could have been recorded. No other results are reported. It is interesting to note that wrestling was not shown at Frank’s Tavern, 1700 Ohio Street in Chicago, because burglars stole the set “and 15 cartons of cigarettes.”

By March 30, 1949, wrestling was shown on WDTV from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday nights. WDTV would later become KDKA Channel 2.

 Later in the year, “Wrestling from the Marigold,” produced by Fred Kohler out Chicago would air at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday nights. Gorgeous George Wagner was among the top grappling stars of the day and he headlined a Mike Gallagher-promoted card in his Pittsburgh debut against Bill Hansen at the Duquesne Gardens on February 23. Some 2,800 attended the event and saw George best Hansen.

Final Bell Rings Familiar, Family Toll

Mike Perri, aka referee Jimmy James, embraces KSWA Owner Bobby O. Photo courtesy of P.J. Steele.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

Emotions ran high for the final Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) event on December 6. For a quarter century, the KSWA wrestlers, known as the Megastars, were featured in matches in front of the fans, which were dubbed “Krazies” for 20 of those years.

Hundreds of athletes and personalities represented the KSWA since that first event at Peabody High School in February 2000 until the Final Bell at the American Legion in Sheraden.

Each of the men and women who worked under the KSWA banner have their own unique stories. The Perri family was one of the most instrumental in the annuals of the KSWA.

“Gentleman” Joe Perri was a beloved member of Western Pennsylvania’s wrestling community. A man who wore many hats, Joe was a referee, trainer manager and owner of a professional wrestling ring. In the KSWA’s early days, his squared circle was loaned out to the burgeoning organization. Somewhere along the line he started to bring a ring bell to each show and he’d clank the side after warming up the motion with a flutter of his right wrist.

During his time, Perri served as a top-tier manager of wrestlers. His “Gentleman’s Club” had a respected reputation for years before it was introduced to the KSWA’s fans in the Lawrenceville neighborhood within the city of Pittsburgh. And when the dastardly “International Thugs” dominated the scene with the likes of Ireland’s “Big” Mike Malachi, Afghanistan’s Ali Kaida, and even rogue military man Bosco Baracus, it was “Gentleman” Joe Perri leading the way.

"Gentleman" Joe Perri. Photo courtesy of Howard Kernats.

Later, Perri became a fan favorite and KSWA Kommissioner whose calm demeanor and steadfast decisions helped guide KSWA Owner Bobby O as well as KSWA Championship Committee. Always seconded to any show by his long-time girlfriend Cindy Klein, Perri was inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Not long after Perri entered the KSWA nearly 20 years ago, a young referee was right behind him. The young and impressionable Jimmy James made for a steady addition. He would work alongside a flurry of referees, from L. Justin Smith, the first Head Referee David Fedor, Mark Charles III and most notably, personal friend, Western Pennsylvania’s most revered rule enforcer and KSWA Hall of Famer Shawn Patrick.

Jimmy James learned a lot and put in his dues. When other referees weren’t available, Jimmy James served as the only in-ring authority and earned the moniker “The Iron Man” of the KSWA. It was an informal sash Jimmy James wore with pride.

In May 2020, Perri passed away after a long battle with cancer. Long-time friend Shawn Patrick called Perri a great “advocate” for the sport.

Around that same time, referee Jimmy James was starting to enter his mid 30’s and his boyish good looks started to resemble another familiar face. For the first time, Jimmy James was starting to look like his father.

Mike Perri gets emotional when KSWA Owner Bobby O gifts the "Joe Perri" Memorial Bell to Perri's only son. Photo by P.J. Steele.

Michael Perri long shared the same attributes as Gentleman Joe. Both men cared about the lives of the “family” they shared the ring with. And outside of the ring, both men shared incredible work ethics. There were times in which Mike Perri held down two full-time jobs simultaneously and still never missed a KSWA event.

After Joe Perri’s passing, the KSWA’s ring bell was repainted red and emblazoned with the name the “Joe Perri Memorial” bell. It was retrieved from a hard plastic carrying case. The tool, which ushered in hundreds of cards, dozens of title changes and thousands of matches, officially became iconic.

Right before The Final Bell on December 6, Owner Bobby O identified a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jimmy James was seated in a wooden chair, patiently awaiting the Main Event. Bobby O took walked over and sat next to the referee. Bobby O explained the lineage of the bell and its importance to professional wrestling in Pittsburgh. And Bobby O said that Mike Perri would take his father’s prized possession with him after the night was to conclude.

Mike Perri broke down as Bobby O, who has been more like an Uncle than a standard-bearer for the KSWA, provided a familial hug, just like he and Gentleman Joe gave countless times over two decades.

Sharpsburg Starr Power: Golden Triangle Champion Is KSWA Digest Megastar Of The Year

Magazine graphic courtesy of Mark Charles III

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

Few Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Megastars have had a year like Shane Starr’s 2025.

The veteran, who celebrated 20 years inside Pittsburgh’s official squared circle, began 2025 much in the same way he started: challenging Freek E. Doyle (the 2024 KSWA Digest Megastar of the Year) for the Golden Triangle Championship on January 11 during Battle Bowl night at the Langley American Legion Post #496. Starr lost to the veteran titleholder, but little did anyone know how the year would play out.

Shane Starr's 2025 began battling Freek E. Doyle for the Golden Triangle Championship. Photo courtesy of Tim Steiner.

A month later, on February 22, at the Langley American Legion Post #496 and the 25^th Anniversary Event, Starr defeated the massive monolith that is Man-Child for the Five-Star Championship. This was the first time Starr won that title. It’s interesting to note that including the defunct Jr. Heavyweight Championship, Starr has earned each major single’s title, meaning he became a “Grand Slam” champion.

Shane Starr had opportunities against Shawn Blanchard, who was KSWA Champion for most of 2025. Photo courtesy of Tim Steiner.

But then, J-Ru, who had won a Battle Bowl contract in January for an opportunity for the Five-Star Championship, ambushed Starr and won the championship mere moments after the initial title change.

On March 28, at Springdale Slam 6 at the Springdale Sr./Jr. High School, Starr had another chance for Freek’s Golden Triangle Championship, in a Triple Threat alongside Beastman and T-Rantula. Doyle once again retained.

At the final Joe Abby Memorial Tournament/Hall of Fame Night at the Langley American Legion Post #496 on April 12, Shane Starr had one of the biggest nights of his career.

In the first round of the Abby tournament, Shane Starr defeated Harley T. Morris to advance to the finals against Shawn Blanchard. “The Enforcer” won the first Joe Abby Memorial Tournament match in 2008, as well as the final in 2025.

Then, the Dynasty’s “Mr. Big Stuff” Anthony Alexander injured his shoulder and couldn’t wrestle in Triple Threat tag team action. KSWA Owner Bobby O answering by drafting Shane Starr—despite having already battled in two challenging matches—to tag with Kash. Kash, who wasn’t happy with the development, begrudgingly trudged on. The “Lost Boyz” in a hard-fought match with tag team champions New Glory, and “Big Country” Matt McGraw alongside T-Rantula, won the KSWA tag team championship for the fourth time and the longtime fans went crazy with excitement.

In a development just as zany, Starr and Kash defended the KSWA tag team Championships against Shawn Blanchard and Lou Martin—“Lost Boyz vs. VIPs”—on May 17 at MJ’s Steel City Saloon. At the time, neither was a legitimate team. Blanchard and Kash were both devious members of the “Dynasty,” while The Face of Pittsburgh and Starr were decidedly fan favorites. The match was fraught with emotion and drama, but Starr and Kash held onto the belts.

Less than a month later, on June 14 at Gino Brothers in Starr’s hometown of Sharpsburg, he and Kash once again retained against Hunter Huffman and his “partner for that day” Super Ginger.

At the last Battle in the Borough at Cribbs Field on August 16, Shawn Blanchard was two months into his seventh reign and KSWA Champion and Starr had a chance to win it again. However, Blanchard wouldn’t be denied a retention. And a week later, on August 23 at the Citizens Hose Ambulance Service for Battle in Birdville 5, the KSWA Championship Committee set up the same match. For Starr, it was the same conclusion.

On August 20, Starr observed his 20^th anniversary in the KSWA.

On August 30, at the KSWA’s final appearance at Gino Brothers Pizza in Sharpsburg, Shane Starr’s 2025 would change forever. At Pizza, Pints and Piledrivers 5, the Freek Show’s Man-Child and The Ram defeated Starr and Kash for the KSWA tag team championship. It would, at least for a while, end a tumultuous team.

One of the reasons why the Lost Boyz lost due to Freek E. Doyle’s outside interference. An outraged Starr implored KSWA Owner Bobby O and Championship Committee Chair Shawn Patrick for a title match. They granted it, and Doyle got the duke. Starr went to the well, and challenged a Best-of-Five series to end on or before FanFest. As a way to punctuate the point, he gave Doyle the first win. Seizing a great moment, Bobby O and Patrick instantly agreed.

Starr had won and lost two different titles, and the year was half over. On August 20 he celebrated 20 years in the squared circle…and his biggest challenge lay ahead.

At the Millvale Days celebration on September 12, Starr evened up the Best-of-Five series at 1-1 with by defeating Doyle in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The very next day, Freek didn’t wrestle, but Starr once again challenged Blanchard for the richest prize in the Commonwealth. It was not meant to be.

A week later, September 20, at MJ’s Steel City Saloon, Starr took the first lead (2-1) in the Best-of-Five against Freek E. Doyle. At this point, he looked to be strong and cruising.

The next match was nearly a month away. The prestigious Timmy Moore Memorial Battle Royal highlighted the evening; however, Freek got the win to tie the Best-of-Five at 2-2 on October 18, at the Langley American Legion Post #496.

Shane Starr arrives. Photo by PJ Steele.

The sold-out crowd is behind Shane Starr. Photo by PJ Steele.

That led to the final match of the Best-of-Five series. The KSWA Championship Committee knew this match was so important that it was elevated to the Main Event of the final KSWA event. KSWA FanFest/Toy Drive 2025, on December 6 in front of a sold-out crowd.

In the Main Event of KSWA FanFest. Golden Triangle Champion Freek E. Doyle, Hall of Fame referee Shawn Patrick, Shane Starr. Photo courtesy of Kim Hughes.

Earlier in the FanFest evening, Starr and 16 other who held the Commonwealth's most coveted wrestling prize received a proclamation from the city of Pittsburgh for "KSWA Heavyweight Championship Day."

It also became important when it became a Freek Show Fun House Match. The no disqualification match was in Freek E. Doyle’s wheelhouse. Both Megastars took the match very seriously. With Freek serving as one of the best Golden Triangle Champions of the modern era, Starr was the underdog going into the match.

Shane Starr takes a swing at Freek E. Doyle. Photo by Edward Householder, Jr.

The contest was arguably the best of the night. Fans stayed around 4.5 hours to see the fiasco. Both men, Mayor Mystery made three, gave it their all. The rest of the Freek Show—Man-Child, The Ram and Justin Sane—all arrived at ringside. After they got involved, Kris Kash, who had returned to Starr’s good graces, saved his longtime friend and tag team partner. He fought off The Ram and Sane.

Referee Mark Charles III tries to stop Mayor Mystery from whacking Shane Starr during FanFest. Photo courtesy of PJ Steele.

Man-Child got involved and choke slammed Starr through a table, but that brought out KSWA Hall of Famer “Big” Mike Malachi. Malachi, who had offered backup as soon as the Best-of-Five was announced, provided assistance perfectly. And KSWA Owner Bobby O made quick work of Mayor Mystery, sending the Mayor of Champions to the locker room. 

"Big" Mike Malachi tees up Mayor Mystery. Photo by PJ Steele.

KSWA Owner Bobby O dispatches Mayor Mystery. Photo by PJ Steele.

Then it was just Starr and Doyle. The two dueling technicians fought, and Starr applied the Sharpsburg Sharpshooter at the right time and Special Guest Referee, KSWA Hall of Famer Shawn Patrick, responded. Doyle tapped out and Starr (3-2) won the Forever Golden Triangle Championship.

Man-Child got involved in the Main Event. Photo courtesy of Edward Householder, Jr.

Shane Starr got put through a table by Man-Child, and still recovered.
Photo by Edward Householder, Jr.

In a show of respect afterwards, Doyle handed over the prized championship and shook Starr’s hand and ended the night. And KSWA’s history.

Shawn Patrick presents the Golden Triangle Championship to Shane Starr. Photo by PJ Steele.

That is why Shane Starr—a Five Star, Tag Team and Golden Triangle Champion—is 2025’s KSWA Digest's Megastar of the Year.

And 2025 concluded with Freek E. Doyle congratulating Golden Triangle Champion Shane Starr. Photo courtesy of PJ Steele.

  

 

Blanchard, Martin Surprised With KSWA Hall Of Fame Nod

 

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

In a surprise move, the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Championship Committee reopened its Hall of Fame on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to induct the Pittsburgh organization’s two biggest stars at its final event.

Movement came about a month ago from the always-secretive selection committee. It was believed that the last six men inducted was during the annual Joe Abby Memorial Tournament, which was held on April 12 earlier this year.

However, the Championship Committee tapped KSWA Hall of Famer “Big” Mike Malachi with a secretive plan. That was to induct “The Enforcer” Shawn Blanchard and “The Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin after their historic match at the final FanFest on December 6 at the American Legion in Sheraden.

As per an official release, the last-minute additions of the two most decorated KSWA Champions of all time was “a no-brainer.” Malachi presented the plaques.

Blanchard and Martin join an already-announced six-member Class of 2025 that includes the first KSWA Champion Skippy Hawke, The Latin Assassin, “King” Del Douglas, J-Ru, Sniper and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.

With the addition of Blanchard and Martin, the KSWA’s Hall of Fame counts to 63.

Both men’s resumes cannot be questioned. Going into FanFest, Blanchard was the reigning, 7-time KSWA Heavyweight Champion and Martin was a three-time champion. Both were multiple time tag team champions, sometimes together. They have been Golden Triangle Champions and have held other championships in and out of the KSWA’s confines.

Blanchard has never been a fan favorite in the KSWA while Martin has worn both “villain” and “good guy” hats. Outside of the ring, both Megastar have defined the term by being involved in charitable events and other community functions.

The KSWA Championship Committee reports that they would like to congratulate both wrestlers with this prize.

 

KSWA Heavyweight Championship Day In The City of Pittsburgh

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

As the legendary Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) drew to a close, Pittsburgh City Council and outgoing Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith bestowed one last honor on the exclusive set of men who have earned the Commonwealth’s most coveted championship: the KSWA Heavyweight Championship.

The Citation reads, “Whereas, since the inaugural championship match at Peabody High School on February 18, 2000, through December 6, 2025, the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Heavyweight Championship has been held by only seventeen men—each leaving a unique mark on Pittsburgh’s longest-running professional wrestling tradition.”

The proclamation went to identify each of the KSWA Championships: “The legacy began with trailblazer Skippy Hawke, followed by “The Enforcer” Shawn Blanchard, whose seven championship reigns set a historic standard, and “Mr. Tenacity” Tommy Faime, the first “original” inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame.

“The championship would then be carried forward by “Big” Mike Malachi, who would later be featured on the cover of the Wall Street Journal, and by “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin who began his path to becoming “The Face of Pittsburgh” twenty-one years ago; and, WHEREAS, after a year-long feud, “The Mayor of Mexico City” La Lucha captured the title before the largest KSWA audience to that point, followed by the first reign of “Double A” Anthony Alexander.

“The championship continued through the triumphs of the popular Latin Assassin who won 15 years ago; the next year, the dastardly Ali Kaida would win; and, “The Best Around” Mitch Napier won —would lose it—only to reclaim and redefine it exactly five years later.

“Shane Starr’s victory, documented on television news, added another memorable chapter to KSWA. Kris Kash won during the “Championship Cavalcade.” In a bitter feud, he was defeated by the “Giant Killer” Jay Flash.

“Justice was served when “The Gavel” David Lawless reigned, and the KSWA Krazies was ruled by “The Year of” Dennis Gregory. The tradition continued with “The Artiste” J-Ru, another stalwart Megastar, and the inspirational “Apostle” Joshua Kavod, enriched the title’s legacy

“Together, these seventeen champions, each with a distinct story, loyal fan base, family and friends were the athletes that made the KSWA Heavyweight Championship the unrivaled, most coveted and prestigious championship title in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Now, therefore it be resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor the athletes who have shaped the KSWA Heavyweight Championship and their impact on Pittsburgh’s cultural and sporting legacy; and, be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, December 6, 2025 to be “KWSA Heavyweight Championship Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.”

The official declaration was read and passed in Council on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The proclamation was co-sponsored by Pittsburgh City Council members Bob Charland, Anthony Coghill, Deborah Gross, R. Daniel Lavelle, Khari Mosley, Erika Strassburger, Barb Warwick and Bobby Wilson.

The honor was presented during KSWA’s final FanFest/Toy Drive.

 

KSWA's Ring Concludes Legendary Journey At FanFest

 

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

The most overlooked item in Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) legend will fall silent after the Main Event on Saturday December 6 at the American Legion in Sheraden. It’s the famed KSWA ring.

Four steel posts, the four sidebars, the support posts, the wood planks, the padding, the ropes, the canvas, ring skirts, the turnbuckles and the connectors that hold it all in place. What has been a 16 foot by 16 foot collection of memories.

The current ring is not the original from Peabody High School in 2000. That was a rental. But after a few years and successful cards later, an investment was made to bring in a new stage for the Megastars.

Since those earliest of days just over two decades ago, the ring has been stored, piled into a U-Haul truck, unloaded, set up, disassembled, loaded and unloaded hundreds of times. Most times it has been hauled and cared for by a small conglomerate—sometimes as few as two, sometimes four (and oftentimes a few more)—who have gathered earlier than many workdays, and toiled through extreme cold, rain, snow, as well as sweltering summer days.

The exercise has been a rite of passage. Occasionally, teens have “lifted boards,” but usually has been a pack of now-50-somethings that have been gotten splinters, dropped steel on a toe, or simply poked fun at each other for two decades.

In the past quarter century, there hasn’t been more lofty equipment in the Pittsburgh wrestling scene. It has served a key role in crowning dozens of championship matches, as well as thousands of others. For those who care about the biggest names in the business, it has hosted Bruno Sammartino, Dominic DeNucci, Donna Christiantello, Angie Minelli, Bob Backlund, the Rock n’ Roll Express, James J. Dillon, “Big Bully” Nick Busick, “Luscious” Johnny Valliant, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Ricky “The Drago” Steamboat, Bill Apter, Tito Santana, Nikita Koloff, the “Hands of Stone” Ronnie Garvin and many more.

City and borough Mayors, local leaders and children holding American flags have entered between the ropes. National star Gabby Barrett, the Virginia Military Institute’s first female Regimental Commander Kasey Meredith and next May’s star of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., Samantha Knavish, have all performed the National Anthem inside the squared circle.

But it’s also been home to Shawn Blanchard, Lou Martin, “King” Del Douglas, Shane Starr, “Big Country” Matt McGraw, Tyler Grayson, Mitch Napier, Freek E. Doyle, Man-Child, and “The Count” Mark Charles III who have all in recent years muscled up in and out of the ring. There was a time in which 70-something year old KSWA Hall of Famer Howard Kernats wasn’t shy about lending a hand.

The KSWA ring has provided the platform for 20 toy drives, hundreds of fundraisers, thousands of dollars and countless memories. Thanks to a neighborhood of caring friends, some $14,000 was raised in one day for a man in need. It held several Deaf Wrestlefest fundraisers that included the likes of Shane Douglas, Mick Foley and Tony Atlas. It was the location of the very last “cross-promotional” super shows the region will ever hold.

The ring has been housed and maintained by the KSWA Championship Committee, while Kommissioner Tim Steiner has personally welded the structure and built the steps that have welcomed hundreds into the ring. At the conclusion of FanFest on December 6, the KSWA will pull away from the most famed wrestling ring in Pittsburgh since Studio Wrestling. It will be decades before anything will come close to that again.

“Friends And Family” Are The Backbone Of Wrestling Success

The Anthony Trozzo family celebrates Shane Starr's at Millvale Days this past September.
Thanks to the Trozzo family for the photo.

 By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

In Indy professional wrestling, there used to be a derisive phrase called “Just friends and family,” who attended events. This was used especially when a new promotion started and there were just a few people eating popcorn in the folding chairs that circle the ring.

At one time there were also critics who complained that a federation that was growing in popularity was only buoyed by the venue offering adult beverages alongside carbonated sodas, nachos and cheese. This nag was issued even when ignoring professional sports teams in baseball, basketball and football were offering much more expensive beers along with more fanciful snack food. The crying never really made sense on both accounts, and some have borrowed that playbook themselves.

Family and friends supporting loved ones is always key to any kind of success. A brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, mother, father or grandparent (or even a “work bro”) going out of their way to encourage their family members is elementary. And special.

For a quarter of a century, family and friends have attended more than 400 Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) matches to support the Megastars. When those wrestlers have their own families, it can make for a special bonding exercise and core memories.

Family and friends bring more family and friends. Then there are neighbors, co-workers and more. In an era of social media, consistent and positive word of mouth remains the best way to sell tickets and grow a fan base.

Kris Kash takes a moment to sign an autograph for a young fan. Courtesy of Trapper Tom.

A wrestler may have children, and those wrestling fans in the making form their own friendships at events. Next thing you know, a wrestler has a corner of the arena flashing hand-drawn signs and cheering on their favorites.

In an ever-growing niche market, the “family-friendly” market for Indy wrestling remains the most grounded, and in a way groundbreaking. Just short of wholesome, it’s something a family of four can attend together, and for more than 25 years in Pittsburgh, for a family-friendly price tag.

In 25 years, Megastars in the KSWA have experienced the support and love of spouses who film matches and sell merchandise. Behind the scenes, they have offered words of encouragement and support far from the squared circle. Wives and girlfriends have befriended each other. Their children have taken robes back to the locker room or led rooting sections. Their grandparents sat in lawn chairs during outdoor shows.

In the KSWA marriages have been formed and other life-long friendships have been forged. Family and friends have bolstered a group of upstarts from Peabody High School and Bloomfield to Lawrenceville, Sheraden and hundreds of cards in between. One never knows who has or will step inside the doors of a wrestling event.

Family and friends need to be celebrated, as they are the unsung backbone of the KSWA. Here’s to all who have made this the most remarkable professional wrestling organization in Pittsburgh’s grand history.