It's already been five years since Western Pennsylvania hosted its last professional wrestling "Super Show." Deaf Wrestlefest, held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 marked the last time that wrestlers from various regional promotions gathered to help raise funds for the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
Organized by local wrestler Ken Jugan, aka the legendary Lord Zoltan, there were a total of 13 Deaf Wrestlefest cards, dating back to 1994. From 1994 to 2002, it was an annual, April tradition. Through decades of work, Jugan was able to line up big name talent like Cactus Jack and the Iron Sheik. Through the years, Koko B. Ware, King Kong Bundy, The Blue Meanie and others also wrestled or participated in other capacities on the popular shows.
But it also became a networking mecca for local professional wrestlers throughout Western PA, Ohio and West Virginia. Wrestlers from all over clamored to be on the show. For many it was a golden opportunity to perform outside of small towns an hour or more outside of Pittsburgh.
During those early years, the show was promoted in conjunction with Steel City Wrestling (SCW), which was considered to be the most prominent independent promotion in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area. That promotion closed shop in 2000, but the event went on without a hitch for two more years.
After the 2002 event, Deaf Wrestlefest took a hiatus. It returned with much fanfare in 2009. In 2009, dozens of local talent from throughout western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh's Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) combined for a 16-match event. Legends Dominic DeNucci and Shane Douglas teamed with Cody Michaels defeated Lou Marconi, Frank Staletto and a returning-from-retirement James J. Dillon. Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake even cut a woman's hair when the wrestler she managed took the pin.
Deaf Wrestlefest once again became a harmonious, fun-filled event for wrestlers, managers and other personalities. Jugan stopped wrestling on the shows, which allowed talent from elsewhere to participate.
The next year, Larry Zbyszko turned his back on David Sammartino in a tag team match, virtually re-enacting his famous betrayal of Bruno Sammartino decades prior. The fun and uniqueness of Deaf Wrestlefest was the showcase for all in the pantheon of independent wrestling.
In 2011, Zach Gowen traveled from Michigan to take part in the event. "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas also wrestled on the card, as did wrestlers from many regional promotions. In addition to towns away from metropolitan arenas, wrestlers from North Carolina traveled with Lord Zoltan's longtime friend and Johnstown, PA native Count Grog (Greg Mosorjak).
It was also a great opportunity for wrestling fans to see great regional wrestlers, as well as the top managers, such as Mayor Mystery and the aforementioned Count Grog. Studio Wrestling personalities such as Frank Durso also appeared to the joy of professional wrestling fans.
At the final Deaf Wrestlefest (Jugan's sons Adam and Blaise had either graduated from the school or were nearing the end of their time there), Jugan was able to bring in Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci. Sammartino raffled off a replica of his WWWF championship belt, with all proceeds going to the Western PA School for the Deaf.
Ten matches highlighted that event. Wrestlers from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania highlighted the card. Zach Gowen and his "handicapped heroes" brother Gregory Iron traveled in for the show. WWE Hall of Famer Bushwacker Luke was in the final match, which also featured the last-ever appearance of Frank Keith, a manager, valet and sometime wrestler known as "The Joker." (Keith passed away earlier this year after suffering from a heart malady.)
Preston Steele (a Deaf Wrestlefest favorite), Mayor Mystery's Mercenaries, Shark Boy and a number of Pittsburgh wrestlers shared the card with a who's who from western Pennsylvania's up-and-comers, as well as veterans. Big Bully Busick, who also participated in different capacities over the annuls of DWF was a Special Guest Referee.
The Western Pennsylvania Pro Wrestling Super Show may return some day, but any will be hard pressed to top the 13 years of memories and funds risen by Deaf Wrestlefest.
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