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.

FanFest Alumni Battle Royal To Feature "Who's Who" Of Champions

The very first KSWA Heavyweight Champion, Skippy Hawke, is to participate in the "Alumni Battle Royal" at FanFest on December 6. Photo courtesy of KSWA archives.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

Battle Royals are among the most popular matches in professional wrestling. For decades, the match has been a showcase for talent to work for an ultimate goal: outlasting everyone else.

The way to lose a Battle Royal is simple. Participants must be tossed over the top rope and athletes aren’t eliminated until both feet touch the floor below.

In the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance, the Battle Royal has been a unique way for athletes to win in weighty fashion. In Millvale, “King” Del Douglas won the first “King of Millvale” Battle Royals, and this past September he won the last.

In Sheraden at the American Legion, the Timmy Moore Memorial Battle Royal has been memorable for that great city of Pittsburgh community. At the last KSWA event before FanFest, Commander Don Scholz was victorious when “Big Country” Matt McGraw celebrated his friend by stepping over the top rope and eliminating himself in respect.

Those are just some of the significant Battle Royals in KSWA history. The last Battle Royal will be the most important of all.

Each competitor has been a champion in the KSWA. From Shane O’Shea to QB Blitzz, Biker Al to Joey Quervo, the Alumni Battle Royal is one last chance for these pioneering Megastars to fight for KSWA history.

Here is a look at just some of the announced Megastars in the Final Battle Royal.

Skippy Hawke, the KSWA’s very first Heavyweight Champion, but he and “The World’s Strongest Cop” Bob Thomas were also tag team champions in the organization’s inaugural season.

KSWA Hall of Famer, “Big” Mike Malachi is one of the most decorated Megastars announced for the Battle Royal. In August 2000, Malachi defeated Justin Sane to become just the second Golden Triangle Champion and he won the KSWA Heavyweight Championship on November 9, 2002. At the time he was just the fourth man to hold the prestigious title. He held onto the title for 441 days. Malachi won the Golden Triangle Championship a second time in 2008, but he’d even accumulate more success as a three-time KSWA tag team champion. He held the belts with Tommy Faime in 2003, as a part of The International Thugs in 2006, and “Big and Bigger,” the “Wall Street Cover Boys” with Jack Massacre in 2014.

What else can be said of KSWA Hall of Famer La Lucha? La Lucha pinned “Mr. Tenacity” Tommy Faime on February 18, 2000, at the first sanctioned KSWA event. Neither could have possibly guessed their future successful, Hall of Fame careers. In 2001, La Lucha and Soul Fighter defeated The Prime Time Players and Shane O’Shea and The Great Toyota to become KSWA tag team champions. On September 12, 2002, after the title was vacated due to injury, La Lucha defeated Joey Quervo for the International Championship. He and Biker Al were star-crossed KSWA tag team champions in 2004, Justin Sane in 2005 and Joey Quervo in 2007. After a feud with Shawn Blanchard that culminated at FanFest 2006, “The Mayor of Mexico City” defeated the defending KSWA Champion Shawn Blanchard in front of what was then the largest KSWA and loudest KSWA crowd. La Lucha wasn’t pinned in the title change, and he never received a rematch.

In January 2002, Shane O’Shea won the Pittsburgh Championship in a Triple Threat Match between the Great Toyota and “Mr. Puniverse” Bob Atlas. May 17, 2003, QB Blitzz and Sam Slej were KSWA Tag Team Champions, before losing the belts to Shane O’Shea and “King” Del Douglas.

On November 9, 2002, “Mr. Puniverse” Bob Atlas won the KSWA’s Pittsburgh Title from The Great Toyota. In March 2003, Atlas won the KSWA’s Tri-State Title via a Battle Royal. And he collected the title again in 2004. But before that, he earned the KSWA’s International Title by outlasting everyone else in—you guessed it—a Battle Royal. During his time in the KSWA’s early days, “Mr. Puniverse” was a box office draw.

In the earliest days of the KSWA The Great Toyota was a fierce competitor. On July 13, 2002, the vintage Toyota defeated Shane O’Shea for the Pittsburgh Championship and then quickly lost it to Bob Atlas.

The Glamm Slam Duo, QB Blitzz and Sam Slej, helped define the KSWA tag team division in the formidable years. The pairing was Tag Team champions in 2003 and 2004. QB Blitzz will return for the Alumni Battle Royal.

On October 9, 2004, Biker Al won a strange Battle Royal in which the prize was the KSWA tag team championship. He was to pick a tag team partner, and he selected La Lucha as his foil! That reign didn’t long as Biker Al abandoned La Lucha in a match against “Mr. Tenacity” Tommy Faime and “King” Del Douglas. Four years later he would win tag team gold with “Vicious” Vinnie Stone a wrestler he duped into believe they were cousins. Biker Al was also the very first (and some would say “krooked”) Kommissioner in KSWA history.

Earlier this year, The Latin Assassin was inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame. Especially in the group’s earliest days, the battler from the Bronx was a VIP and then a long-time fan favorite. He was a Golden Triangle Champion in 2003, and again that title holder in 2005 and 2006. He was a two-time Tri-State Champion in 2005 and 2006 and also made an unusual “one half” of the KSWA tag team champions with the Blood Beast twice in 2008. He defeated Ali Kaida in May 2010 to become the KSWA Heavyweight Champion. The Latin Assassin is one of the most well-respected and beloved wrestlers to ever grace the KSWA ring.

Do you remember “The Mexican Connection”? La Lucha and his childhood friend Joey Quervo were tag team champions when they defeated the International Thugs at FanFest in 2007. They held onto the titles into May of 2008, but 2007 may have been “Joseph Q’s” most successful campaign. He won a Yeung in the Ring Battle Royal and was featured in Bobby O’s winning “Captain’s Series” team that spring.

“Mr. 8x10” Michael Cruz has wrestled for decades in West Virginia; however, Pennsylvanians know him best as the boa-wearing, picture frame carrying one-time KSWA Golden Triangle Champion. After a rivalry that last months, Cruz defeated Justin Sane for the title at FanFest 2007. He remains one of the most memorable Megastars of all time.

Exactly 15 years ago, "Iceman" Tony Johnson won a FanFest match to determine the very first KSWA “Jr. Heavyweight Champion.” In a Gauntlet Match, Johnson defeated Jay Flash, JP Goulet, The Jester and Drew Belanger, who all got their start in Western Pennsylvania in a KSWA ring. He would win the belt again in 2011. One of the KSWA’s greatest all-around athletes.

Jay Flash, “The Giant Killer” defeated all of the KSWA’s giant Megastars on his way to defeating Kris Kash for the Heavyweight Championship in 2016. But before that, he won the Golden Triangle Championship against Bobby Badfingers at a FanFest in 2011. Flash was one of the most popular KSWA Megastars during his time in Pittsburgh, and he was one of the most reviled after turning on his long-time friend, “Ice Man” Tony Johnson.

Nasty Nick Crane and Sniper, both experienced hands, are former KSWA tag team champions. In addition, Crane is a former Five Star Champion who Main Evented against Hacksaw Jim Duggan at FanFest. Both men have won individual and team awards over careers that span more than two decades.

During his time in the KSWA, Yinza, the Pittsburgh Luchadore, was one of the most popular Megastars on the roster. In 2021, he and McGraw were tag team champions. A year later, Yinza won the “Brawl Under the Bridge” Championship. A career-threatening injury forced him to vacate the tile the following year; however, he recovered and was a successful Golden Triangle Champion. He has won many accolades in the KSWA and reinvigorated the Pittsburgh Polka and Renegade.

Along with Harley T. Morris, Officer Dan Murphy made up “An Officer and a Gentleman.” The mix of technical prowess and brute strength made them KSWA tag team champions on two occasions in 2022. And while he was a frequent opponent of Anthony Alexander and others, Murphy never held individual gold in the KSWA. Officer Dan remains one of the most unique KSWA Megastars of all time.

There may be other Megastars added to the Final Battle Royal (the KSWA Championship Committee is very coy), but this one already promises to be one for the trophy room.

 Tickets are going fast for KSWA's last-ever event, the 20th anniversary of FanFest. Go to kswa.net for more information.

Family And Friends Remember "Sicilian Beast" Ken Cerminara

by Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest 

“We knew him before he had hair on his back,” noted a lifelong friend of “The Sicilian Beast” Ken Cerminara at a Celebration of Life Ceremony on Saturday, November 15. Cerminara passed away on September 25 at the age of 71, and just a few months after his beloved wife, Cindy.

A few days earlier, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller was in the same room at the Masonic Hall in Ross Township, speaking to a rapt audience about his career as a Super Bowl champion. The packed room on Saturday listened to family and friends reminiscing about the long-time professional wrestler with even more interest.

John Cerminara met with a lot of family and friends, including “Irish” Red Walsh. John unbuttoned a dress shirt to show off a “Sicilian Beast” t-shirt that he recently found in a closest. For his part, Walsh talked about the experiences he and “the Beast” shared at Geeto Mongol’s ring inside a barn near Butler on Rt. 8.

Ken’s son Michael Cerminara shared a fun and emotional slide show about his father’s wrestling career. “There were really notable figures,” he said. “There was a bear. Ginger the Bear.”

According to his son, “The Beast” wrestled in the Tri-State area and used to talk of a Canadian tour that Geeto booked him on in the early days. Michael then showed a photo of a “Beast” match on December 3, 1981. “What’s special about December 3^rd, 1981?” Michael Cerminara humorously detailed that he was “four days old” when The Beast was grappling.  

Professional wrestling was always big in the Cerminara family. The Beast grappled in what was then the WWF in the early 80’s, losing to the likes of Tony Altimore, The Hangman and drawing Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt on undercards with Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund.

The Beast became friends with Sgt. Slaughter, who created a core memory by telephoning Michael Cerminara on his birthday. “It was the most aggressive birthday message,” he joked.

The Beast travelled from his Dormont home and wrestled in a church not far from his grandmother’s home as well as the old Civic Arena. He remembered lying on the canvas with the Arena’s roof open and stars shining in the evening in Pittsburgh.

Cerminara was featured in newspaper articles over the years and was a popular wrestling personality and his family was always proud of his achievements. He wrestled on cards with Ivan Putski, Jesse Ventura, Baron Mikel Scicluna, among others.

There were matches at St. George’s Schram Hall with Walsh where he Main Evented and tagged with Dominic DeNucci and “managed” by B-94’s Tank Sherman.

The Beast wrestled in the 80’s, 90’s, took some breaks in action and wrestled “Jumpin’” Johnny DeFazio in his last match at Shaler High School in March 1988. “It’s viral,” Michael joked. “It has more than 5,000 views.”

Cerminara’s family and friends told stories of how he would always go out of his way to make them feel special.

After his wrestling days, “The Beast” lived in Ohio and managed at Rubber City (RCW) Wrestling. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2020. The independent wrestling group had a great showing. In addition, veteran photographer Wayne Palmer was also in attendance.

Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Hall of Famers “The Mercenaries” Nick Crane and The Sniper were on hand, as was Kristen Klebanski Collingwood, a friend and sister of KSWA Hall of Famer Dave “Klubber” Klebanski was among those who paid their respects.