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.