The Gigabyte Grizzly Returns To KSWA This Saturday At the 25th Annual Event

 

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

Very few Megastars had the impact of BROhemoth. From his very first attempt at the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) tag team championship as one-half of the Big Game Hunters in 2017, BROhemoth has been a feared…loved…and feared again Megastar.

The large and menacing athlete presented then-KSWA Heavyweight Champion Mitch Napier most intense challenge at Brawl Under the Bridge in Homestead back in 2017. It’s a moment that’s still talked about, the erstwhile champion hoisting the challenger up and over for the Sioux Falls Slam. The collective “gasp” of the crowd as the Herculean move flashed under the Homestead Grays Bridge.

BROhemoth was undaunted. He defeated Gino Slice in quick fashion, leading up to the Main Event at KSWA FanFest at the KSWA Arena on December 2, 2017. It was a difficult challenge for Napier; however, he was once again able to defeat his most determined challenger.

In February 2018, BROhemoth’s---and the KSWA Krazies’—fortunes changed. “The Gavel” David Lawless had won Battle Bowl one month prior, and he was one-half of “Lawless and Order” with Dan Murphy. At the conclusion of the Napier/Murphy Main Event, the dastardly duo attacked the KSWA Champion. Then they called their “backup” the Gigabyte Grizzly. But instead of helping Lawless and Order, BROhemoth came to the aid of Napier and the Krazies lost their collective minds.

For the very first time, BROhemoth tagged with Napier to form what would later become “The Best Bros Around” tag team. They lost their first matchup against Lawless and Order, but a statement was being made.

A week later, BROhemoth defeated both men in a Handicap Match.

For weeks and months to come, BROhemoth was a part of the biggest matches in the KSWA. He tagged with Napier and Yinza and defeated the VIPs—Lou Martin, Shawn Blanchard and Tommy Faime—and bested Martin in an Ambulance match in his hometown of Verona.

Lawless had defeated Napier for the KSWA Championship and BROhemoth challenged for the most coveted title in the Commonwealth on September 23, 2018 in Lawrenceville. While he did not defeat the Gavel, BROhemoth highlighted several matches throughout the year.

During FanFest of that year, BROhemoth defeated then-Five Star Champion Bubba the Bulldog, albeit by disqualification.

In February 2019, then-KSWA Champion Dennis Gregory pushed back BROhemoth’s challenge.

At the time, BROhemoth was tagging with the legendary T-Rantula, battling alongside “Big Country” Matt McGraw and many of the KSWA fan favorites. The opportunities stemming back to his very first chance for a tag team championship mean that the KSWA Championship Committee had high hopes for the big man.

BROhemoth won the prestigious Joe Abby Memorial Tournament in the finals against Lawless.

In April 2019 he reconnected with Napier and the men started on a meteoric rise. They defeated Lawless and Order and then the next month uprooted the KSWA tag team championship from the VIPs—Blanchard and Faime. “The Best Bros” had reached the top of Pennsylvania’s tag team mountain.

They would successfully defend against “King” Del Douglas and “Rev” Ron Hunt, including a memorable defense at Brawl Under the Bridge.

In August 2019, “The Best Bros” would lose the titles to Blanchard and Martin’s VIPs before reclaiming the gold two weeks later during the Ambulance Match at Cribbs Field in Verona but would lose them to Blanchard and Martin a week later.

 BROhemoth won some singles matches, but had more victories alongside Napier. The two would win tag team gold once again at FanFest in 2019.

The duo would hold onto tag team gold during the COVID shut down in 2020 and lost the belts to their friends…the Renegades…Yinza and McGraw in early 2021. After losing the titles, an enraged BROhemoth turned on his friend Napier, setting up one of the most intense feuds of 2021.

The two returned to the Homestead Grays Bridge for a Kendo Stick match that Napier brought home with the victory.  

BROhemoth also battled “The Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin in a series of contests and challenge then-KSWA Champion “Double A” Anthony Alexander for the title.

BROhemoth would then team up with “King” Del Douglas for a number of contests and faired well in a “tag team gauntlet” match at FanFest.

Beginning in 2022, BROhemoth turned his attention in a direction; however, with the KSWA in its 25^th and final campaign, he has returned.

BROhemoth is set to face off against the formidable “Big Country” Matt McGraw this Saturday, February 22 at the Sheraden American Legion during the KSWA 25^th Anniversary.

The KSWA 25^th Anniversary event is sponsored by South Hills Financial Group. The first 250 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative KSWA 25th Anniversary plastic cup courtesy of our friends at South Hills Financial Group (Rich Dalzotto).

Lou Martin To Once Again "Celebrity Bartend For Charity"

 

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

“The Face of Pittsburgh” will once again represent the Pittsburgh professional wrestling scene as he serves as a guest bartender for the Partners for Quality “Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser” on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Lou Martin debuted at this star-studded fundraiser in 2024, and helped raise money for one of the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s favorite charities.

This year, Martin will pour alongside friend and former Pittsburgh Pirates turned broadcaster Michael McKendry, as well as the Voice of the Pirates Greg Brown. Tall Cathy from 96.1 KISS FM, Jeff Hatthorn from 93.7 The Fan, and Timira Rush of KDKA Radio and Kelly Dzanaj from KDKA TV and Star 100.7 FM will also be on hand.

Legends like Paul Alexander, Bob Pompeani, and Guy Junker will also serve up drinks for the fundraiser. Sally Wiggin and sports stars Jenna Harner, Shelby Cassesse and Hannah Mears have also been inked to pour.

Partners for Quality is a family of nonprofit organizations supporting persons with intellectual disabilities, autism and behavioral health challenges for more than 40 years. Many of those who reside at their McKees Rocks facility are routine KSWA Krazies.

On Tuesdays, bartenders at Mike's Beer Bar and North Shore Tavern will collect tips for the charity from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Martin says he is looking forward to this event, as Partners for Quality has been near and dear to his heart for years. Plus, fans may never know what other KSWA Megastars may be in attendance for this fun event.

There’s free admission to the event but bring cash for drinks and charity.

Gory Returns To Win Battle Bowl XVI, Goes After Kavod; Hunt Turns On Martin

After winning the final Battle Bowl, Jason Gory (l) goes to shake KSWA Champion Joshua Kavod's hand. Photo by Tim Steiner.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s final campaign started on January 11 with Battle Bowl XVI. There were also a number of other issues to rectify, such as the fate of Joshua Kavod’s first title defense, as well as the other singles titles. But more importantly for Battle Bowl…who would participate, debut or return?

Five Star Championship: Man-Child (champion) with Mayor Mystery v. Yinza

Man-Child with Mayor Mystery vs. Yinza the Pittsburgh Luchador is the first match of the evening and new year. Yinza won this opportunity at FanFest in December. The Five Star Championship is on the line as referee Mark Charles III checks both men. Mayor Mystery wants every Krazy with a Steelers jersey to be ejected from the facility. KSWA Owner Bobby O puts a firm “NO” on that request.

Yinza arrives. Photo courtesy of Nels Cleath.

Mayor Mystery leads Man-Child to the ring. Photo courtesy of Nels Cleath.

The bell starts and Yinza has a temporary advantage before being caught and carried by the Five Star Champion. Yinza clotheslines Man-Child but only forces him into the corner. Yinza is able to post Man-Child’s head into the top turnbuckle of the four corner posts; however, the big man is non-plussed.

Mayor Mystery had asked that all fans wearing Steelers shirts to be tossed into the Sheraden night air. KSWA Owner Bobby O said no.

Yinza goes for a sunset flip, but Man-Child catches him. Man-Child sits down but Yinza gets out of the way.

Yinza tries to kick Man-Child down but he gets nowhere. There was a head butt, but Yinza goes down.

A “Let’s Go Yinza” chant goes down. Man-Child powerslams Yinza down and gets a two count. Yinza’s throat is placed over the middle rope and it’s all Mayor Mystery on the outside. Yinza gets a shoulder up on a pin attempt.

Yinza and Man-Child battle as referee Mark Charles III tries to understand what he's seeing. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Yinza is set in corner, and he receives a couple of big, big butt splashes in the corner. Yinza is pulled out in the center of the ring and Man-Child doesn’t go for the pin, instead pinches a shoulder.

Yinza gets his breath back and goes after Man-Child. There’s a drop kick on Man-Child.

Suddenly and without provocation, Shawn Blanchard comes out to distract Yinza. He is successful. Man-Child splashes Yinza and gets the pin. 6:42.

Blanchard continues to stare down Yinza as Mayor Mystery celebrates with the Five Star Champion. Mark Charles III keeps the veteran Megastars apart.

Six Man Tag Team: The Ram, Sin and Justin Sane vs.
Hunter Huffman, Matt McGraw and T-Rantula

The Krazies got crazy for the team of Huffman, McGraw and T-Rantula.

Before the match can begin, Justin Sane had taken off with the game-time gavel. The fans chant “T” as the Hall of Famer is in there first with Sin. He quickly tags in Justin Sane. Sane avoids the one-man monolith as long as he can. Justin tries for a Test-of-Strength before realizing that won’t work.

Sane bails to the outside and grabs a steel chair. He tosses that in, unfolds in and stands on it for a test of strength. T simply pushes him off in a loud heap. T uses the chair and wallops Sane, all while the ref’s back is turned. Huffman is tagged in, and he goes for the quick tag. That doesn’t work as Sane kicks up.

Huffman goes for the wrist lock but Sane bites him, breaking the hold. Huffman falls into his own corner for The Ram and Sin to uses boots and fists. Referee Jimmy James is distracted. Ram is in and keeps Huffman down.

How it ended for Justin Sane (l) and T-Rantula. Photo by Zac Weiss

How the "Test of Strength" began. Photo courtesy of Zac Weiss.

Ram head butts Huffman and draws the ire of McGraw. Sin is tagged in and it’s his turn to kick Huffman. There’s a shoulder block. Sin hip tosses Huffman and tags Sane. He hits and impressive Canadian Destroyer on Huffman. Huffman gets a shoulder up at 2 ½. Huffman kicks Sane and tags in a fresh McGraw. He comes in with a force, punching and slamming all three foes.

There’s a double overhand chop on Sin by McGraw before T is tagged in. He continues the offense with an overhand chop on Sin. He goes after Sane and knees him in the head.

T-Rantula boots Sane and here comes Huffman. He gets a two count before Sin breaks it up.

Sane pokes Huffman in the eyes. Sin is tagged in, and he knocks Huffman down with a firm right hand.

Sin hits a victory roll on Huffman but only gets a two count. A “USA, USA” chant rings out for Huffman. T-Rantula is tagged back in, and he chops Sin and throws him outside.

Hunter Huffman took an inadvertent trip to Nacho City. Photo by Tim Steiner.

T follows and goes for Nacho City. He shouts and swings away. Sin ducks and Huffman catches the plate of nachos and cheese full on.

Inside the ring, Sin and T go at it but T gets the upper hand and slams Sin down for the win. 10:15. All is right with Huffman and T after the win.

Your six-man winners: Hunter Huffman, T-Rantula and Matt McGraw with referee Jimmy James. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Harley T. Morris v. Tyler Grayson

The two Megastars start with Morris in the lead, but Grayson gets back into it. Grayson shoulder blocks Harley down and into a headlock.

Harley T. Morris. Photo by Nels Cleath.

Harley does get some momentum, but Grayson is quick to scoop him up and slam him down.

There’s a head scissors and into another down-on-the-mat situation. Harley recovers and clotheslines Grayson down. There’s a leg drop, elbow drop and knee drop. Morris goes for a pin, but Grayson kicks up.

A “Harley Sucks” chant is loud. He doubles down on the offense, keeping Grayson on the mat. Grayson starts to fight back up. The fans are behind him.

Harley T. Morris has Tyler Grayson in a leg scissors. Photo by Tim Steiner.

There’s a toe drop hold, and Morris goes head-first into the top turnbuckle.

Grayson chops and kicks Morris, he follows with a drop kick. There’s an elbow and series of them. Two count on Grayson.

Morris has Grayson in a leg scissors and he pulls the bottom rope for leverage. Mark Charles III is keen on the Count. Grayson blocks a punch and the two go at it in the center of the ring with fists and kicks.

Grayson gets Morris down and continues with a punch, chop and stunner. That doesn’t fall Morris, but a DDT does. Grayson splashes him in the corner. Grayson is ready to pounce.

Morris avoids in lands a slingshot into the ropes and a famouser for the win. 9:38.

Golden Triangle Championship: Champion Freek E. Doyle (w/Mayor Mystery)
vs. Shane Starr with Commander Don Scholz

The fans chant “Kinky Doyle” as the bell rings. It’s all Starr at the beginning as he tosses the Golden Triangle Champion around the ring. Starr drops legs on a fallen Doyle. There’s a suplex and a pin attempt that was covered one second too soon.

Starr easily drops Doyle again with a slam. Doyle avoids another and pokes Starr in the eye. Doyle gets Starr down and flops on him. Doyle tosses Starr to the outside. That’s where Mayor Mystery is. He attacks Starr but is quickly scared off by Scholz. Doyle chokes Starr but breaks the illegal maneuver at three.

Starr gets Doyle down and nearly gets him into a cross face, but Doyle gets to the ropes. He uses that advantage to keep Starr grounded. Starr drops Doyle and attempts the Sharpshooter, but it kicked off.

Scholz pounds the mat and leads a chant for “Shane.” Doyle ushers him across the ring and into the middle rope. That’s where Mayor Mystery pokes him with his cane.

Starr battles up but Doyle pulls him down by his hair. Doyle drops a knee on Starr. Doyle has Starr in the corner and clotheslines him there.

Referee Jimmy James checks on Freek E. Doyle as he is in Shane Starr's Sharpshooter. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Doyle has Starr down and goes for the pin. That ends at two. Starr schoolboys Doyle and nearly gets the win.

Doyle, out of nowhere, hits a sit-down power bomb and gets the two count.

Doyle gets Starr in the corner for a couple of splashes, but Starr muscles him over on the third attempt. From the corner, Starr hits a superplex and the Krazies explode in appreciation.

Both Megastars are down. Two count before Doyle gets a shoulder up. Starr drops Doyle and follows up with a super kick. Starr goes for the Sharpshooter and lands it. Mayor Mystery distracts him. Starr punches Mystery and Doyle wallops Starr with Mystery’s cane.

Freek E Doyle retains over Shane Starr. Photo by Tim Steiner.

The winner and still Golden Triangle Champion: Freek E. Doyle.

KSWA Heavyweight Championship: Lou Martin vs. Joshua Kavod

Referee Mark Charles III calls for the bell and we are off. The two Megastars share a friendly handshake before locking up. Both men of similar size and strength. Kavod forces Martin in the corner and there’s a clean break. They run around the ring and lock up again.

There’s another clean break. Martin misses a clothesline attempt and that allows Kavod to scoop slam the former champion and kick him about.

New KSWA Champion Joshua Kavod. Photo by Nels Cleath.

Charles baseball slides and gets a two count. Martin rolls Kavod up gets a two count and then a clothesline. That rattles the KSWA Champion.

Martin scoops Kavod and drops a leg. Two count. The two Megastars go back and forth. Martin pulls Kavod’s arms back and strikes from time to time. Kavod fights up and kicks Martin down. Two count.

Kavod punches Martin into a corner. There’s a running splash. And then another attempt in another corner. Martin gets Kavod and pounds his head into the top turnbuckle and follows with an overhand chop in all four corners.

There’s a bulldog and a two count before Kavod gets a shoulder up.

Martin says he’s “going up” to the corner for his patented dive, but Kavod gets up and European forearms him. Kavod follows but Martin kicks him off. Kavod lands a superplex from the top rope.

Both men are up at four and start swinging.

Lou Martin applies the Death Certificate to Joshua Kavod. Photo by Zac Weiss.

Kavod hits a springboard cutter but only gets two. Martin remains resilient. Kavod is up in the corner and goes for the curb stomp.

Martin latches on the Death Certificate and nearly gets the win. He goes for another. Kavod hits Go to Church for the win. 8:00

Kavod shakes Martin’s hand and leaves the Three Time, Former KSWA Champion in the ring. Martin asks for the microphone.

Martin says, “Great Job, Josh. I’m still ‘The Face of Pittsburgh,’ and the ‘Face of the Company.” He promises to have KSWA Heavyweight Gold again soon!

Surprisingly, the Rev Ron Hunt comes to celebrate with Martin. He says Martin is the “Face of Pittsburgh.”

After the match, Ron Hunt turns on Lou Martin. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Hunt seethes. Photo by Zac Weiss.

Hunt goes back for more on Martin. Photo by Zac Weiss.

The two share a moment; then out of nowhere, Hunt clothesline Martin down! “It’s MY time now!” Hunt exclaims! He walks away from the former KSWA Champion, but then goes back to attack him again before leaving.

Battle Bowl XVI

The rules of Battle Bowl are simple. Two Megastars start the match and wrestle for two minutes. After that initial two minutes, a Megastar is introduced every minute. The only way to be eliminated is to be thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. The final three wrestlers in the ring are guaranteed a shot at a singles title for the rest of 2025. A raffle determines what opportunity the challenger receives.

The Leader of the Grayson Nation, Tyler Grayson and the Devil’s Favorite Disciple Sin start out. Sin is all over Grayson in the early seconds.

Sin buries a shoulder in Grayson, but the Leader of the Grayson Nation comes back. Grayson continues to beat on Sin.

Super Ginger is in next! He goes right after Sin! He and Grayson clothesline Sin.

Captain Curly John is next. He races in and joins in on the attack on Sin. Super Ginger stands on Grayson’s back and falls into Sin.

J-Ru returns. Photo by Zac Weiss.

T-Rantula beat up on "King" Del Douglas as Tyler Grayson recoils. Photo by Zac Weiss.

T-Rantula is choked by Shawn Blanchard. Photo by Zac Weiss.

Man-Child clubs La Lucha. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Sin misses an Irish Whip on Super Ginger. Super Ginger is the first to be eliminated.

Freek E. Doyle is next. He just sits on the outside as the others fight.

Captain Curly John has been eliminated.

The next man out is Hunter Huffman, who is one-half of the KSWA tag team champions. Doyle hurls Grayson at Huffman as soon as he hits the ring.

Daniel Exotic, who hails from a Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri, makes his KSWA debut. He goes after Doyle and others once he hits the ring.

Exotic and Sin go after one another. Huffman and Exotic double team and suplex Sin.

Grayson takes the risky move of climbing to the top rope and hitting Sin with a frog splash. However, that goes well for Grayson, and he is not dumped from the top rope.

The Hall of Famer, T-Rantula is out and ready for action. The Krazies are pumped to see the big man. T-Rantula boots Doyle and chops the bare-chested Exotic. Grayson and T take turns chopping Exotic as a way of welcoming the young man to the KSWA.

Jesse Lawhead, a young man who isn’t well known to the KSWA universe, is out next. He enters the ring and makes the mistake of turning around and being hit with a clothesline by T-Rantula. It was a clothesline that Lawhead’s ancestors would feel.

Sin is tossed out and eliminated. Lawhead didn’t fare well, either.

“The Drunken Luchador” Joey Quervo makes a Battle Bowl appearance. He enters the fray.

One minute later, Man-Child hits the ring. He and T-Rantula will have a stare down for the ages.

Daniel Exotic is eliminated.

T-Rantula holds out a hand to Man-Child but jukes him. The two biggest men in the KSWA are in the center of the ring.

Shawn Blanchard, apparently still dressed in street clothes, makes his way to the ring. Immediately, he pokes Grayson in the eye. Then he starts on Huffman. T-Rantula stops that small rampage with a chop to the chest.

Huffman is eliminated.

The legendary Hall of Famer, La Lucha, makes a Battle Bowl showing. The semi-retired former KSWA Champion and one-time KSWA Heavyweight Champion goes right after long-time foe Shawn Blanchard.

Out next is another veteran KSWA stalwart: “King” Del Douglas. With unrivaled royalty, “The King” walks right into T-Rantula. Douglas is wearing black slacks and a matching button up shirt. T-Rantula tears that shirt open and clobbers The King.

The fans erupt as Shane Starr is the next on the scene. He goes right after Freek and Man-Child.

In a dramatic turn of events, La Lucha eliminates Shawn Blanchard over the top rope and onto the floor below.

Kris Kash, the former KSWA Champion and “Lost Boy” along with Shane Starr, returns to the organization for Battle Bowl. Once inside the squared circle, he goes right after his long-time, former friend, Shane Starr.

T-Rantula is eliminated.

Kash eliminates La Lucha.

One half of the Mercenaries and a former tag team champion, Sniper, is out next.

Kash pokes Grayson in the eyes and nearly eliminates Starr.

Incredibly, the duo Sam and Stan Squatch make their annual return to Battle Bowl.

Sam Squatch made his annual Battle Bowl appearance. Photo by Zac Weiss.

As did Stan Squatch. 

Freek E. Doyle is eliminated.

Stan Squatch barely gets into the action before he is eliminated.

Kash, who made a bit of a statement, is eliminated.

Jason Gory makes his return to the KSWA. He gets involved in the action.

A minute later, “Big Country” Matt McGraw is out of the locker room and in the ring.

Sam Squatch is eliminated.

“Rev” Ron Hunt, already with a new attitude, is out next.

McGraw goes after Hunt as soon as he steps inside the ring.

Harley T. Morris enters and hits Grayson with a low blow.

Former heavyweight Champion, J-Ru, returns after a long time away. He and Hunt go after Grayson.

Grayson answers with a super kick to Hunt.

J-Ru uses his forehead to ram Grayson in the back of the head.

Gory is battling everyone in the ring, including Morris.

The Manager of Champions and Mayor of Parts Unknown, Mayor Mystery is out next. He oftentimes makes a Battle Bowl appearance. He takes his time getting in the ring.

And the final entrant is Yinza, the Pittsburgh Luchador!

Sane is eliminated.

Yinza tries to talk with Hunt, to no avail.

Grayson, who had been in since the beginning, was eliminated.

Each of the Megastars battle and are eliminated.

Starr is eliminated by Morris. Hunt is eliminated by Gory and J-Ru.

Morris, J-Ru and Gory are the final three.

Jason Gory is the winner of Battle Bowl XVI. Photo by Nels Cleath.

Jason Gory smiles. Photo by Zac Weiss.

In 39 minutes, Morris and J-Ru are eliminated and Jason Gory wins the Final Battle Bowl.

KSWA Champion Joshua Kavod, who knows Gory, comes to the ring and extends a hand. Gory takes it before spitting blood in Kavod’s face! He attacks Kavod and leaves him in the center of the ring, all the while celebrating his incredible win.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard Work and Brains Pay Off: Golden Triangle Champion Freek E. Doyle Is Megastar Of The Year For 2024

Courtesy of Mark Charles III.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

When Freek E. Doyle first accompanied Man-Child to the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance, he immediately impressed as an accomplished manager. There were times in which wrestler and manager walked perfectly in step with one another.

And while Man-Child had certainly established himself among the best big men in all of the western half of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, little was known about the physicality of Freek. Quietly, the manager been training alongside Man-Child and other wrestlers in and around the Altoona and Johnstown territory.

Admittedly no longer 20, Freek was groomed to grapple. It turns out that he had a knack for the in-ring work. Add to the fact Doyle fine-tuned his physique, from ringside attendant to in-ring wrestler. It’s a task that’s more difficult than most can attest. Mayor Mystery, who has had a part-time relationship with the Freek Show, has wrestled in more than a handful of legal affairs over his Hall of Fame career; however, even the boastful Mayor of Parts Unknown would probably agree that he isn’t in the upper echelon of athletic achievement.

With all of the hard work and determination, plus with a stable of loyal accomplices, Freek E. Doyle was preparing to strike in 2024.

Joshua Kavod won Battle Bowl on January 6, but Doyle was one of the last Megastars in the ring and for awhile it looked as if Doyle might win the whole thing. At the raffle to determine who wins what championship opportunity, it was Doyle who came away with a chance to win the city of Pittsburgh’s premier prize: the Golden Triangle Championship.

Observers quickly thought that Freek had become then-GT Champ Tyler Grayson’s most devious adversary. They were correct.

At the KSWA’s 400^th and 24^th anniversary event on February 17^th  a Doyle-led Freek Show defeated New Glory, Tyler Grayson & T-Rantula in 8-man competition.

On May 18^th, Doyle proved that he was on the right track to individual success by defeating Captain Curly John and a veteran Harley T. Morris in a Triple Threat match at MJ’s Steel City Saloon.

A temporary hiccup occurred on June 30 when Doyle was not able to upend KSWA Champion Lou Martin on his home turf at Lawrenceville’s Independence Day celebration.

All this time, Doyle was publicly teasing Grayson with his Golden Ticket for the Golden Triangle Championship. He was able to cash it in the summer’s grandest stage: Brawl Under the Bridge. Freek E. Doyle was able to pull it off and win the championship.

In August, Doyle defeated Grayson in his rematch and a week later bested one of the best Golden Triangle Champions of all time in Shane Starr.

At Millvale Days, Doyle once again retained against Grayson. Perhaps more telling was Doyle’s next day defeat of a revamped “Apostle” Joshua Kavod, who had previously cashed in his chance at the KSWA Heavyweight Championship. The ending of this match had more consequence than previously guessed.

There was an infrequent tag team loss for the Freek Show (Doyle and Man-Child) against Grayson and Hall of Famer T-Rantula in Sheraden at the American Legion.

With constant hit-or-miss leadership appearances from the always crafty Mayor Mystery, Doyle was not able to step away from leadership from the Gibbtown, Florida quartet that also included Five Star Champion Man-Child, the uber powerful The Ram, as well as a rejuvenated Justin Sane.

Normally, the KSWA Championship is the last match—the Main Event—of FanFest on December 7; however, this year was different. The Freek Show Fun House Match between Doyle and former champion Tyler Grayson was the final professional wrestling match in Pittsburgh during 2024.

And Doyle was ready. Doyle, and then the other members of the Freek Show, took their time in decimating fellow Floridian Grayson (who inspired not one friendly save in the Steel City) in a definitive win. Much of that had to be established because of Freek E. Doyle, who had a near-perfect 2024.

That is why Freek E. Doyle, the reigning Golden Triangle Champion, is the KSWA Digest “Megastar of the Year” for 2024.

Don't "Sleep" On The Mill Rats, Get To Johnstown And Great Baseball

Moments before the Johnstown Mill Rats hit the field on Saturday, June 1.

By Thomas Leturgey

On a picture-perfect night in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Johnstown Mill Rats hosted their first block party on Johns’ Street. Inside the affordable ticket window immediately outside of Sargeant’s Stadium at the Point, staffed by a couple of quality representatives and friendly ticket takers, a couple of Manager Josh Merrill’s players stood behind a folding table, took photos, and signed autographs for a line of young fans.

A small, well-staffed concession stand provided snacks and drinks before the action was set to begin. Wearing crisp and familiar white, yellow and brown uniforms, the home team’s starting nine ran onto the field to start a 7 p.m. game against the Lafayette Aviators.

The first pitch of the night straight-on plunked the Aviator’s lead-off batter square in the small of the spine. But it was simply an opening-inning error, and the Mill Rats quickly got out of the first inning jam.

With “Polka Fest” music playing across Washington Street at the Bottle Works, and mascot Milton taking photos with everyone in the ballpark, the first Saturday Night of the Mill Rats season provided an All-American family outing.

More than 530 people, including dozens of youngsters racing up and down the steel grandstand (the young season’s most well-attended game), took in America’s Past Time as it should be…wholesome.

The Mill Rats, each batter introduced by an enthusiastic, country-accented public address announcer—who sometimes couldn’t be heard over introductory music—took a quick 2-0 lead on this night. Play on the field was small ball but effective.

The temperature, which hovered in the seventies during the afternoon, dipped into the mid 60’s, and the atmosphere was ideal for Pioneer League, or any other baseball.

A quick walk around the park showcased t-shirts, hats, novelty baseballs and other merchandise. A game-time hot dog was cooked and tasty (oftentimes, these perfunctory foodservice items are cooked poorly and gross, but not here).

Between innings, young patrons take part in simple games like trivia, stacking boxes, tug-of-war contests, or races while wearing impromptu “taco” costumes. It’s all done with an engaging host and other staffers eager to provide fun.

These games are well-paced and efficient. Everyone involved on the field, from the coaches and umpires to those physically playing the game, are professionals. At the ending of nine innings on Saturday, the Mill Rats were victorious and at least momentarily undefeated at home (the team lost on Sunday afternoon).

Early in the season, the Mill Rats have played all but two of their games at home. Their two games in Chillicothe, Ohio featured a total of more than 4,700 fans, against a total of 1,590 fans in four games.

Baseball in Johnstown is rich in history. Babe Ruth played there, and the AAABA has been an institution for the city.

The Johnstown Mill Rats are winning and should be a candidate for the playoffs. Baseball fans new and old need to attend as many games as possible. The Mill Rats are doing their part and providing quality for Cambria County and beyond.

 

 

Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall Of Fame Dinner To Honor 10 April 27

 

By Thomas Leturgey

Organizers are diligently planning to celebrate 10 new inductees into the Robert “Tick” Cloherty Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. KDKA radio’s Larry Richert will once again serve as the Master of Ceremony for the April 27 event at the Marriot Bonvoy Hotel at Station Square that’s expected to draw as many as 400 attendees.

This year’s class of nine men and one woman encompass much of the Western Pennsylvania landscape, which stretches from Erie County in the north to Greene and Somerset in the south. The territory stretches from the Ohio line in the west to McKean, Elk and Cambria to the east.

“In the class of 2024, we are recognizing another absolutely outstanding group of individuals who have played a major role in the Western PA sports world as players, coaches, administrators, and luminaries,” he continued.

Reilsono, who has attended the banquet in the past, called it a “class act.”

Artwork from the Western PA Sports Hall of Fame website.

To help promote this year’s inductees and the dinner, Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame President Jack Teitz was recently on an episode of the Claudio Reilsono Show to talk about the upcoming dinner.

Teitz, a former Big 10 official, is the 7th president of the organization. He succeeded Robert “Tick” Cloherty, who successfully helmed the Hall of Fame for 30 years and more recently, immediate past president Dan Carr.

Teitz talked about how the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is the largest of the 30 regional Sports Halls of Fame in the Commonwealth with 650 voting members.

“Our whole schtick is to try and help promote athletes, coaches, officials and sports personalities and contributors who have done exceptional things in the world of sports in Western Pennsylvania,” he told longtime Carnegie Mellon University baseball coach, author and podcaster Reilsono, and his co-host, Steve Mancini, an associate professor at Robert Morris University.

Teitz noted that the Western Pennsylvania Chapter has 750 members, and some 650 inductees that date back to 1963. “We induct about 10 to 12 each year,” he said. He noted that some 105 of the Western Pennsylvania Hall of Fame have advanced the umbrella organization, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Some of those members are Roberto Clemente, Arnold Palmer and Bruno Sammartino.

“We skipped a year because of Covid,” Teitz said. “This year we have 10 great inductees.”

In addition, others received special awards. Carol Zaleski, a leading proponent of swimming, recently retired after 45 years of service to the sport. She will receive the prestigious Darrell Hess Award.

And Mel Blount will receive a $5,000 donation from the William Campbell Foundation for his Mel Blount Youth Home and Youth Leader Initiative. Teitz mentioned that William Campbell was originally involved in sports, but then became a successful businessman. Last year, the Campbell Award was shared between the Roberto Clemente Foundation and the Franco Harris Foundation.

Teitz then talked about the inductees, including Central Cambria High School coaching legend Randy Wilson. He said that for 23 years, Wilson has successfully coached the Boys and Girls cross country teams and served as a school counselor in the Cambria County seat of Ebensburg. “His record is 225-5,” said Teitz. He said Wilson “has had a number of wonderful kids go onto to college careers.” Mancini touted Wilson’s incredible training and recruiting abilities as a coach.

Next up is Central Catholic Alumnus Jim McCoy also scored 2,734 points on the basketball court at the University of Massachusetts, which remains a school record. Ever since his freshman year in college, the 6’4” McCoy was unstoppable on the court. “He played in Sweden and Spain for more than 10 years,” Teitz continued. McCoy is also a member of the Pittsburgh Basketball Hall of Fame.

Darelle Porter played basketball Perry Traditional, was a Dapper Dan U.S. East All Star Team member, as well as a member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Fab Five” and was the all-time assist leader at the University of Pittsburgh. He was head coach of the Duquesne University basketball team. Porter currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ozanam Cultural Center, a community group and sports program for both boys and girls in the Hill District. “A lot of successful players have come out of the Ozanam Cultural Center,” Teitz added.

At 6’7”, Bruce Atkins, an All-State player at Wilkinsburg High School and played in the Roundball Classic is arguably the tallest member of this year’s class. Atkins went on to have a stellar collegiate career as a Duquesne Duke and was drafted in the 4th round by the Philadelphia 76er, in 1982.

Meghan Damico is an “all time tennis star at Fox Chapel,” he said. She was a Triple A Single’s Champion who went on to play at Denison University. She was a North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2007-2008, said Teitz.

Teitz recognized Terry Russell as “a long-time Pittsburgh football player, coach and contributor.” Russell played at Central Catholic and then Duquesne University Football. He was a star player for Coach Dan McCann and then took over the program for several years. He remains a “lifetime supporter of Duquesne,” said Teitz.

The President touted Seneca Valley’s Mark Perry as “a very successful soccer coach.” Perry played and graduated from Springdale High School and went on to play at Wheeling Jesuit College. He has led remarkable teams at Seneca Valley, Fox Chapel, Hampton and Central Valley.

Ambridge’s “Mick” Marotti is a Strength and Conditioning Coach with some 44 years of skills. He served in that capacity in several places, including Notre Dame and the University of Florida and is currently on the staff at Ohio University. Teitz noted that he is also a member of the United States Strength and Conditioning Hall of Fame, Class of 2012.

Oakmont’s Mike Berger has worn different hats in his 45 years of professional baseball, from player, coach, front office, and coach. He’s worked for the Montreal Expos, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. “He’s in Milwaukee now,” said Teitz.

Peabody High School’s Carl Kohlman will be honored posthumously. He was a contributor to many youth programs, but most notably served as the Executive Director of the Ozanam Cultural Center for more than 50 years.

“There are so many people who are so deserving, who don’t see a whole lot of media attention around them,” said Teitz. “Very successful people with very successful sports careers.

This year’s event is Saturday, April 17 at the Sheraton Station Square. Teitz explained that there is a room at the hotel where patrons and participants can see plaques with the names of all of the members. They also hope to find a more permanent home, and they have talked to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Strip District.

For more information on each of these 2024 Inductees ticket information for the April 27th induction ceremony, please check our website at westernpasortshof.org or call 412-855-7625.

Five Years Later: Western PA's Last Wrestling "Super Show" Was 2012's Deaf Wrestlefest

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.