“Melee In Mt. Washington” Fundraiser Is Saturday

 By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

For a quarter century, professional wrestling in Pittsburgh has been defined exclusively by the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA), and the group’s historic run has begun its final six months. That means that each match means more than ever before.

This Saturday, the KSWA returns to Mt. Washington for “Melee in Mt. Washington 3!” It’s a fundraiser in remembrance of Tanner Morton. Sixteen-year-old Morton was shot and killed in 2020. His memory has left an indelible mark on family and friends in Mt. Washington.

The richest prize in the Commonwealth, the KSWA Heavyweight Championship will be defended as 7-time KSWA champion “The Enforcer” Shawn Blanchard will defend, for the very first time, against the mischievous cat Daniel Exotic.

Of course, Pittsburgh’s reigning and undisputed royalty, “King” Del Douglas will be in Blanchard’s corner as the leader of the Dynasty.

This is an interesting opportunity for the young Exotic. He has cut his teeth in other areas of the Commonwealth and has had some stellar matches, especially against the Golden Triangle Champion Freek E. Doyle.

However, he is up against something different in the tough-as-nails Blanchard. Sparked by his re-emergence as the top wrestler in Pennsylvania, Blanchard will do whatever he can to hold onto the belt. The styles are much different and should lead to a fantastic contest.

Golden Triangle champion Freek E. Doyle, along with Mayor Mystery, will defend the city’s premier title against the former KSWA Heavyweight Champion, "The Apostle" Joshua Kavod. Doyle has become one of the great Golden Triangle Champions of recent times, and Kavod remains a staunch young challenger. Might Doyle overlook the likes of The Apostle? What might the forever sneaky Mayor Mystery have up his tuxedoed sleeve? There’s only one way to find out.

The 5-Star Champion J-Ru has his work cut out for him when he takes on Tyler Grayson. Grayson was the Golden Triangle Champion for a year, beginning in July of 2023. Might the seventh month be lucky for the Leader of the Grayson Nation? Or will J-Ru continue to hold onto the 5-Star championship? This promises to be an explosive showdown between one of the most tenured veterans in KSWA history and one of the most respected upstarts.

The Dynasty’s Kris Kash, with King Del Douglas has been intense since his return to action, and he will face off against former friend, “The Face” Lou Martin. Kash, who is one half of the KSWA tag team champions along with one-time pal Shane Starr, has been an interesting grappler. Gone for long stretches of time, Kash comes back and never misses a beat. Here he goes up against one of the KSWA’s all-time most versatile players. It was announced recently that “Mad Dog” Tony Lutz, a KSWA Hall of Famer and legend in Mt. Washington has received his manager’s license and will be in Lou Martin’s corner. It’s not often Douglas has to worry about anyone across from the Dynasty but the “Mad Dog” will certainly make the King tick.

The KSWA’s former tag team champions, New Glory—“Big” Tony Onyx and Hunter Huffman—will be back together again. Onyx had missed some time due to illness, but he’s back at the side of the military veteran Huffman. Here they take on a formidable duo representing The Freek Show, Man-Child and The Ram with Mayor Mystery. There won’t be much in the way of “chain wrestling” in this hard-hitting affair. Each Megastar is powerful. The Freek Show may have the edge in power, but it will be close. Plus, Onyx continues to improve by leaps and bounds, while Huffman is on a tight trajectory to success. Don’t miss this one.

"Big Country" Matt McGraw returns after several missed events, and he will take on the long-time veteran Justin Sane. Sane has been an unstoppable force, might he be able to get by the extraordinarily powerful McGraw? Might Mayor Mystery be in Sane’s corner? If he isn’t he will still have a presence.

Harley T. Morris, one of the industry’s premier “wrestlers you love to hate,” goes mano-a-mano with Captain Curly John. Morris has vastly more experience, but could the unpredictability of the Master of the Seven Seas bring something besides barrels of rum to the match?

KSWA returns to Mt. Washington and Olympia Park on Virginia Avenue at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Front row tickets are $15 and general admission is $10. For more information, call 412-726-1762. Card is subject to change.

Top 10 Wish For KSWA’s Final Six Months

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

And just like that, the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s (KSWA) final year is down to its last six precious months. Over the past 25 years, the KSWA has been the longest running, in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. It’s influence continues as industry insiders, fans and the Megastar themselves contemplate what’s next.

As of July 7, there are nine remaining KSWA events in seven different communities in and around Pittsburgh. Whether it’s north, south, east or west of downtown Pittsburgh, the KSWA has another stop scheduled.

If these proposed items are to happen, they may need “double up” on at least one event. With December 6 at the American Legion in Sheraden looming closer each and every day, the professional wrestling community cannot wait for FanFest.

Over more than 400 sanctioned and consistent events over a quarter century, countless memories have been made. Here are 10 more that would be cool to witness:

10. One more match for “Big and Bigger.” The largest tag team in KSWA history, “Big” Mike Malachi (KSWA Hall of Fame 2020) and the seven-foot-tall Jack Massacre made for an impressive tandem. Whether they were fan favorites or dastardly villains, the Krazies couldn’t get enough of the former tag team champions. Both Megastars have moved on from a grueling schedule of matches; however, long-time observers would like to see the Wall Street Journal cover boys once again.   

9. The Return of Curt Wootton. At KSWA FanFest 2015, “Pittsburgh Dad” actor Curt Wootton was in Justin Sane’s corner against Harley T. Morris and his second, David Marbell, in a “Flag vs. Flag” match. Wootton was in Sane’s corner while the Morris and Marbell defended the Mountain State’s honor. With victory at hand for the hometown Sane (although he has interestingly always hailed from Haddonfield, Illinois), Wootton turned his back on Pittsburgh and joined forces with Morris and Marbell. It turns out Wootton attended West Virginia University and didn’t take kindly to the disrespect pointed toward his alma mater. A smashing Battle Bowl appearance followed, and Wootton lost in a six-way match along with his neighbors to the south against The Jester and Party Gras (Sane and Lord Zoltan). A real-life cinema star, Wootton, who was influenced by the “Million Dollar Man” Ted Dibiase, among others, left the squared circle behind for fear of permanent damage to his chiseled jaw. Might a FanFest visit be in his cards?

8. One more match: Bubba the Bulldog vs. Dennis Gregory. Multi-time champions both, Bubba was “Two Belts Bubba” for a while and Gregory enjoyed an entire year as the holder of the Commonwealth’s richest prize…the KSWA Heavyweight Championship. “Team Don’t Care,” led by the Manager of Champions and Mayor of Parts Unknown Mayor Mystery, held tag team gold and were among the division’s most fearsome duos. After all three were inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame (2022), Bubba had had enough of Gregory and turned on his friend of decades. Both Megastars who have forever lived exceptionally busy lives (Gregory legitimately serves the United States in the military), have gone on to other adventures; however, one more showdown isn’t too much to ask.

7. An incredible training class. Back in 2009 and 2010, an incredible group of college students trained with former KSWA tag team champion “Vicious” Vinnie Stone. Jay Flash, Tony Johnson, Keith Haught, Ty Cross and Edric Everhart became friends thanks to Stone and busted their collected bumps in the KSWA ring when it was located at the former Moose Lodge in Lawrenceville. All won matches and titles in the KSWA. Flash was a KSWA Heavyweight Champion, and “Team Elite” were etched in tag team history. Haught became “The Jester” and for a while was as popular as any KSWA Megastar of his time. Once a foil to “The King,” The Jester became his own man and earned a spot as one of the most respected locker-room wrestlers Western Pennsylvania has seen. All have followed their own path, but observers agree that “Ice Man” Tony Johnson was the most athletically gifted of the lot. Had he stuck around, Johnson would have assuredly been a KSWA Heavyweight Champion. It would be good to see those gentlemen in a KSWA ring.

6. “Mr. Puniverse” Bob Atlas. A staple of the KSWA’s early days, Atlas was a crowd-pleaser. What else can be said about “Mr. Puniverse”? While he might have exaggerated 385 lbs. and 3 percent body fat, Atlas was a showman. Especially in the KSWA’s infancy, fans showed up in droves for him. Might he ride a big wheel to the ring one more time, even just to say hello to his legion of fans?

5. “Mr. Tenacity” Tommy Faime. The first KSWA “original” to be inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame (2013), Faime was 3^rd KSWA Heavyweight Champion in the company’s history in April 2001. He returned later to win the Golden Triangle Championship 15 years later and challenged Bobby O as the owner of the promotion. But life happens and Faime retired from the ring to pursue a richer personal life elsewhere. A “VIP for Life,” Faime is a beloved Megastar, whether he was breaking rules…or breaking rules.

4. Double A Anthony Alexander. For most of his KSWA career, “The Prime Time Player” has been a fan favorite and once had a poster with his likeness. When he turned his back on fans, they turned down those posters. Unfortunately, “Mr. Big Stuff” has been injured several times over his legacy, but a return…and a rebuff of the Dynasty…would chill spines.

3. Mitch Napier. One of the greatest KSWA Champions in history, Mitch Napier is a two-time holder of the Commonwealth’s richest prize. Napier, who stylistically was the region’s closest clone of Bob Backlund, was a main event wrestler when the KSWA was holding more than two dozen events a year who took on all comers, including his “Best Bros Around” partner BROhemoth. Arguably the toughest and pound-for-pound strongest KSWA Heavyweight Champion of all time, Napier was defeated in August 2018 by “The Gavel” David Lawless following one of the most intense rivalries of that time. “The Best Around” has largely returned to a wholesome, rural life, but made a shocking return to help KSWA Owner Bobby O, Lou Martin and Shane Starr in the UnCivil War in 2023. While Mitch may not be able to win with the Sioux Falls Slam anymore, it would be great to see “The Champ.”

2. Bill Apter. Professional Wrestling’s most respected journalist has long held a place in the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance. A member of the KSWA Hall of Fame (2017), Apter would be the perfect professional to interview key Megastars and staffers leading to the most important “Super Bowl” in Pittsburgh wrestling tradition since Studio Wrestling.

1. Bobby O is the guest referee in KSWA’s final match. Book it now. Whoever holds the KSWA Heavyweight Championship on the morning of December 6 has to defend in the Main Event at FanFest. And despite having the “Iron Man” in Jimmy James, well-respected “Count” Mark Charles III and with Shawn Patrick now serving as Chairman of the KSWA Championship Committee in the referee pool, Bobby O must pull the seniority card. “The Man Who Saved Wrestling in Pittsburgh” has the license, the pedigree and is the most qualified to count one, two, three in the final contest.

The KSWA Championship Committee Could Right Its Worst Wrong Independence Day

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

Shawn Blanchard defeated “The Apostle” Joshua Kavod for the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Heavyweight Championship last Saturday night before the best crowd ever assembled at Gino Brothers in Sharpsburg.

The win, “The Enforcer’s” seventh as the KSWA champion, came in a unique fashion. “King” Del Douglas handed Blanchard a foreign object, believed to be brass knuckles, and he hit Kavod with a stiff right hand. One, two, three.

Accompanying Douglas was another member of the Dynasty, Kris Kash. One-half of the KSWA tag team champions, Kash was the man Blanchard pinned on January 20, 2007, which cost La Lucha the most prized championship in the Commonwealth.

Then—as well as two subsequent times as KSWA Heavyweight Champion—Blanchard never gave La Lucha a one-on-one rematch.

Eighteen years have passed since that fateful winter night. January 20, 2007, was the first night for Battle Bowl. It was a year before the formation of the KSWA Hall of Fame, the most vaunted and recognized ceremony of its type in independent wrestling.

La Lucha, famously on the cover of the Pittsburgh City Paper, the first and most prominent Pittsburgh independent professional wrestler to hold that distinction.

At the KSWA Arena on 51^st Street in the Lawrenceville neighborhood within the city of Pittsburgh. At the time, the Championship Committee was naming events. This one was “KSWA Revenge.” A post-FanFest crowd watched The Blood Beast defeat "The Drunken Luchador" Joey Quervo and the Latin Assassin defeated Zero.

In a handicap match, Biker Al and "The King" Del Douglas defeated "Dr. Devastation" Lou Martin.

The reigning KSWA tag team champions, The International Thugs defeated Shane Starr and "The Snakeman" Deven Michaels to retain the K.S.W.A. Tag Team Titles. "Mr. 8x10" Michael Cruz defeated Justin Sane.

In a throwback of sorts, Anthony Alexander defeated Ali Kaida to retain The Golden Triangle Title. In addition, Alexander won the 1st ever “Megastar Melee Battle Royal”, a precursor to “Battle Bowl” to be the Number One contender for the KSWA Heavyweight Title. (His win would overshadow any chance for La Lucha to earn his “Revenge”).

Shawn Blanchard versus La Lucha was the feud of 2006. On December 6, 2006, KSWA realized that it had an incredible experience with FanFest. KSWA Owner Bobby O was the special guest referee. The Latin Assassin was in La Lucha’s corner and Frank Durso was advising Shawn Blanchard. Durso’s services were stunted as he was placed in a strait jacket. When La Lucha defeated Blanchard, the roof was blown off the former Moose Lodge.

Some 49 days later, "The Enforcer" Shawn Blanchard defeated La Lucha and Kris Kash (who was added as a third competitor in a move that has never been explained) to become the new KSWA Heavyweight Champion.

Kash would go on to win the KSWA Championship in a FanFest match that included Blanchard; however, the has never been championship justice for La Lucha.

In 2020, La Lucha was formally inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame in the COVID year that didn’t afford a ceremony. Semi-retired from wrestling who has invested wisely in a conglomerate of taco restaurants, La Lucha has always been a celebrity in Mexico, hence the nickname “The Mayor of Mexico City.”

But he has not had that one-on-one opportunity with Blanchard. Might the KSWA Championship Committee recognize one of the most heinous oversights in its history?

Blanchard is scheduled to travel to Johnstown on Saturday and defend the KSWA gold at 814 Wrestling’s annual “Thundercade” festival of matches. He will defend against “The Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin.

If Blanchard gets by Martin, perhaps the Krazies should write to the KSWA Championship Committee and force their hand at Lawrenceville’s Independence Day celebration. Nothing says America, the KSWA and Pittsburgh professional wrestling like Shawn Blanchard defending the richest prize in the Commonwealth, a gold trophy for the ages, against “The Mayor of Mexico City,” La Lucha.

 

 

 

History Is Made For Blanchard As KSWA Returns To Sharpsburg

Shawn Blanchard extends the record as the 7-time KSWA Heavyweight Champion.
Photo by Trapper Tom

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

As the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance returns to Gino Brothers in Sharpsburg, much of the professional wrestling world took note of the main event, which featured The Dynasty’s Shawn Blanchard vs the KSWA Champion, “The Apostle” Joshua Kavod.

Some observers said with only six months to go in the history of Pittsburgh’s KSWA, and with a stacked deck of challengers, this may have been Blanchard’s last attempt at the richest prize in the Commonwealth.

It was also the annual Mario Ferraro, Sr. Memorial Tournament. Named for a beloved firefighter and family man, the cup has become iconic for the town along the banks of the Allegheny River.

In addition to that, a spate of championships were on the line.

Tag Match: Freek Show vs. Captain Curly John and T-Rantula

Captain Curly John and T-Rantula met The Ram and Man Child from the Freek Show in the opening contest.

The Ram manhandles Curly John. The Captain tags in the Hall of Famer, T-Rantula. T grabs The Ram’s beard. T tosses Ram into the corner and into the ropes before a clothesline drops him to the mat.

T tags Curly John back in but the Ram is ready. He gets Curly into his corner, where Man-Child is ready. Man-Child rakes Curly’s eyes over the top ropes. Man-Child is all over the Captain.

The Ram is back in and he continues the offense on Captain Curly. Man-Child has Curly John on the mat for a sleeper hold. Curly gets to T-Rantula and he goes right after Man-Child. T-Rantula and Captain Curly have Man-Child in the corner.

Man-Child recovers and with Captain Curly John tagged in, goes after the much smaller man.

Man-Child drops an elbow on Captain Curly John and gets the win. 7:35.

Afterwards, T celebrates with Captain Curly John and waves to the masses.

The Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament. Justin Sane vs. Lou Martin

The veteran Sane gets the upper hand over Martin. Sane gets Martin into the ropes. He drapes Martin’s arm over the top rope.

It’s all Sane in the early going. Mayor Mystery gets in the way and soon Martin is in charge.

He gets Sane in the corner for a chop. He follows that up with a Bulldog and gets a two. Then Lou gets some offense. Martin delivers an elbow to the head. Martin drops him after a side slam. Two count.

Sane recovers and hits a modified pile driver. Two and a half count. Martin gets a shoulder up at two.

Sane goes up to the top for the frog splash. Martin gets his knees up and gets the win. 8:28

Semi Final for the Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament

This contest became a title defense for the Golden Triangle Championship as “Handsome Harley T.” made a “Professional” move and cashed in his Battle Bowl opportunity for the Golden Triangle Championship.

Harley T. Morris, Freek E. Doyle and Golden Triangle Champion Freek E. Doyle start out.

Exotic has Freek down in an alligator roll front face lock.

All three Megastars are on their feet and Morris hits Doyle with an elbow. With Exotic in the ropes, Morris digs at his nose.

Morris has Exotic down and gets a two count. Freek recovers and kicks Morris. Morris has Exotic in a front face lock. Exotic powers up. Exotic gets an elbow up when Morris charges in.

Exotic DDT’s Morris and gets a two count.

Freek hits Exotic with an F 5. Exotic battles with Doyle and drops him down. Doyle escapes two charges in the corner by his opponents.

He catches Exotic who tried a flying body block. Morris drop-kicks him down. Freek catches Exotic for the pin. 7:16.

KSWA tag team championship: New Glory v. Kris Kash and Shane Starr

Hunter Huffman goes to the ring with Super Ginger. Big Tony Onyx has COVID and wasn’t able to attend. Hunter extolls his “new” tag team partner as the veteran Super Ginger.

Jimmy James calls for the bell and we are underway.

It’s Shane Starr and Hunter Huffman in the early going. Huffman has Starr in the corner. They lock up after a clean break. Starr gets the wrist lock and continues to crank it. Kash is tagged in and he drops Huffman’s arm over the top rope. “King” Del Douglas controls things for the Dynasty on the outside. Starr bodyslams Hunter twice and gets a two count.

Kris Kash distracts the referee as Del Douglas attacks from the outside. Kash kicks Huffman to the outside. Kash dives on top of Huffman.

Kash tags Starr back in and he goes after Huffman. Starr suplexes Huffman. There’s a two count. Starr splashes Huffman in the corner. Starr misses a splash and Huffman tags in Super Ginger. Ginger clotheslines Starr and Kash comes in for the save.

Kash grabs James. Starr is in the corner for some Ginger offense. There was a sidewalk slam Starr kicks out of Ginger’s pin attempt. Starr appears to have injured his knee. Ginger gets an arm bar on Starr. Kash is eager for the tag.

Starr kicks up from Ginger’s pin attempt at two. Douglas shouts for Starr to tag out to Kash. Starr gets Ginger in a single leg lock and chops his way out.

Starr tosses Ginger over the top rope. Starr suplexes Ginger from the apron. The hometown fans chant for “Shane.” Two count as Ginger gets a shoulder up.

Kash is tagged in and clotheslines Hunter down. There’s a double clothesline between Kash and Huffman.

Starr is in and double drop kicks both Ginger and Huffman.

Douglas shouts “We got this” to the tag team champions. Kash and Starr, Huffman and Ginger are in.

Kash drops a leg on Ginger as Starr holds him in the center of the ring. Kash and Starr retain. 11:14

Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament Finals. Lou Martin v. Freek E Doyle

Freek has the immediate advance. Two count with Freek on Martin. He’s all over the Face of Pittsburgh. Doyle has Martin in a rare position, one in which he is not getting any offense.

And just like that, Martin is up and all over Freek with clotheslines and other offense. Martin has Freek in the corner for a chop and pounds his head into the top turnbuckle. Martin does the thing in another corner and a third. The last one, Martin hesitated for affect.

Martin whips Doyle into a corner and meets him there with a clothesline and 10 punches to the top of the head. However, Freek falls on Martin and gets a near pinfall.

Martin hits Freek with a DDT out of nowhere. Remarkably, he only gets a two count.

Martin gets pizza dough and hits Freek with it. The dough is tossed out.

Mystery tosses his cane. He bashes Martin with it and gets the win. 8:24.

Five Star Championship: Tyler Grayson v. J-Ru (champion)

The fans chant “T-Pot” at the Five Star Champion.

The two similar-sized Megastars lock up and Grayson breaks clean.

Grayson breaks out of a J-Ru hold in the corner. The two take their time feeling each other out.

Grayson has J-Ru in an abdominal stretch and then hip tosses him. A follow up drop kick falls the former KSWA Heavyweight Champion to the outside. Grayson shadows J-Ru as he talks to members of the audience. J-Ru turns around and Grayson is there with a couple of shots.

J-Ru has Grayson down and puts a boot on him for a two count. J-Ru is angry that the count wasn’t “fast enough.”

There’s another lazy count that ends at two.

Back inside, Grayson hits a DDT and gets two.

Grayson has more offense, J-Ru drops him with shove and clothesline. J-Ru has Grayson in the corner for a series of chops and whips him into another corner. J-Ru chops Grayson. He misses a splash. Grayson hits a back breaker. He is slow in turning J-Ru over. Two count.

Grayson chops J-Ru. J-Ru fights back. They trade chops. Grayson fights out of offense and hits a series of suplexes.

J-Ru gets out of an attempted F-5 and drops Grayson with a modified DDT. 12:20 J-Ru retains.

KSWA Heavyweight Championship: Shawn Blanchard (w/Del Douglas) vs. Joshua Kavod

Blanchard forces Kavod in the ropes. He fights out and stings Blanchard. Douglas pulls the referee out and James tosses The King from ringside.

Blanchard has Kavod down and drops a knee on his chest. Blanchard digs at Kavod’s face. Referee James checks on Kavod and he will not give up. Kavod stomps his foot, gets up and is hit with a spinebuster. There is a count of two before Kavod gets a shoulder up.

Blanchard distracts the referee and kicks Kavod low. Blanchard gets Kavod in the corner and drives a shoulder into the champion’s gut. Kavod dives on Blanchard but misses with a second splash. The two trade blows in the center of the ring. Kavod kicks Blanchard in the mush. Two count. Blanchard gets a shoulder up. Kavod hits Blanchard with a forearm smash. Kavod dives on Blanchard but the Enforcer gets out of the way.

Blanchard drives an elbow onto Kavod’s knee.

Blanchard gets Kavod in the Figure Four.

Blanchard has the leg lock in for a long time. Kavod tries to roll him over and finally does. Blanchard is now cowering in pain. Blanchard gets to the ropes and forces the break. Kavod hits the DDT.

Both Megastars are slow in getting to their feet.

Blanchard chops Kavod low. Blanchard picks Kavod up, swings him around and clobbers referee James with Kavod’s feet.

Kavod hits “Go to Church” on Blanchard. Both Megastars are down. Douglas and Kash, the Dynasty, run to the ring as the referee is down for the second time of the evening. Douglas gives Blanchard something. Both men are up. Blanchard hits Kavod with a foreign object, believed to be brass knuckles.

James recovers and makes the count to three. In 12:15, Blanchard is the new KSWA Heavyweight Champion. He celebrates as the event comes to a close.

 

 

KSWA Hall Of Fame Adds 6, Blanchard Is Abby, Surprising New Tag Team Champions!

The KSWA Class of 2025 from left: former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, "King" Del Douglas, Sniper, The Latin Assassin, J-Ru and Skippy Hawke. Photos by Tim Steiner.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

Before the event, Sheraden American Legion Commander Don Scholz led a flag ceremony for fallen veterans. A group of youngsters were in the ring, holding the American flag, as well as others from the branches of service. It was a touching pre-cursor to a remarkable evening.

Joe Abby Memorial Tournament Semi Final #1: Blanchard v. Yinza

The action begins with new KSWA Hall of Famer “The King” Del Douglas leading Shawn Blanchard to the ring to face Yinza in the semi-finals of the Joe Abby Memorial Tournament.

The bell rings and Yinza avoids an ambush from Blanchard. He delivers shoulder blocks into the stomach and a splash. Yinza Monkey flips Blanchard to begin the vaunted “Three Rivers” but Blanchard slides out of the ring. There’s a pin attempt once back in that ends at two.

The veteran Blanchard buries an elbow in Yinza and the Luchadore can’t breathe. On the outside, Douglas gets Yinza in the ropes. Yinza kicks out of a pin attempt.

Blanchard pulls Yinza down from behind by pulling his mask. He then kicks Yinza down.

Blanchard gives Yinza the Swinging Neck Breaker and gets a two-count.

Blanchard hits Yinza with the Sleeper hold. Yinza fights out of it and hits the Stunner. Blanchard gets a boot on the bottom rope, thanks to Douglas’ interference.

Blanchard has brass knuckles. He wallops Yinza and wins in 8:10.

KSWA 5-Star Championship: J-Ru vs. Captain Curly John

Referee Jimmy James calls for the bell and this championship defense is off to the races. The fans are behind challenger Captain Curly John.

J-Ru tries to get a “J-Ru’s Great” chant from the overflow crowd. They answer with a differing sentiment.

There was an initial collar and elbow lock up but other than that, two minutes in there was the most minimal of wrestling action.

Once the action starts, Captain Curly John has the distinct advantage. J-Ru dabs to the outside and continues to stay there until the good Captain gets out of the ring and chases behind him.

After some nonsense, J-Ru spins around and Captain Curly John hits him with a fist. Once inside, J-Ru catches Captain and DDTs him into the canvas. There’s a two count.

There’s a lazy pin attempt with one foot. That ends at one.

J-Ru has Captain Curly in the corner and works on his leg. J-Ru clips his knee from behind. There’s a pin attempt but Curly gets into the ropes.

A whip attempt lands with Curly falling face-first on the mat. J-Ru pushes the ref away and goes in for a clothesline. Curly hits him and there’s a pin attempt. J-Ru gets his boot in the ropes.

J-Ru clubs away at the Captain, hits a low blow and drops him with a DDT and gets the win 9:42.

Joe Abby Memorial Tournament Semi-finals #2: Shane Starr v. Harley T. Morris

In the earliest of goings, it’s all Shane Starr. Morris gets tossed over the top rope and onto the concrete below. But once back inside, it’s all Morris.

The fans are against Morris, but he’s angry back at them. Starr tries to get some advantage, but Morris grabs locks of hair and pull him down.

Morris synchs in from behind and Starr begins to break out of it before Morris pulls to down again.

Once back up, Starr is all over Morris. He drops him and locks him in the Sharpshooter. Morris taps out in 7:00 and Starr advances to the finals later in the evening.

KSWA Hall of Fame: KSWA Owner Bobby O introduces the newest inductees into the KSWA Hall of Fame: Sniper, Skippy Hawke, The Latin Assassin, “King” Del Douglas and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.

Last Man Standing Match: Rev Ron Hunt vs. Lou Martin

Martin races out and goes right after Hunt. Martin takes him to the outside and onto the 50/50 table. About two minutes into the match, Martin pushes Hunt in the ring and the veteran takes that chance to catch his breath and go full bore against Martin.

Hunt grabs the house microphone and hits Martin with the weapon.

Hunt grabs the official telephone to the Kommission. Hunt is in control and hits Martin with a cane. Hunt does have some fans in attendance that want to see him beat Martin; however, the former KSWA Champion rallies and uses whatever he can against his foe.

Martin grabs the ringside monitor and hits Hunt with it. He even drops hit on the challenger for “The Face of Pittsburgh.”

Martin has a chain wrapped around his fist. He blasts Hunt with it.

Martin blasts Hunt with another house microphone. The former fan favorite falls to the cement floor.

Hunt is back in the ring and low blows Martin. Hunt grabs the microphone and ring bell. Hunt smashes him in the crotch with it, then hits him in the head.

Hunt hits Martin with a chair and there’s a count from the referee to six before he gets to his feet.

Hunt gets a table. He drops Martin in the center of the ring and hits him with a curb stomp. Jimmy James starts the count. The count is up to nine before Martin gets to his feet. Hunt puts Martin on the table in the center of the ring. Martin moves before Hunt hits the table. The fans explode as Martin goes to the corner. Hunt is on the table. There’s the Swon Ton onto Hunt.

Both men are spent but Martin gets to his feet and get the nod. 15:40

Joe Abby Memorial Tournament Finals: Blanchard vs. Starr

After 25 years, referee Mark Charles III found brass knucks in the boot of Shawn Blanchard before action began. The bell rings and both long-time foes face off.

Blanchard pulls Starr down from behind via the long locks. “I yelled at him,” referee Charles answers to Starr’s objections.

Blanchard gets some offense against Starr. Starr recovers, kicks Blanchard goes for the Shaprshooter. He rolls him up. Blanchard shakes it off. Starr struggles. Douglas helps by pulling Blanchard to the ropes.

On the outside, Blanchard runs away from Starr and once back inside, the lays the double ax handle on the fan favorite. He whips Starr’s throat into the bottom rope.

Starr fights back. He misses a splash in the corner. Blanchard goes to the top rope. Starr meets him there. He tosses Blanchard across the ring and into a 2 ½ count.

Starr drops an elbow on Blanchard’s leg. Blanchard tries to pull out of it.

Blanchard pokes him in the eye.

Blanchard hits Starr with the Spinebuster. Starr kicks out at two. Starr is up and kicks Blanchard. There’s a clothesline and an attempt at the Sharpshooter. Blanchard rolls him up and gets the win in 10:55.

Shawn Blanchard was the very first Joe Abby Memorial Tournament winner in 2008 and the last in 2025.

KSWA tag team championships: Triple Threat Match

Anthony Alexander injured his shoulder in training for this match. That means that Kris Kash didn’t have a partner. KSWA Owner Bobby O drafts Shane Starr, the former Lost Boys, to be partners for one night.

It’s a disgruntled Kash starting out with Big Tony Onyx. Kash is not happy with this development. Onyx tosses Kash across the ring.

Onyx suplexes Kash and tags in Hunter. Kash starts to get the upper hand. Then, Huffman clotheslines Kash. Kash tags in 2016 KSWA Hall of Famer T Rantula.

T-Rantula gets Huffman in the corner for a series of overhand chops. Huffman fights back with a head butt to T’s chest but the giant isn’t having any of it.

T hits Huffman with another overhand chop and drops him with a big boot. T-Rantula tags in Big Country who hits T with two overhand chops. There’s a suplex from McGraw and a running clothesline.

Kash is in and he puts some shots on Huffman. Then Starr is tagged in. He bodyslams the tag champion. Starr plants him again. Two count.

Kash is in and chops Huffman. He tosses Hunter to the outside. Kash dives over the top and onto Huffman. The Lost Boys drop a double elbow on Huffman. Starr tags in T Rantula. T tosses Huffman into Starr’s corner where Huffman slaps his chest.

Starr forces T in the corner and overhand chops him. Starr takes off his t shirt. T hits Starr with a couple of overhand chops. Then a third drops him.

Out of nowhere, Starr scoops T-Rantula up and body slams him in the center of the ring.

There’s a two count.

Starr rolls into his corner and tags Kash. T-Rantula boots Kash and goes for the pin. He’s up at two.

Kash is forced into the corner where T hits him again.

Starr pulls Kash outside. There’s an overhand chop that moves the table at ringside. McGraw is tagged in. There’s a pin attempt. Kash fights back. But McGraw is too strong. He press slams Kash.

Kash tags McGraw to go after a freshly-tagged Hunter. McGraw tags in Onyx but the referee missed it.

T is tagged in. He attacks a rushing in Onyx. T choke slams Huffman. Onyx is tagged. Op[]\McGraw is tagged in. He slams Onyx. The Lost Boys rush in. Kash covers McGraw for the win. The new KSWA tag team champions are Kris Kash and Shane Starr. 15:40. The Krazies who are familiar with one of the KSWA’s most historic tag teams, go wild!!

KSWA Championship: Jason Gory v. Joshua Kavod

The two foes trade offense.

On the outside, Gory runs Kavod’s hand into the ring post. The champion and challenger trade blows. Gory says, “There’s your champion.” The offense continues. Gory stomps on Kavod’s hand.

Gory gets Kavod in the ropes and attacks him there. Kids at ringside throw snacks at Gory.

Kavod fights back but is kicked in the guts.

Gory catches Kavod when he goes for a flying leg scissors. Kavod reversed the move into a tilt a whirl DDT.

The two spent Megastars trade blows. Kavod forces Mark Charles away from the corner. Kavod goes for a suplex.

Kavod hits Gory with a modified power bomb.

Gory recovers and hits a DDT. There’s a cover and a two and a half count. Gory misses with the stomp.

Gory catches Kavod’s leg and bites his shin. Gory hits a Canadian Destroyer. There’s a two count.

Gory goes to “mist” Kavod, but the champion ducks and the challenger hits referee Mark Charles III directly in the face. Shocked, the always “with it” official pulls out a handkerchief, whips his glasses off and admonishes the rule breaker. Always crafty, Gory goes to strike The Count, but he’s ready. He blocks the punch, supplies a kick to the gut or lower and STUNS Gory! Gory goes flying.

The fans go crazy. Kavod lands Gory with a firm boot to the chin. In 13:55, Kavod win the win and KSWA Championship retention!

 

 

Former Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto Named To KSWA Wrestling Hall Of Fame

Bill Peduto was elected Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh in 2013. Here he holds up the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Championship. Pittsburgh Tribune Review photo.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

On December 5, 2009, then Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto walked into the Lawrenceville Moose near the corner of 51^st and Butler Streets (which has been dubbed the “KSWA Arena”) for the 5^th annual KSWA FanFest. He had agreed to serve as the ring announcer for the match between rivals Lord Zoltan and Justin Sane.

Pittsburgh's "KSWA Day" in Pittsburgh City Council, 2010. Photos are from KSWA archives.

Peduto presents Lord Zoltan with a proclamation.

A few months later, on February 10, 2010, the lifelong fan of wrestling returned and presented the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance with its first “KSWA Day” commemorating what was then the professional group’s 10th anniversary.

The day was special for everyone involved, as the burgeoning group was starting to hit its stride with a growing number of events, and fans each year. A small group of the KSWA roster—KSWA Owner Bobby O, Lou Martin, Shawn Blanchard, Lord Zoltan and Trapper Tom—went to Pittsburgh City Council and received the proclamation in City Council chambers. Included in the group was Dominic DeNucci, the legendary grappler and vaunted trainer who would soon become just the 5^th member of the KSWA Hall of Fame. He joined a group that includes Frank Durso, “Killer” Joe Abby, Bill Eadie and Donna Christiantello. Peduto was taken aback when DeNucci strode in and exclaimed in open council, “Dominic’s here.”

Dominic DeNucci came to the KSWA Day celebration in Pittsburgh City Council.

The friendship between politico and pro wrestling continued December 3, 2011, when Peduto attended the lighthearted and charitable “roast” of Dominic DeNucci in Green Tree. No one could say anything nasty about DeNucci, and that included Peduto.

The policy maker would grow up not far from Green Tree. He and childhood friend Ron Russitano (KSWA Hall of Fame, Class of 2024) would play with other neighborhood kids and “Studio Wrestling” would be an activity of choice. Ron would call dibs on imitating Bruno; Bill quickly assumed the role of Dominic.

Russitano, who grew up to own a comic bookstore at the old Parkway Center Mall, served as a Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission agent and earned a spot as one of the most well-respected men in both industries. The two remained the best of friends until Russitano’s untimely passing in September 2023.

Peduto continued as a fan of KSWA wrestling and Lord Zoltan. They were friends and when Zoltan was inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame in 2012; Peduto presented a city council citation recognizing the accomplishment.

With KSWA Hall of Famer Angie Minelli.

When Peduto won the election to be Mayor of Pittsburgh in 2013, Lou Martin and Shawn Blanchard were among those in attendance to help celebrate. In a remarkable moment, as TV and news photojournalists were preparing to set down their tools of the trade, the KSWA Heavyweight Championship was handed to Peduto, and he raised gold into the Pittsburgh night. The cameras suddenly returned, and lights flashed. The next morning, Peduto and Pittsburgh’s championship were front and center on WPXI TV’s morning newscast. At that moment, the KSWA became the city of Pittsburgh’s identified and undisputed professional wrestling organization.

On March 29, 2014, Peduto arrived right before the main event of the Joe Abby Memorial Tournament, threw ticket money at the door, and took a seat next to the ring. He was just in time for the 7^th Annual Joe Abby Memorial Tournament finals between Zoltan and “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin. When Martin taunted Peduto, he got up into the ring and the two had a tense, albeit lighthearted moment.

That visit included Peduto taking a cell phone picture of the Joe Abby Memorial Tournament trophy and posting it on Twitter. Kris Maher, a Pittsburgh-based writer for the Wall Street Journal saw the photo and wondered, “What is the Mayor of Pittsburgh doing at a pro wrestling event?”

The KSWA would move its home base (temporarily) to the Teamster’s Temple, also in Lawrenceville. On May 31, 2014, Maher and a videographer visited KSWA, took photos and videos and interviewed wrestlers. On June 20, 214, the KSWA was on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, all because of a Mayor’s fun photo.

The job of the Commonwealth’s second largest city is daunting and kept him from attending any live events for a while. However, his attention was still there.

On December 3, 2016, legendary pro wrestling journalist Bill Apter was surprised with induction into the KSWA Hall of Fame for the Class of 2017. Peduto wrote Apter an official letter acknowledging the award.

"NWA Day" in Pittsburgh, 2018.

During KSWA FanFest in 2018, then-National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis defended the 10-pounds of Gold against KSWA's former 6-time KSWA Champion. Prior to the event, Mayor Bill Peduto proclaimed it "NWA Day in the City of Pittsburgh." Aldis relayed the news to the owner of the NWA, Billy Corgan. 

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, as part of the KSWA’s historic 20^th anniversary and back at the KSWA Arena, Peduto returned to an overflow crowd and once again to proclaim that day “KSWA Day in the City of Pittsburgh”, this time from the Mayor’s Office. Always affable, Peduto had brought a group of friends, including Russitano, to the anniversary. He would later say that he had friends from the west for the weekend. That day they attended a Pittsburgh Penguin game (the home team lost to the Buffalo Sabers 5-2), had dinner at the Roberto Clemente Museum in Lawrenceville and then swung by the KSWA.

Peduto visits KSWA during the 20th anniversary in 2020.

Peduto called himself “Bike Lane Bill” after his penchant for bicycle safety lanes and had a fun time with his friends and took in cheers and jovial jeers. Weeks later, COVID shut down the world.

On May 15, 2021, under a massive tent provided by the Peduto Administration as a rental to the Langley American Legion Post #496 in Sheraden, the KSWA held its second post-COVID outdoor event (the first was the night prior).

Peduto left the public eye in 2021 but remained an ally to the KSWA and a close friend to many of the Megastars.

Peduto with Yinza, the Pittsburgh Luchadore.

As part of the Joe Abby Memorial Tournament and KSWA Hall of Fame, the Championship Committee is proud to announce that Bill Peduto, former Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 12 at the American Legion, Langley Post in Sheraden.

“I’m at a loss for words,” said Peduto as he walked in Frick Park along with his beloved bulldog, Bertha. Peduto joins Russitano, along with the likes of Sammartino, DeNucci, “Battman” Tony Marino, Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt, Angie Minelli, “Mad Dog” Tony Lutz, “The Beast” Ken Cerminara, as well as “Chilly” Bill Cardille and an elite roster of others.

Peduto also finds himself in the distinguished company of “Jumpin’” Johnny DeFazio and Chuck Martoni, politicians and local leaders who served on Allegheny County Council after their wrestling careers ended.

The KSWA Class of 2025, the organization’s final season, includes “King” Del Douglas, multi-time champion and former KSWA Heavyweight Champion J-Ru, the KSWA’s first Heavyweight Champion Skippy Hawke, popular former Heavyweight Champion the Latin Assassin as well as veteran and former tag team champion, Sniper.

The Hall of Fame ceremony takes place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the American Legion, Langley Post.

KSWA Springdale Slam 6 Audio File

Hi there, KSWA Krazies, Trapper Tom here.

I am experimenting with audio files and here's a preview of this Friday's Springdale Slam see if this works!

KSWA Springdale Slam preview.aup3