The Commander Does It! Scholz Wins Timmy Moore Battle Royal

Lou Martin (l) and Matt McGraw hoist "Commander" Don Scholz after he won the Timmy Moore Memorial Battle Royal. Photo by Tim Steiner.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) first debuted at the American Legion Langley Post 496 in the Sheraden neighborhood within the city of Pittsburgh in October of 2018. The Timmy Moore Memorial Battle Royal was initiated in August 2019.

KSWA’s biggest proponent since the very onset has been Post Commander Don Scholz. A Navy veteran from 1985-1993, Scholz has been a member of the Langley Post since 2012 and one of the primary faces of the community organization. A beloved family man and military brother, Scholz welcomed the KSWA to Sheraden as the group’s new home base after COVID.

Officials with the KSWA have acknowledged that the American Legion staff has embraced the Megastars unlike any other home in 25 years. And Scholz, as well as his wife, Diane, early volunteers like Kurt Pelucci and others who have made a modern-day KSWA experience special.

Over the past few years, the hard-working and jovial Scholz has had professional problems with some of the KSWA wrestlers like “King” Del Douglas and the current KSWA Champion Shawn Blanchard.

Scholz once hit Douglas with an artificial Christmas tree and threatened to do it again. Scholz earned an appearance in Battle Bowl and after being eliminated, struck Douglas with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decoration yet again.

Commander Don Scholz hits "King" Del Douglas with a Christmas tree. Howard Kernats photo.

The Commander beat Douglas in an Arm-Wrestling match in October 2023, before losing to Shawn Blanchard in a single’s match at FanFest 2023 with Nikita Koloff and Magnum T.A. in the audience.

In 2024, Scholz teamed with Yinza, the Pittsburgh Luchador to defeat Douglas and Blanchard in a tag team match.

That all led to October 18^th’s Timmy Moore Battle Royal, the last such tournament named for a member of the American Legion and a proud 19-year veteran who passed away in 2018 at the age of 54.

The tournament has offered a remarkable feather in the Megastar’s caps. Shane Starr won the initial tournament in 2019, with Dennis Gregory winning in 2021, in KSWA’s second event back from COVID, Lou Martin was victorious in 2022, J-Ru took home the trophy in 2023, and Yinza won in 2024.

Scholz chops KSWA Hall of Famer J-Ru. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Scholz pulled some strings with Owner Bobby O and Chairman of the KSWA Championship Committee Shawn Patrick to enter this last installment. A Commander known for a quick smile and upbeat demeanor, Scholz turned serious, knowing the gravity of this monumental match. He posted heartfelt social media messages about training, forgoing his legendary libations and focusing on letting that all-important trophy stays in hits Langley American Legion home.

He entered the match with a large assortment of veterans and newcoming Megastars alike. Dressed in classic blue Batman garb with matching basketball shorts and white sneakers, Scholz was on the receiving end of offense, and delivered is own overhand chops to Hall of Famer J-Ru.

After a bombardment of activity, the once-crowded ring started to empty, with Megastars being tossed over the top rope and having both feet touch the cement floor below. Referees Jimmy James and Chris Caldwell were kept busy as Megastars were dispatched. Scholz held on as bigger, rougher rivals like Douglas and Damian Greene were forced to elimination.

Last among the Final Five were favorites “Big Country” Matt McGraw and The Ram, the always steadfast Hartley T. Morris, the classic J-Ru and the single-minded Scholz. He was forced into the ropes. McGraw muscled the Ram as only he could. Morris and J-Ru both saw an opportunity to remove Scholz from the fray. They raced for a double clothesline, but the resourceful Scholz dropped down, pulling the top rope with him. Morris and J-Ru shot over onto the floor and their ouster.

That left McGraw and Scholz looking at each in the center of the ring. McGraw, a multi-time champion and the Commander. McGraw sensed the opportunity. He bent down to one knee in the corner to talk to God. He got up circled around a firm, but outmatched Scholz.

Final two: Matt McGraw and "Commander" Scholz. Photo by Tim Steiner.

Something was said between the two, McGraw walked to the top rope and in a moment of paramount class, stepped over the top rope, dropped to the apron and allowed his feet to touch the floor below.

Don Scholz was the winner of the Timmy Moore Memorial Battle Royal! The supportive crowd got to their feet and waved commemorative red, white and blue towels provided by Scholz himself. It was in celebration of one of their own and they appreciated their hero.

McGraw re-entered the ring, along with long-time friend Lou Martin to lift Scholz high into the Sheraden sky in celebration.

The Timmy Moore Memorial Battle Royal trophy does stay home after all.

Doyle And Starr: A Golden Series For The Ages

Freek E. Doyle has Shane Starr in a predicament. Photo by Yalina Yuschick.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

It goes without saying that Freek E. Doyle’s reign as the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Golden Triangle Champion has been historic. At more than 450 days, Doyle has been a successful titleholder since defeating Tyler Grayson at Brawl Under the Bridge.

Freek, who began as a manager and then tag team partner with Man-Child, set his sight on gold. Last year’s “KSWA Digest Megastar of the Year,” Freek has successfully defended Pittsburgh’s championship against a premier array of challengers.

Doyle has set his sights on antagonizing Shane Starr, a former three-time Golden Triangle Champion and one of the most popular Megastars in KSWA’s remarkable, 25-year history.

Starr found himself attacked by the Freek Show and Doyle himself in his hometown of Sharpsburg. Perhaps cheated out of a fourth championship by Doyle, Starr (only Justin Sane with 5 reigns has more), went to KSWA Championship Committee head Shawn Patrick and KSWA Owner Bobby O with a unique idea. Suggesting a “Best of Five” series of matches, Starr offered his August 30 loss to Doyle at Gino Brothers as a 0-1 launching point.

Bobby O and Patrick quickly agreed, and Starr has won the last two one-on-one contests. With October 18^th’s second-to-last KSWA event right around the corner, Starr could wrap up the series. He would then enter FanFest as Golden Triangle Champion.

However, Doyle has the Freek Show at the ready. There isn’t a strategic mastermind more prepared than Freek E. Doyle. He assuredly plans on retiring the Golden Triangle Championship at the end of the year. Justin Sane, The Ram, the mammoth Man-Child and the Manager of Champions, Mayor Mystery will all be called upon to maintain Doyle’s clench on the Golden Triangle Championship. [Starr did take out Mayor Mystery last month.]

The importance of the Golden Triangle Championship cannot be understated. Except for the KSWA Heavyweight Championship, the Golden Triangle Championship is the most storied belt in Pennsylvania.

Justin Sane was the first titleholder in 2000, and Hall of Famers Bobby Badfingers, “Big” Mike Malachi, The Latin Assassin, La Lucha, Bubba the Bulldog and even Frank Durso have had their names etched in KSWA history with the Golden Triangle Championship.

“The Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin and Double-Anthony Alexander, Kris Kash and “King” Del Douglas have all gallantly hoisted the Golden Triangle Championship; however, perhaps no one has characterized the verve of the gold than the one-time “Future” Shane Starr. A self-made champion who entered the KSWA upon his 18^th birthday 20 years ago, Starr has encapsulated the fighting spirit of the Steel City’s tentpole championship.

This is what makes this best-of-five series so significant. Two of the hardest-working Megastars currently on Pittsburgh wrestling’s official roster, Doyle and Starr, take equal pride in the Golden Triangle Championship.

Starr was the reigning Golden Triangle Champion when he defeated Martin for the KSWA Heavyweight Championship nearly 12 years ago. The KSWA Championship Committee forced Starr to relinquish the Golden Triangle strap, but he fought tooth-and-nail to keep it.

The current champion, Doyle has worked himself into elite condition. While he has taken the occasional short cut, Freek clearly takes the Golden Triangle very seriously.

As Pittsburgh’s professional wrestling organization winds down, Freek E. Doyle and Shane Starr have made this best-of-five series one of the organization’s finest.

 

 

Pizza, Pints And Piledrivers Take Over Sharpsburg One More Time

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

And just like that, the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s final Pizza, Pints and Piledrivers is this weekend in Sharpsburg.

The KSWA has had a long, illustrious history in the borough, starting with fundraisers for the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Mario Ferraro, Sr. Memorial Tournament.

In recent years, Pittsburgh’s official professional wrestling group has moved to an outdoor venue just outside the doors of Gino Brother’s Pizza Bar along Main Street. The largest crowd ever on June 14 witnessed Shawn Blanchard defeat “The Apostle” Joshua Kavod for the richest prize in the Commonwealth, the KSWA Heavyweight Championship. Blanchard hoisted the championship high into the Pittsburgh-area sky for the 7^th time. It’s interesting to note that Blanchard’s win this year was the very first time he won the championship outside the city limits, specifically Bloomfield and then Lawrenceville.

It's only apt that Blanchard defend the championship against the ever-evolving Kavod, who after a short time as an “Apostle” is now a battling “Bishop.” Kavod is eager to get a chance to win the belt back with only a few cards remaining before the ultimate FanFest.

Once again, Blanchard will have the guiding light of the Dynasty, “King” Del Douglas in his corner, as he defends against Kavod. Since winning the championship, Blanchard has defeated long-time friend/foe Lou Martin, as well as newcomer Daniel Exotic, as well as Sharpsburg’s own Shane Starr.

Starr will (reluctantly) team with long-time friend/foe and tag champion Kris Kash to defend against the Freek Show’s Man-Child and The Ram. They will be accompanied to the ring by the Manager of Champions and Mayor of Parts Unknown, Mayor Mystery. Kash and Starr, who started with the KSWA together 20 years ago, don’t see eye-to-eye, but through a unique set of circumstances, are once again tag team champions. They cannot lose sight of the prize, as the Ram and Man-Child are a formidable team and have a distinct advantage when it comes to strength and power. But the one-time Lost Boyz have legendary experience together.

The Five Star Championship will see title holder Tyler Grayson defend against the Megastar he beat for the belt, J-Ru. What may “The Artiste” have in store for the new Five Star Champion? With the Hall of Famer looking to regain gold, this might be the match of the night.

“The Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin will take on Justin Sane. The two are among the longest-tenured KSWA Megastars and have battled together and against one another over 25 years.

Also appearing will be KSWA Golden Triangle Champion Freek E. Doyle, Daniel Exotic, Curly John, Hunter Huffman, Tony Onyx, BIG Country Matt McGraw and more!

The event is Saturday, August 30 with a 6 p.m. bell time.

For more information, call 412-781-4466 or 412-726-1762 to reserve your front row seats or tables.

“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.