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Keystone State Wrestling Alliance
AcronymKSWA
FoundedFebruary 18, 2000
StyleAmerican wrestling
HeadquartersLawrenceville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Founder(s)Lou Zygmuncik
Shawn Blanchard
Owner(s)Lou Zygmuncik (2000–2005)
Bobby O (2005–Current)
Websitewww.kswa.net

The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) is a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2000 by Lou Zygmuncik and Shawn Blanchard. KSWA's longtime ring announcer Bobby O purchased the promotion in 2005. It is the only promotion based in Pittsburgh and one of several groups in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area including the International Wrestling Cartel and Pro Wrestling eXpress. It currently operates in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh.[1]

History

[edit]

The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance was established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Lou Zygmuncik and Shawn Blanchard in early 2000. Its debut show was held on February 18, 2000, at Peabody High School. The promotion slowly grew in popularity during the next few years. Bill Peduto, the mayor of Pittsburgh, has attended KSWA events.[2] In 2005, the promotion was a feature cover story in both The Front and the Pittsburgh City Paper.[3][4] Tony Norman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote that the KSWA was "one of the purest and most entertaining examples of Americana in Pittsburgh".[5]

In 2013, Pittsburgh Magazine called KSWA's live events one of the city's best tourist attractions in its "Best of the 'Burgh" column.[6] A year later, the promotion was profiled by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,[1] the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,[7] and The Wall Street Journal.[2] In August 2016, CBS Pittsburgh named the KSWA among the best locally based independent promotions along with the International Wrestling Cartel, Pro Wrestling eXpress and Ring of Honor.[8] KSWA's "Brawl Under the Bridge II", an outdoor show which took place underneath Homestead Grays Bridge, was covered by ABC News that summer.[9] On July 22, 2017, Demolition Ax wrestled his last singles match at "Brawl Under the Bridge III".[10]

Birth of the KSWA (2000–2005)

[edit]

The organization held six more events after its debut and saw the heavyweight title change hand twice between Skippy Hawke and Shawn Blanchard later in the year. Most of these events were in Bloomfield, at the Bloomfield VFW, where their fan base began to build. The promotion expanded its area of influence within the city. On August 26, 2000 the KSWA began running events in Lawrenceville, at the Candlelight Lounge. On August 14, 2004, with an established fan base, KSWA found a home in the Lawrenceville Moose Lodge which was dubbed the "KSWA Arena".[11]

In August 2005, "The Front" was the first media exposure for the organization, which focused on Anthony Alexander's victory over Biker Al for the Golden Triangle Championship. Later the same year, KSWA made its first appearance at Millvale days in September. The previous year, Hurricane Ivan severely flooded and damaged the small community by dumping 11 inches of rain in under 36 hours.[12] Being the first fair post storm, the borough brought the KSWA in for an extra morale boost. WPXI featured parts of a match as part of their rebound coverage; From then on, the KSWA has appeared in Millvale annually in the parade and performing.[11]

In November of the same year, the Pittsburgh City Paper now featured a show, bringing in even more fans the following show in December, which featured "La Lucha" and Justin Sane defeating Del Douglas for the tag team championship. The show continued adding to the now plentiful fan base which was dubbed the "KSWA Krazies" by Ring Announcer Trapper Tom. These "Krazies" began a tradition of donating toys to Allegheny County's "Holiday Project" campaign. This now annual show was dubbed "FanFest", and has brought thousands of toys to needy children in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.[11]

Modern era (2005–present)

[edit]

The year 2006 began a turning point for the KSWA. Early in 2006, the City Paper featured the group once again, interviewing several fans. All told the paper how much they enjoyed the show after moving in from other areas. 2006 featured 13 cards, including "Clash Against Cancer" that drew more than 300 people the KSWA Arena to benefit cancer research. Quickly following that, more than 320 fans attended the 2nd Annual FanFest and Toy Drive. Organizers believe that this is the first time in which attendance topped 300 for two consecutive KSWA events.[11]

"Battle Bowl" was introduced in January 2007. The annual Battle Royal event, brings in current and former, as well as surprise participants. Anthony Alexander won this first event, and quickly made the event a staple of the KSWA yearly rotation. During the rest of the 2007 calendar year, KSWA began appearing in more Pittsburgh area venues, Hosting a fundraiser in McKees Rocks and appeared twice at the nearby Obey House Tavern in the Crafton Heights section of the city. Several of the personalities also appeared on the "Humanity Matters" local cable TV show in the City of Pittsburgh. Once again, FanFest broke the KSWA's attendance record and ending in Anthony Alexander winning the Heavyweight Championship.[11]

The KSWA held 14 events in 2008, including, on March 29, the first Joe Abby Memorial Tournament. It was named in honor of "Killer" Joe Abby, a mainstay on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s. The Joe Abby Tournament became a way of honoring Pittsburgh's contributions to the pro wrestling industry, and saw Abby and Frank Durso, another Studio Wrestling regular, as the first wrestlers inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame. Blanchard, with Durso in his corner, defeated Kris Kash in the finals of the inaugural Joe Abby Tournament. That same year, the KSWA begin its association with the Lawrenceville Community's yearly “Fireworks Celebration” at Arsenal Park. On December 6, 2008, Demolition Ax was brought in by the KSWA for its third annual FanFest supercard. In the main event, Ax and Kris Kash defeated "VIP" members Blanchard and Martin. In January 2009, the first sweepstakes was held during the "Battle Bowl". Shawn Blanchard was the winner and received a shot at the World title and will remain the reward for a few years. In March 2009, Demolition Ax made his KSWA return at the second annual Joe Abby Tournament. He was admitted as the third member of the KSWA Hall of Fame by owner Bobby O, however, Ax later lost his match against Shawn Blanchard later in the night.[11]

On July 3, KSWA was invited back to the Lawrenceville Fireworks Celebration. "The Latin Assassin" took home $5,000 in a "Winner Take All" Battle Royal and Lord Zoltan made his debut in the KSWA ring. Zoltan, a long-time Pittsburgh-area independent wrestler, became one of the KSWA's biggest assets. The following day, the group traveled to Lake Latonka in Mercer County, PA. The event ended with Kris Kash chasing Lou Martin into the lake. In September, a fundraiser was held in the Ross Township Community Center. Called "Drop Kick Diabetes," the event raised funds for a Diabetic sufferer who had his legs amputated due to the disease. A then-record 406 fans attended the successful fundraiser. An undisclosed amount of money was raised for the man, but with the Chinese Auction and admission, it is estimated to be as much as 14,000 dollars.[11]

Another first for regulars occurred in October, when the KSWA debuted in the "Teamster Temple", on Butler Street in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. This time the group was there to help raise funds for the St John Neuman's Catholic School. Which would be a taste of events to come. The same month, Demolition Ax re-appeared with his Demolition partner, Smash, to face off against the reigning Tag Team Champions, Lou Martin and Shawn Blanchard. They won the match, but unable to return, relinquished the titles the next event. The match was featured in Pro Wrestling Illustrated.[11]

At FanFest, on December 5, 2009, Dominic DeNucci wrestled Frank Durso in DeNucci's first KSWA appearance. This match was later realized to have featured the two oldest participants professional wrestling history, and was enjoyed by fans of Pittsburgh's Studio Wrestling. DeNucci and Durso would again wrestle against each other in March 2010, as part of a six-man tag team match at the Joe Abby Memorial Tournament. The tournament also saw female wrestler Donna Christianello inducted into the Hall of Fame; Christianello died a slightly over a year later from complications of COPD. At the same show, then city councilman Bill Peduto declared March 27, 2010 to be "KSWA Day in the City of Pittsburgh."[11]

In May 2010, the KSWA experimented with a series of internet TV shows but chose not to pursue the concept any further. On July 31, the group traveled to Monongahela, Pennsylvania for a fundraiser benefiting a local football organization. Later in 2012 they did the same for the Guyasuta youth football team and cheerleading association in Sharpsburg, PA. On November 6, 2010, the KSWA partnered with the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department as a fundraiser. It eventually evolved into an annual event called the "Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament".[13] In the tag team main event of this tournament, titleholders Kris Kash and Shane Starr were accompanied to the ring by the manager of champions J. J. Dillon. However, as is customary for Dillon, the leader of The Four Horsemen, he turned on his team and hit one in the head with his loafer, then watched as Blanchard and Martin won the tag team championship.[11][14]

During the March 26, 2011 Joe Abby Memorial Tournament, the KSWA inducted Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt and Ron Romano into the Hall of Fame. Before this event, Hunt had been the subject of a feature story in the “New Pittsburgh Courier.” In July of the same year, the KSWA would travel to Plum Borough for the town's annual Community Festival at Larry Mills Park. They were again invited in 2012, but did not perform due to inclement weather.[11]

On December 3, an estimated 500-plus fans visited the KSWA Arena, nearing the building's permissible capacity to see a glimpse of George "The Animal" Steele. Tony Norman, columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, appeared as a guest ring announcer along with Lanny Frattare. The Post-Gazette included an article written by Norman, detailing his experience. Earlier in the day, KSWA owners and wrestlers attended a roast of Dominic DeNucci in Greentree, PA as his induction into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame was announced, then in Amsterdam, New York.[15] City Councilman Bill Peduto proclaimed December 3, 2011 as "Dominic DeNucci Day" in the City of Pittsburgh with an emotional bond to Studio Wrestling and his grandfather. Later that night, several attendees to the roast appeared at Fan Fest; Including DeNucci, Irish Davey O'Hannon, "Pretty Boy" Larry Sharpe, and Cody Michaels. "The Battman" Tony Marino made an appearance as well, restarting Lord Zoltan and Justin Sane's team "Party Gras" match, causing them to remain the KSWA tag team champions. Pittsburgh Police reported to the KSWA that an estimated 250 fans were turned away due to the Occupational Ordinance. Civil Air Patrol's Color Guard presented the Colors for the national anthem.[11]

During the show of November 17, 2012, KSWA held its first fundraiser for Connecting Communities. This organization provides assistance to mentally disabled persons. They would later hold a second fundraiser.[11]

December 8, 2012, during the annual FanFest, Bruno Sammartino inducted into the Hall of Fame by owner Bobby O. A few months later, Sammartino was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in Madison Square Garden. Sammartino attended the event along with his friend, Domenic DeNucci, where a record setting attendance of 523 fans was recorded.[11]

Tommy Faime, a KSWA "Original", was the first alumnus to be inducted, which occurred at the Joe Abby Tournament in 2013.[11]

Prior to KSWA's "Summertime Bruise" 2013, Pittsburgh Magazine wrote an article featuring the upcoming show about their atmosphere. Later in the year, they would also be featured in the "Best of Pittsburgh" for "Best Place To Stand Around With a PBR."[11]

On March 26, 2016, at the 9th annual Joe Abby Memorial Tournament, the KSWA held its 200th event. On September 10, 2016, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey presented the promoters with a special certificate recognizing the KSWA as the "longest-running professional wrestling organization in the city's history". It was similarly honored by Governor Tom Wolf.[16][17]

Covid-19

[edit]

After the February 22, 2020 match, all subsequent KSWA events were cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Governor Tom Wolf's executive shut down order. Outdoor events resumed on May 14, 2021.

Charity work

[edit]

The promotion has long been involved with both Pittsburgh-based and international charity organizations. KSWA typically runs 15 shows for charity each year.[18] Its shows have raised money for cystic fibrosis research, volunteer fire departments and local food banks. KSWA's year-end "Fan Fest" supercard, co-hosted by the Allegheny Holiday Project, is held for local children as a holiday toy drive and has collected an estimated 7,500 toys since 2005. Another annual event, "Brawl Under the Bridge", was started in the summer of 2015 as a benefit show for children in Allegheny County.[19]

Roster

[edit]

Wrestlers

[edit]
Lord Zoltan
Ring name[20] Notes Active time range
Anthony Alexander KSWA World Heavyweight Champion 2001–2011; 2017–current
Bobby Badfingers KSWA Hall of Fame, Class of 2020 2009–2018
BRO Hemoth KSWA Tag Team Champion 2017
The Cleveland Bruiser 2017
"The King" Del Douglas 2002–current
Dennis Gregory 2017
Gino Slice 2017
Harley T. Morris KSWA 5-Star Champion 2015–current
Ice Machine 2016–2017
Jack Massacre 2011–current
Jay Flash[16] 2010–2017
The Jester KSWA Tag Team Champion 2010–current
Joey Quervo 2000–current
Justin Sane 2000–current
Kris Kash 2005–2019
L.A. Gold 2016–current
Lord Zoltan 2009–2018
Lou Martin 2000–current
Lucio Deveer 2017-Current
Matt McGraw 2017-Current
Mike Malachi 2000–2010; 2014–2019
Mitch Napier KSWA Tag Team Champion 2009–current
MV Young 2017-2018
Shane Starr 2005–current
Shawn Blanchard 2000–current
T Rantula KSWA Tag Team Champion 2015–current
Tommy Faime KSWA Golden Triangle Champion 2000–2005; 2008; 2010; 2014–current
YINZA 2017
Zak Hunter 2017

Managers and valets

[edit]
Ring name[20] Notes Active time range
Dave Marbell 2015–current
Mayor Mystery 2009–current

Referees

[edit]
Ring name[20] Notes Active time range
Adam Jugan A deaf referee, son of Ken Jugan 2016–current
David Fedor "Head Referee" during his time 2014–2018
Jimmy James 2004–2014; 2017–current
Shawn Patrick 2012–current

Other on-air personnel

[edit]
Ring Announcer Trapper Tom at 2014 Fan Fest
Ring name[20] Notes Active time range
Bobby O Ring announcer 2000–2005
Owner 2005–current 		2000–current
Joe Perri KSWA Commissioner; died of cancer in 2020[21] 2000–2020
Trapper Tom Main Ring announcer,[22] Editor, KSWA Digest, CCAC Instructor.[23][24] 2005–current

Alumni

[edit]
Demolition Ax
Demolition Smash
The Honky Tonk Man (left) with "The Snakeman" Deven Michaels (right)
Zach Gowen
J. J. Dillon
Lord Zoltan
Nikolai Volkoff
Tito Santana
Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton as The Rock 'n' Roll Express
Bushwhacker Luke

Both active and former members are listed under the "All Time K.S.W.A Megastar Roster" on the KSWA website. HOF indicates Hall of Fame.[25]

  • Anita Bush
  • Anthony Alexander
  • Alex Arcadian
  • Angie Minelli (HOF)
  • Brett Paradise
  • Bob Thomas
  • Billy Rich
  • Bosco Baracus
  • BC Steele
  • Blue Bat
  • Bobby O
  • Biker Al
  • Billy Glander
  • “Big” Bubba Balbowski
  • Bobby Badfingers[26]
  • Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt (HOF)
  • “Bushwhacker” Luke Williams
  • Bruno Sammartino (HOF)
  • “Big Bully” Busick (HOF)[27][28]
  • Bill Apter (HOF)[29][30]
  • Baron Mikel Scicluna (HOF)
  • BROhemoth (Ian Taylor, debuted 2017)[31]
  • Bubba The Bulldog
  • Brian Hildebrand (HOF)
  • Cousin Elmer
  • Chopper Davidson
  • Cobra
  • Chasity
  • Chaos
  • Cody Michaels (HOF)
  • “Chilly Billy” Bill Cardille (HOF)[32]
  • “Cannonball” Chuck Martoni (HOF)
  • Curt Wootton (Pittsburgh Dad)
  • Cleveland Bruiser
  • "Dr. Devastation" Lou Martin (Lou Zygmuncik)[2][5]
  • Devil Bhudakahn
  • "Drunken Luchadore" Joey Quervo
  • D’Licious
  • Dave Diamond
  • Demolition Ax (HOF)[10][33]
  • Donna Christantello (HOF)[34]
  • Demolition Smash[10]
  • Dominic DeNucci (HOF)
  • Doink The Clown
  • Dave Marbell
  • Dennis Gregory
  • Eric "The Electric" Love
  • Eric Extasy
  • Edric Everhart
  • El Skeletorious
  • Eugene Palermo (HOF)
  • Frank Durso (HOF)
  • Frank Holtz (HOF)
  • "Flying" Ryan Burke
  • "Gentleman" Joe Perri
  • "Gorgeous" Greg Wallace
  • George "The Animal" Steele (HOF)
  • Gino Slice
  • Howard Kernats (HOF)
  • Harley T. Morris
  • "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan[35]
  • Hillbilly Jim
  • "Iceman" Tony Johnson
  • “Irish” Davey O’Hannon
  • Ice Machine
  • Justin Sane[36]
  • Justin Idol
  • Jake Garrett
  • JT Rodgers
  • Jameson T. Samson
  • Joe Abby (HOF)
  • J Ru
  • J. J. Dillon (HOF)
  • Jack Massacre[2][7]
  • Jonny Axx
  • Jay Flash (debuted 2010)[16][37]
  • "Jumpin" Johnny DeFazio (HOF)
  • Kingdom James
  • Kaida (also Ali Kaida)[7]
  • Kris Kash[1]
  • La Lucha
  • Latin Assassin
  • Lord Zoltan (HOF)[2][38][36][35]
  • Larry Zbyszko
  • Lanny Frattare (HOF)[39]
  • “Luscious” Johnny Valiant (HOF)
  • Lucio Deveer
  • Michael Blade
  • Mike Malachi[1][2]
  • Mantis
  • Mad Mike
  • ”Midevil” Mike Wrath
  • Mercedes
  • “Mr. Puniverse” Bob Atlas
  • Midnight Biker
  • Mike Buda
  • ”Mr. 8x10” Michael Cruz
  • Manic
  • Mitch Napier
  • Mayor Mystery
  • MV Young[40]
  • Marcus Knight
  • “Nasty” Nick Crane[35]
  • “Night Train” Wes Fetty
  • Nikolai Volkoff[19]
  • "Officer" Dan Murphy
  • "Pretty Boy" Larry Sharpe
  • Paul Jordane
  • Pie Traynor (HOF)
  • QB Blitzz
  • ”Ring Announcer” Hank Hudson
  • “Referee” Donald Brasher
  • ”Referee” Kevin Weeks
  • “Referee” Chris Kakapalis
  • “Referee” Harold Potter
  • “Ring Announcer” Michelle Cox
  • “Referee” Dick Wigglesworth
  • “Ring Announcer” Michael Lysy
  • "Ring Announcer" Trapper Tom
  • “Referee” Matthew Calamare
  • “Referee” Shawn Patrick (HOF)
  • ”Ring Announcer” Adam Montgomery
  • "Referee" Jimmy James
  • Ric Rumskey
  • "Referee" Justin Smith
  • "Referee" Dave Fedor
  • Ron Romano (HOF)
  • “Referee” Bucky Palmero (HOF)[41]
  • Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
  • “Referee” Adam Jugan
  • Remy Levay
  • "Referee" Trick McSorley
  • Ricky Morton
  • Robert Gibson
  • Skippy Hawke
  • Shawn Blanchard
  • Soul Fighter
  • Shaun Adams
  • Shane O’Shea
  • Selest
  • Super Hentai
  • Shirley Doe
  • Shadow Strike
  • Star
  • Sam “The Hammer” Slej
  • Sheik Mohammed Abu
  • Shane Starr[1]
  • Sara Brooks
  • Sam Squatch
  • Super Ginger
  • Sniper[1][42]
  • Stan Squatch
  • Sheriff Steele / Preston Steele[43]
  • Sylvester Scarpone
  • Tommy Faime[44]
  • The Great Toyota
  • “The Misfit” Jeff Lockhart
  • The Kazmanian Devil
  • The Black Scorpion
  • "The King" Del Douglas
  • "The Natural" Terry Van Horn
  • “The Snake Man” Deven Michaels
  • TJ Phillips
  • The Blood Beast
  • The Asian Persuasion
  • “The Revoultionist” Jamie Blaze
  • Tyler Cross
  • The Bulldozer[7]
  • The Jester[1][2]
  • "The Battman" Tony Marino
  • Tommy Horror
  • The Honky Tonk Man[35]
  • T Rantula
  • "The Gavel" David Lawless, Esq.
  • Tito Santana
  • Veronica Von Irons
  • Vince Viper
  • Van Hughes
  • Vinnie Stone
  • YINZA[26]
  • Zero
  • Zach Gowen
  • Zak Hunter

Other guests

[edit]
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
The Honky Tonk Man
Cody Michaels
Shane Douglas

Stables and tag teams

[edit]
Tag team/Stable(s) Members Tenure(s)[citation needed]
The Best Team Ever Alex Arcadian and Ric Rumskey 2008–2009
2011
The Big Game Hunters Zak Hunter and BROhemoth 2017–
Demolition Demolition Ax and Demolition Smash 2009
2016
Glamm Slamm Duo QB Blitzz and Sam Slej 2003–2004
The International Thugs Ali Kaida and Mike Malachi 2006–2009
2014
The Ironside Crew Del Douglas, Mike Malachi and Shane O'Shea 2001–2004
Lawless & Order David Lawless and Officer Dan Murphy 2018–
The Lost Boyz Kris Kash and Shane Starr 2010–2017
The Masked Marvels Joey Quervo and Great Toyota 2008–2012
The Mercenaries Nick Crane and Sniper 2012–2016
The Mexican Connection Joey Quervo and La Lucha 2007–2010
Rare Breed Alex Arcadian and Ric Rumskey 2008–2009
2011
The Rock 'n' Roll Express Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton 2017
Party Gras Justin Sane and Lord Zoltan 2011–2017
Photo-OP Jay Flash and Tony Johnson 2010–2014
The Prime Time Players Billy Rich and Anthony Alexander 2001–2003
Sexual Harassment JT Rodgers and Eric Xtasy 2002–2003
Spear Asylum Bobby Badfingers and Vinnie Stone 2016–2017
System Elite Edric Everhart and Tyler Cross 2013–2014
The VIPs Frank Durso, Shane Starr, Tommy Faime, Shawn Blanchard and Lou Martin 2000
2002–2004
2008–2013
2015–2017
Violence Inc. Ric Rumskey and Vinnie Stone 2009–2010

Events

[edit]

Joe Abby Memorial Tournament

[edit]

The Joe Abby Memorial Tournament is an annual professional wrestling single-elimination tournament produced by the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) promotion, which has been held since 2008. It was briefly held as a tag team tournament from 2012 to 2013 and as a four-man tag team tournament from 2015 to 2016. It is held in memory of "Killer" Joe Abby, a Studio Wrestling star during the 1970s, who died from a heart attack on November 14, 1996.[46]

Year Name Date Location Notes
2008 Shawn Blanchard March 29, 2008 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2009 Lou Martin March 28, 2009 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2010 The Latin Assassin March 27, 2010 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2011 Mitch Napier March 26, 2011 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2012 Del Douglas and The Jester March 24, 2012 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2013 Tony Johnson and Jay Flash March 23, 2013 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [16][47]
2014 Lord Zoltan March 29, 2014 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2015 Team Faime
(Tommy Faime, Del Douglas, Lou Martin and Jay Flash) 		March 28, 2015 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [47]
2016 Team Faime
(Tommy Faime, Bobby Badfingers, Vinnie Stone and Jay Flash) 		March 26, 2016 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [16][47]
2017 Anthony Alexander March 25, 2017 Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [48]

Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament

[edit]

The Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament is an annual professional wrestling single-elimination tournament produced by the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) promotion, which has been held since 2013. It is held in memory of Mario Ferraro Sr., a local Pittsburgh wrestling fan, who died on July 9, 2013.[13]

Year Name Date Location Notes
2013 Kris Kash November 16, 2013 Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
2014 Lou Martin November 8, 2014 Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
2015 Lord Zoltan November 7, 2015 Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
2016 Mitch Napier November 12, 2016 Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania

Fan Fest

[edit]
The KSWA ring prior 2015 Fan Fest

Every December, KSWA holds its annual "Fan Fest". Comparable to the larger organization WWE's WrestleMania, it draws their largest crowd and many championship opportunities and feuds build to this event. The event has Chinese auction raffles, giveaways, and a visit usually, a visit from Santa Claus. This event also hosts "big ticket names," and routinely draws more than 500 people. Fan Fest, which is co-hosted by the Allegheny Holiday Project, is held for local children as a holiday toy drive and has collected an estimated 7,500 toys since 2005.[19]

Millvale Days

[edit]
Kris Kash battling Lou Martin at Millvale Days

Every September, the KSWA has been invited to Millvale Days, a community street fair held on Grant Street for a weekend. The KSWA performs Friday and Saturday nights on the street, drawing large crowds every time due to the high risk of performing on the streets. The second day, usually a Saturday, ends in a "Battle Royal" where the winner is crowned "The King of Millvale". Wrestler "The King" Del Douglas is the self-proclaimed "King of Millvale" after being the reigning champion of the event for several years since KSWA's first appearance at the fair.[49]

Brawl Under the Bridge

[edit]

Starting in 2015, the KSWA has been invited to Homestead to participate in their street fair, which features the ring set up under the Homestead Grays Bridge, generating the name "Brawl Under the Bridge". The event was featured in a spot on ABC News by Michael Koenigs as he cycled across America.[9] Wrestler Nikolai Volkoff, who began his professional wrestling career in Pittsburgh as a "Mongol," sang "God Bless America" before the event, was interviewed by Koenigs, was a featured guest.

In 2017, Bill Eadie (Demolition Ax) wrestled in his last match as a single's competitor, against KSWA mainstay Shawn Blanchard.[50] The contest was for the "Brawl Under The Bridge" championship. Eadie received a proclamation from Governor Tom Wolf,[51] recognizing his career, and Demolition Ax won the "Brawl Under The Bridge" Championship.[52]

KSWA Hall of Fame

[edit]

The KSWA Hall of Fame is an American professional wrestling hall of fame maintained by the Pittsburgh-based promotion Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA). It was established in 2008[53] to honor wrestlers who have wrestled for the promotion and select wrestling personalities who have made significant contributions to professional wrestling in Pittsburgh and the Northeastern United States. The KSWA Hall of Fame has become the de facto "Pittsburgh Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame."[54]

Hall of Famers from left to right, Bruno Sammartino, Howard Kernats and Dominic DeNucci
Hall of Fame class of 2016, left to right: Lanny Frattare, Eugene Palermo, T. Rantula, and Baron Mikel Scicluna's son, Mike
Inductees[55]
# Year Ring name
(Birth name)[Note 1] 		Notes[Note 2]
1 2008 Joe Abby Posthumous induction; first inductee; Studio Wrestling staple; local businessman[56]
2 2008 Frank Durso Studio Wrestling staple; advisor to the VIPs
3 2009 Demolition Ax
(Bill Eadie) 		Brownsville, PA native; began career in Pittsburgh; fame as The Masked Superstar & Demolition; KSWA Tag Team Champion
4 2010 Donna Christantello Most influential female wrestler from Pittsburgh[34]
5 2010 Dominic DeNucci Multi-time champion and trainer; Italian immigrant who made Pittsburgh home
6 2011 Ron Romano Posthumous induction; Studio Wrestling staple
7 2011 Bobby "Hurricane" Hunt Charismatic high-flier, Studio Wrestling staple; Pittsburgher
8 2012 Bruno Sammartino "The Living Legend"; multi-time champion; Italian immigrant who made Pittsburgh home
9 2012 Lord Zoltan
(Ken Jugan) 		Multi-time champion; often called the most important Indy Wrestler to come from Western PA[36]
10 2012 Howard Kernats "Unofficial" photographer
11 2013 George "The Animal" Steele
(William Myers) 		Innovator; one of Bruno Sammartino's greatest foes; became a beloved fan favorite
12 2013 Bucky Palermo Studio Wrestling referee; shoe-maker; businessman; father of Eugene Palermo[41]
13 2013 Johnny Valiant
(John Sullivan) 		Pittsburgher who found great fame as wrestler and manager
14 2013 Tommy Faime
(Tom Dobbins) 		Former KSWA Heavyweight Champion; first "KSWA Original" to be inducted
15 2014 Chuck Martoni Studio Wrestling wrestler who earned greater importance as local politician and leader
16 2014 Bill Cardille Synonymous with WPXI's "Studio Wrestling" as broadcaster and personality[32]
17 2014 Johnny De Fazio "Jumpin'" Johnny DeFazio; a Studio Wrestling fan favorite; equaled his fame as local union leader and politician
18 2015 Big Bully Busick
(Nick Busick) 		Weirton, West Virginia native who began his wrestling career in Pittsburgh; multi-time champion, powerlifter and motivational speaker[27][57]
19 2015 J. J. Dillon
(James Morrison) 		Credits Pittsburgh for his start in wrestling; legendary leader of the 4-Horseman; has managed Shawn Blanchard to KSWA Championship
20 2016 Lanny Frattare Pittsburgh Pirates radio announcer who frequents events and guest ring announces [39]
21 2016 Eugene Palermo Son of Bucky Palermo; valet and "second" to many wrestlers over the years
22 2016 Baron Mikel Scicluna One of Studio Wrestling and Pittsburgh's most-feared veterans; once defeated Bruno Sammartino via DQ
23 2016 T. Rantula
(David Younkins) 		One of the region's most-accomplished "giants"; wrestled for ECW, WCW, WWE; ran own promotion Far North
24 2017 Bill Apter one of the industry's leading journalists, photographers and personalities[29][58]
25 2017 Pie Traynor Major League Baseball Hall of Famer who became a Pittsburgh Sports broadcaster and Studio Wrestling pitchman.[59]
26 2017 Frank Holtz "The Fighting Cop From Carnegie"; a Studio Wrestling fan favorite; real-life police officer[58][59]
27 2017 Joe Perri Manager of "The Gentleman's Club" and "International Thugs"; "Kommissioner" and sometimes match maker
28 2018 Brian Hildebrand Referee, Inducted posthumuously[60]
29 2018 Shawn Patrick Referee
30 2018 Angie Minelli
31 2018 Cody Michaels
32 2019 Preston Steele 5 times International Wrestling Association Intercontinental Champion
33 2019 Steve Novak
34 2019 "Nasty" Nick Crane
35 2020 Bobby Badfingers
36 2020 Mike Malachi
37 2020 Tom Davenport
38 2020 Mike Malachi, Bobby O and Bob Badfingers
39 2021 Ace Freeman
40 2021 La Lucha
41 2021 Eddie Faieta
42 2021 The Sicilians
(Tony Altomare and Lou Albano)
43 2021 Tony Marino
44 2022 Dennis Gregory
44 2022 Andy "Kid" DePaul
45 2022 Bubba the Bulldog
46 2022 Dennis Gregory
47 2022 Mayor Mystery
48 2023[61] “The Beast” Ken Cerminara
49 2023[61] Geeto Mongol
(Newton Tattrie)
50 2023[61] “Irish” Red Walsh
51 2023[61] “Mad Dog” Tony Lutz
52 2023[61] T.C. Reynolds
  1. ^ Entries without a birth name indicates that the inductee did not perform under a ring name.
  2. ^ This section mainly lists the major accomplishments of each inductee.

Championships

[edit]
Main article: List of Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Champions

Current championships

[edit]

The KSWA currently has four regular Championship Titles and one annual title.

Championship Notes
KSWA Heavyweight Championship The heavyweight title of the KSWA; regarded as the "Most Prestigious Single's Title In The Commonwealth"[62]
KSWA Tag Team Championship The tag team title of the KSWA[63]
KSWA Golden Triangle Championship Represents the city of Pittsburgh[64]
KSWA Five Star Championship The theoretical home of "Five-Star" matches[65] The title was established in 2010 as the promotion's junior heavyweight championship and was defended until 2012.[66]
KSWA "Brawl Under the Bridge" Championship Special Championship awarded for the "Brawl Under the Bridge" event[67]

Former championships

[edit]
Championship Notes
KSWA Pittsburgh Heavyweight Championship The title was established in 2001 and defended through the year.[66]
KSWA International Heavyweight Championship The title was established in 2002 and defended through the year.[66]
KSWA Tri-State Heavyweight Championship The title was established in 2003 and defended until 2006.[66]

Sources

[edit]

 This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC-By-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from From Butler Street to Wall Street: How the KSWA Became the Toast of America's Biggest Newspaper​, Thomas Leturgey, Patch.com.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Stanley-Becker, Isaac (July 4, 2014). "Old-time wrestling lives in Lawrenceville". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Maher, Kris (June 20, 2014). "For Aging Pro Wrestlers, Dreams Get Body-Slammed but Never Die". The Wall Street Journal.
  3. ^ "Summer Time Bruise". The Front. August 20, 2005.
  4. ^ Meinzer, Melissa (November 10, 2005). "To The Mat; Aspiring professional wrestlers, and their fans, live their dreams in Lawrenceville". Pittsburgh City Paper.
  5. ^ a b Norman, Tony (December 6, 2011). "Local pro wrestling looks good up close". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  6. ^ Collier, Sean; Isenberg, Robert; Martin, Kristina; May, Mike; Sober, Matt; Wander, Jonathan (June 20, 2013). "Best of the 'Burgh 2013". Pittsburgh Magazine.
  7. ^ a b c d Wathen, Guy (October 26, 2014). "Keystone State wrestlers do it all for the 'Krazies'". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  8. ^ Stockdale, Jennifer (August 15, 2016). "Best Upcoming Pro Wrestling Shows Near Pittsburgh". CBS Pittsburgh.
  9. ^ a b Koenigs, Michael (July 26, 2016). "'Election Cycle' Smackdown: Brawl Under the Bridge". ABC News.
  10. ^ a b c Leturgey, Thomas (July 12, 2017). "Demolition Ax, Bill Eadie, plans to end his career where he started it, in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh City Paper.
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  12. ^ Majors, Dan and Ann Belser (August 9, 2007). "Millvale's in the eye of the storm again". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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  29. ^ a b Boman, Ryan K. (March 31, 2017). "The man whose life has been a WrestleMania". Miami Herald.
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  34. ^ a b Johnson, Mike (August 26, 2011). "70s and 80s Female Star Donna Christanello Passes Away". PWInsider.com.
  35. ^ a b c d "Welcome".
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  37. ^ Leturgey, Thomas (November 23, 2014). "Back In A Flash: Jay Flash back in ring after gruesome break". New Pittsburgh Courier. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
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  39. ^ a b "Frattare Inducted Into KSWA Wrestling Hall of Fame". PBRTV.com. March 29, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  40. ^ Steele, Jerin (August 14, 2016). "Burrell grad Young returns home to wrestle professionally". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  41. ^ a b Leturgey, Tom (June 8, 2017). "Longtime Pittsburgh referee Bucky Palermo passes away". Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 24, 2017.
  42. ^ Zeiler, Kayte (January 31, 2017). "BPHS custodian wrestles more than germs". Hawk Eye.
  43. ^ "For a Quarter Century, "Sheriff" Steele Has Aided Congregation Beth Shalom, and He Brings KSWA Megastars with Him".
  44. ^ Gillooly, Amanda (March 3, 2013). "Canonsburg's 'Faime' To Be Inducted Into Wrestling Hall of Fame". Canon-Mcmillan Patch.
  45. ^ Terris, Ben (January 4, 2017). "Every pro wrestler respects a good shtick. That's why this one voted for Donald Trump". Chicago Tribune.
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  50. ^ Leturgey, Thomas. "Demolition Ax, Bill Eadie, plans to end his career where he started it, in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
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  53. ^ Keystone State Wrestling Alliance – Hall of Fame KSWA.net
  54. ^ "THE RICH HISTORY OF AN INDEPENDENT WRESTLING HALL OF FAME CONTINUES IN PITTSBURGH". 1wrestling.com. January 10, 2017. Archived from the original on September 7, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
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  56. ^ "Keystone State Wrestling Alliance – Joe Abby Memorial Night". www.kswa.net. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  57. ^ "Retired Wrestler 'Big Bully' Busick Defeats Cancer". CBS Pittsburgh. June 11, 2016.
  58. ^ a b "KEYSTONE STATE ADDS ANOTHER TO THEIR HALL OF FAME". 1wrestling.com. March 8, 2017. Archived from the original on March 20, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  59. ^ a b DiVittorio, Michael. "Former Carnegie police chief to be honored for 'Studio Wrestling' career". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  60. ^ "Cody And Curtis: A Friendship Destined For The Hall Of Fame". keystonestatement.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  61. ^ a b c d e Leturgey, Trapper Tom (November 1, 2023). "Cerminara, Lutz, Mongol, Reynolds & Walsh make up 2023 KSWA Hall of Fame Class". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  62. ^ "K.S.W.A. Heavyweight Title History". KSWA.net.
  63. ^ "K.S.W.A. Tag Team Title History". KSWA.net.
  64. ^ "K.S.W.A. Golden Triangle Title History". KSWA.net.
  65. ^ "K.S.W.A. Five Star Title History". KSWA.net.
  66. ^ a b c d "Vacant K.S.W.A. Title History". KSWA.net.
  67. ^ "K.S.W.A. "Brawl Under the Bridge" Title History". KSWA.net.
[edit]
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