This article is being written through the eyes of a fan. That fan is yours truly. First let me give you a little background regarding my experience with IWA Mid-South without boring you too much. I have been a supporter of IWA Mid-South since around 2000 when I was a senior in high school and a friend & co-worker of mine (now a co-writer & co-host of the Indy Power Rankings-on Twitter @vicvonerich) suggested I come to a wrestling show in Charlestown, IN with him. That night I saw things that I had never seen any wrestling company in the Kentuckiana (a term used to describe Louisville and its surrounding counties, cities, and towns, including those just across the river in Southern Indiana) area showcase. It was an absolutely insane mix of technical wrestling, high-flying, and hardcore wrestling that bombarded my senses. I never thought I would get this East coast wrestling style in my local region, until I made the 30 minute trek to a little barn/garage in Charlestown that night. From that day forward, I have been hooked on the product that helped revitalize indy wrestling in our area. Now going on 13 years as an IWA fan (or Kool-Aid drinker as they call some of us), the return to Southern Indiana has given me that old familiar feeling again.
As a follower of ECW in my teenage years, I was very familiar with many of the names associated with IWA in the early 2000’s, such as: Ian Rotten, Axl Rotten, Sabu, and Tracy Smothers. There were also several unknown youngsters coming in at the time by the name of: Colt Cabana, Chris Hero, CM Punk, and BJ Whitmer. From Suicide Kid to Hy-Zaya to American Kickboxer to Tarek the Great in the light heavyweight division, to guys like Corporal Robinson, the Necro Butcher, Rollin Hard (R.I.P), and Mean Mitch Page in their own hardcore portion of the cards. Many of the aforementioned names have since retired, but now that IWA has been resurrected, several of them have returned to give IWA that nostalgic flavor we all love so much.
After far too long of an absence, on July 20th, 2013, IWA presented “Simply the Best 9” which was their second show in Clarksville, IN since their return in June. On that night fans in attendance (myself included) were treated to Ian Rotten vs. Simon Sezz in a “No Rope Barbed Wire Madness Match”, a “Fans Bring The Weapons Match” between Matt Tremont & Devon Moore along with the return of Mitch Page in a Tables & Chairs match. The card also featured the must watch “Styles Clash” battle between Necro Butcher & ROH Star Kyle O’Reilly and a show stealing opening contest with Jack Thriller vs. Collin Holmes. BJ Whitmer vs. Chris Hamrick helped tear the house down as well. Not to be outdone, Zach Gowen & Jimmy Jacobs engaged in a fun to watch clash with Reed Bentley & Trik Davis. Oh, and an independent wrestling dream match between Scotty Vortekz and Davey Richards that lived up to all expectations. The point is, without a doubt, IWA emphatically proved that they were BACK.
Now we have to wait a little over a month before we can get our IWA fix again. The events on September 13th and 14th will be the shows that the entire U.S. independent wrestling community will be watching and following. It will be a HUGE weekend in Clarksville as the Ted Petty Invitational returns! On back to back nights, 24 wrestlers will vie to prove that they are unquestionably the best independent wrestler in the world today. IWA Mid-South has most definitely returned with a bang, and starting on Friday the 13th of all dates, they have the opportunity to return to a renaissance in their history, an age when IWA was one of greatest companies in the Midwest as well as the United States as a whole. And for a fan of the Friday the 13th films, the beginning of the TPI might mean nothing but the best of luck. With huge indy wrestling names announced such as Eddie Edwards, “Chiva Kid” Andrew Everett, Michael Elgin, and last week’s #1 in the Indy Power Rankings, Prince Mustafa Ali, how could this year’s tournament be anything but amazing? And for fans of the blood and gore that IWA has been known for in the past, Jimmy Jacobs and the # 6 in the Indy Power Rankings for the week of July 15, 2013, “Cut Throat” Reed Bentley, will engage in a “First Blood” match on Night 1 looking to settle their heated rivalry. The 2013 Ted Petty Invitational Tournament is not just about revisiting the rich (almost) 17 year history of IWA Mid-South, it’s about establishing an all new following for the future.
Expect a full preview of the 2013 TPI in the next few weeks!
Want to discuss this article? Tweet me @PhenomenalTLD or email me at PhenomenalTLD@gmail.com
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