Keystone State Wrestling Alliance

Last updated

Keystone State Wrestling Alliance
AcronymKSWA
FoundedFebruary 18, 2000
StyleAmerican wrestling
Headquarters Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Founder(s)Lou Zygmuncik
Shawn Blanchard
Owner(s)Lou Zygmuncik (2000–2005)
Bobby O (2005–Current)
Website www.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]

Contents

History

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)

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)

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

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

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]

Events

Joe Abby Memorial Tournament

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. [20]

YearNameDateLocationNotes
2008Shawn BlanchardMarch 29, 2008Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2009Lou MartinMarch 28, 2009Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2010The Latin AssassinMarch 27, 2010Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2011Mitch NapierMarch 26, 2011Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2012Del Douglas and The JesterMarch 24, 2012Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2013Tony Johnson and Jay FlashMarch 23, 2013Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [16] [21]
2014 Lord Zoltan March 29, 2014Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2015Team Faime
(Tommy Faime, Del Douglas, Lou Martin and Jay Flash)		March 28, 2015Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [21]
2016Team Faime
(Tommy Faime, Bobby Badfingers, Vinnie Stone and Jay Flash)		March 26, 2016Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [16] [21]
2017Anthony AlexanderMarch 25, 2017Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania [22]

Mario Ferraro Sr. Memorial Tournament

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]

YearNameDateLocationNotes
2013Kris KashNovember 16, 2013Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
2014Lou MartinNovember 8, 2014Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
2015 Lord Zoltan November 7, 2015Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
2016Mitch NapierNovember 12, 2016Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania

Fan Fest

The KSWA ring prior 2015 Fan Fest KSWARing.jpg
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

Kris Kash battling Lou Martin at Millvale Days KrisKashLouMartin.jpg
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. [23]

Brawl Under the Bridge

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. [24] The contest was for the "Brawl Under The Bridge" championship. Eadie received a proclamation from Governor Tom Wolf, [25] recognizing his career, and Demolition Ax won the "Brawl Under The Bridge" Championship. [26]

KSWA Hall of Fame

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 [27] 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." [28]

Hall of Famers from left to right, Bruno Sammartino, Howard Kernats and Dominic DeNucci KSWAhalloffame.jpg
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 KSWAhalloffame2016.jpg
Hall of Fame class of 2016, left to right: Lanny Frattare, Eugene Palermo, T. Rantula, and Baron Mikel Scicluna's son, Mike
Inductees [29]
#YearRing name
(Birth name) [Note 1] 		Notes [Note 2]
12008Joe AbbyPosthumous induction; first inductee; Studio Wrestling staple; local businessman [30]
22008Frank DursoStudio Wrestling staple; advisor to the VIPs
32009 Demolition Ax
(Bill Eadie)		Brownsville, PA native; began career in Pittsburgh; fame as The Masked Superstar & Demolition; KSWA Tag Team Champion
42010 Donna Christantello Most influential female wrestler from Pittsburgh [31]
52010 Dominic DeNucci Multi-time champion and trainer; Italian immigrant who made Pittsburgh home
62011Ron RomanoPosthumous induction; Studio Wrestling staple
72011Bobby "Hurricane" HuntCharismatic high-flier, Studio Wrestling staple; Pittsburgher
82012 Bruno Sammartino "The Living Legend"; multi-time champion; Italian immigrant who made Pittsburgh home
92012 Lord Zoltan
(Ken Jugan)		Multi-time champion; often called the most important Indy Wrestler to come from Western PA [32]
102012Howard Kernats"Unofficial" photographer
112013 George "The Animal" Steele
(William Myers)		Innovator; one of Bruno Sammartino's greatest foes; became a beloved fan favorite
122013Bucky PalermoStudio Wrestling referee; shoe-maker; businessman; father of Eugene Palermo [33]
132013 Johnny Valiant
(John Sullivan)		Pittsburgher who found great fame as wrestler and manager
142013Tommy Faime
(Tom Dobbins)		Former KSWA Heavyweight Champion; first "KSWA Original" to be inducted
152014Chuck MartoniStudio Wrestling wrestler who earned greater importance as local politician and leader
162014 Bill Cardille Synonymous with WPXI's "Studio Wrestling" as broadcaster and personality [34]
172014 Johnny De Fazio "Jumpin'" Johnny DeFazio; a Studio Wrestling fan favorite; equaled his fame as local union leader and politician
182015 Big Bully Busick
(Nick Busick)		Weirton, West Virginia native who began his wrestling career in Pittsburgh; multi-time champion, powerlifter and motivational speaker [35] [36]
192015 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
202016 Lanny Frattare Pittsburgh Pirates radio announcer who frequents events and guest ring announces [37]
212016Eugene PalermoSon of Bucky Palermo; valet and "second" to many wrestlers over the years
222016 Baron Mikel Scicluna One of Studio Wrestling and Pittsburgh's most-feared veterans; once defeated Bruno Sammartino via DQ
232016T. Rantula
(David Younkins)		One of the region's most-accomplished "giants"; wrestled for ECW, WCW, WWE; ran own promotion Far North
242017 Bill Apter one of the industry's leading journalists, photographers and personalities [38] [39]
252017 Pie Traynor Major League Baseball Hall of Famer who became a Pittsburgh Sports broadcaster and Studio Wrestling pitchman. [40]
262017Frank Holtz"The Fighting Cop From Carnegie"; a Studio Wrestling fan favorite; real-life police officer [39] [40]
272017Joe PerriManager of "The Gentleman's Club" and "International Thugs"; "Kommissioner" and sometimes match maker
282018 Brian Hildebrand Referee, Inducted posthumuously [41]
292018Shawn PatrickReferee
302018Angie Minelli
312018 Cody Michaels
322019Preston Steele5 times International Wrestling Association Intercontinental Champion
332019Steve Novak
342019"Nasty" Nick Crane
352020Bobby Badfingers
362020Mike Malachi
372020Tom Davenport
382020Mike Malachi, Bobby O and Bob Badfingers
392021Ace Freeman
402021La Lucha
412021Eddie Faieta
422021The Sicilians
(Tony Altomare and Lou Albano)
432021 Tony Marino
442022Dennis Gregory
442022Andy "Kid" DePaul
452022Bubba the Bulldog
462022Dennis Gregory
472022Mayor Mystery
482023 [42] “The Beast” Ken Cerminara
492023 [42] Geeto Mongol
(Newton Tattrie)
502023 [42] “Irish” Red Walsh
512023 [42] “Mad Dog” Tony Lutz
522023 [42] 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

Current championships

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

ChampionshipNotes
KSWA Heavyweight Championship The heavyweight title of the KSWA; regarded as the "Most Prestigious Single's Title In The Commonwealth" [43]
KSWA Tag Team Championship The tag team title of the KSWA [44]
KSWA Golden Triangle Championship Represents the city of Pittsburgh [45]
KSWA Five Star Championship The theoretical home of "Five-Star" matches [46] The title was established in 2010 as the promotion's junior heavyweight championship and was defended until 2012. [47]
KSWA "Brawl Under the Bridge" Championship Special Championship awarded for the "Brawl Under the Bridge" event [48]

Former championships

ChampionshipNotes
KSWA Pittsburgh Heavyweight Championship The title was established in 2001 and defended through the year. [47]
KSWA International Heavyweight Championship The title was established in 2002 and defended through the year. [47]
KSWA Tri-State Heavyweight Championship The title was established in 2003 and defended until 2006. [47]

Sources

Definition of Free Cultural Works logo notext.svg  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.

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References

  1. 1 2 Stanley-Becker, Isaac (July 4, 2014). "Old-time wrestling lives in Lawrenceville". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .
  2. 1 2 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. ↑ 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. ↑ 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. 1 2 Koenigs, Michael (July 26, 2016). "'Election Cycle' Smackdown: Brawl Under the Bridge". ABC News .
  10. ↑ Leturgey, Thomas (July 12, 2017). "Demolition Ax, Bill Eadie, plans to end his career where he started it, in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh City Paper .
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Leturgey, Thomas (June 23, 2014). "From Butler Street To Wall Street: How The KSWA Became The Toast Of American's Biggest Newspaper". Dormont Patch.
  12. ↑ Majors, Dan and Ann Belser (August 9, 2007). "Millvale's in the eye of the storm again". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .
  13. 1 2 Leturgey, Thomas (November 14, 2014). "This Year's Sharpsburg VFD Fundraiser Pays Homage To Long-Time Member". Dormont Patch.
  14. ↑ "J. J. Dillon Reminisces About A Wrestling Career That Began and Ended In Pittsburgh". Dormont-Brookline, PA Patch. September 25, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  15. ↑ Johnson, Mike (November 26, 2011). "DREAMER'S LATEST, JERICHO INTERVIEW, NEW DIVA SIGNING, FOLEY VISITING SANTA AND MORE". PWInsider.com.
  16. 1 2 3 Leturgey, Thomas (September 15, 2016). "Jay Flash superkicks his way to most prestigious prize in PA Wrestling". New Pittsburgh Courier .
  17. ↑ "Pittsburgh's KSWA Honored For Longevity In Pro Wrestling". North Hills Patch. September 17, 2016.
  18. ↑ McGee, Tom (May 11, 2012). "Guyasuta fundraiser to feature wrestling alliance". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .
  19. 1 2 Fair, Megan (July 19, 2016). "'Brawl Under The Bridge' Features Local Wrestlers Body Slamming For A Cause". WESA (FM) .
  20. ↑ DiVittorio, Michael (March 17, 2017). "Former Carnegie police chief to be honored for 'Studio Wrestling' career". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "WHAT'S HAPPENING @KSWA/PITTSBURGH". 1Wrestling.com. March 20, 2017.
  22. ↑ "THE INDY BUZZ: WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KSWA/PITTSBURGH". 1Wrestling.com. March 27, 2017.
  23. ↑ Leturgey, Thomas (August 31, 2013). "KSWA Wrestling Returns To 20th Annual Millvale Days With Free Shows". North Hills Patch.
  24. ↑ Leturgey, Thomas. "Demolition Ax, Bill Eadie, plans to end his career where he started it, in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  25. ↑ "KSWA 7/22 RESULTS & VIDEO OF DEMOLITION AX TRIBUTE | WrestlingFigs". wrestlingfigs.com. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  26. ↑ "An Emotional End For A Spectacular In-Ring Career, As Demolition Ax Wins Gold One Last Time". www.kswadigest.com. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  27. ↑ Keystone State Wrestling Alliance – Hall of Fame KSWA.net
  28. ↑ "THE RICH HISTORY OF AN INDEPENDENT WRESTLING HALL OF FAME CONTINUES IN PITTSBURGH". 1wrestling.com. January 10, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Keystone State Wrestling Alliance – Hall of Fame". www.kswa.net. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Keystone State Wrestling Alliance – Joe Abby Memorial Night". www.kswa.net. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  31. ↑ Johnson, Mike (August 26, 2011). "70s and 80s Female Star Donna Christanello Passes Away". PWInsider.com.
  32. ↑ "The squared circle: Lord Zoltan has full dance card as he closes in on 40 years in the ring". Pittsburgh Sporting News. May 18, 2015.
  33. ↑ Leturgey, Tom (June 8, 2017). "Longtime Pittsburgh referee Bucky Palermo passes away". Canadian Online Explorer . Archived from the original on July 24, 2017.
  34. ↑ O'Brien, Eric (March 26, 2014). "Cardille inducted into wrestling hall of fame". PBRTV.com. Pittsburgh Radio & Television Online.
  35. ↑ Leturgey, Tom (March 25, 2015). "Nick Busick to enter Pittsburgh's KSWA Hall of Fame". OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com.
  36. ↑ "Retired Wrestler 'Big Bully' Busick Defeats Cancer". CBS Pittsburgh . June 11, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Frattare Inducted Into KSWA Wrestling Hall of Fame". PBRTV.com. March 29, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  38. ↑ Boman, Ryan K. (March 31, 2017). "The man whose life has been a WrestleMania". Miami Herald .
  39. 1 2 "KEYSTONE STATE ADDS ANOTHER TO THEIR HALL OF FAME". 1wrestling.com. March 8, 2017.
  40. 1 2 DiVittorio, Michael. "Former Carnegie police chief to be honored for 'Studio Wrestling' career". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Cody And Curtis: A Friendship Destined For The Hall Of Fame". keystonestatement.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  42. 1 2 3 4 5 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.
  43. ↑ "K.S.W.A. Heavyweight Title History". KSWA.net.
  44. ↑ "K.S.W.A. Tag Team Title History". KSWA.net.
  45. ↑ "K.S.W.A. Golden Triangle Title History". KSWA.net.
  46. ↑ "K.S.W.A. Five Star Title History". KSWA.net.
  47. 1 2 3 4 "Vacant K.S.W.A. Title History". KSWA.net.
  48. ↑ "K.S.W.A. "Brawl Under the Bridge" Title History". KSWA.net.
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