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Tennessee Pro Wrestling Heritage
Awards
Awarded in July/August 2002
28.Salt n Pepper
27.The Interns
26.The Droob
25.The Truckers
24.Perfect Strangers
23.Jurrasic Powers
22.Savior & Offspring
21.Lawless Brothers
20.Da Gangstas
19.Faces of Death
18.The
Hippies
17.Good Old Boys
16.Pepto Dismal
15.Captains of
Industry
14. Death by Stereo
Matching the pair of one time TWF jobber Tojo Saito and the rising Dread, this pair gained greater fame while wrestling in the Stohler backed Neo Tokyo organization. They moved past midcard status during the 2001 period but never quite reached their potential.
13. The Seminoles
Pair of masked wrestlers hailing from Florida. Were original members of Don Haney's TWF. Were top tier tag team in 1998 but vanished after the unknown fed blossomed the next year. World Tag Team champions in April of 1998, members of the original TWF Hall of Fame.
12. Two Dudes with Attitudes
Surfer dudes from Malibu, were in and out of the TWF on several occasions in 1998 and 1999. Gained greater success in Max Steele's IWA during this same period. Bigtime favorites with the teeny boppers but never adapted to the brutal style of Haney's early TWF.
11. Heart & Soul
Combination of the legendary Dr. Midnight and Ric Justus. Original founding members of the Unholy Alliance, the two greats never made a determined effort as tag team partners but were often matched by Haney in a grudge tag team main event with the Texas Outlaws or another hot heel tag team.
10. The MVPs
Well travelled tag team that had their greatest success during the CWA era of the TWF. Challenged strongly for the World Tag Titles. Very successful as well in the Big Time Wrestling Federation. Still turn up on occassion in different areas of the wrestling community.
9. Ellis Mascotti & Billy Thomas
A couple of raw rookies handpicked by the great Lobo and Odin to take their torch as premeir tag team. The youngsters became a bit too successful and were eventually paired in a teacher/student series of grueling matches, falling short to the two veterans. Mascotti and Thomas eventually dissapeared from the wrestling scene and are rumored to be working at a Waffle House in Kentucky presently.
8. Ominous Alliance
Came charging into the TWF with the irrepresible Johnny Olympus faction. The two menacing grapplers, Kareem and Gary Godz were immediately cast into the World Title picture but vanished with Olympus when he abbruptly left the area after a bitter contract dispute with Don Haney.
7. Skank Mob
Gideon Trait and cousin Oscar burst on the scene in 2000 and have been consistent TWF performers since then. A while after arriving, they announced to the world that they were actually cousins of Dickie and Racky Wreenkle and started using the Wreenkle name. They have been at or near the top of the tag team scene since day one and show no signs of slowing down. Many observers feel that Oscar is the weak link of the pair but Gideon refuses to discard his cousin, sticking with family loyalty over singles glory.
6. Texas Outlaws
The original Texas Outlaws, Barry Savage and his brother JJ Pierce. This pair of down and dirty Texans are TWF icons. Making their debut in April of 1998, their greatest success was in the first two years of the federation, constantly main eventing to packed houses against some combination of the Unholy Alliance or the popular brother duo of Dylan and Dante Jones. Former World Tag Champs and members of the original TWF Hall of Fame.
5. The Dealers in Smack
Pain and Pimp Daddy, two of the toughest thugs that ever laced them up in the TWF. Showed up in Tennessee in early 1998 and stayed almost two full years. Were part of the original tag team greatness of the TWF that featured them, the High Flying Homies, Texas Outlaws, Lobo and Odin and eventually brought the legendary Think Tank into the area because of the intense competition. The Dealers in Smack were immediate sucesses, parlaying their ability into runs as American and World Tag Team Champions.
4. High Flying Homies
Another of the legendary duos from the early days of the TWF. The Reverand and Velvet Jones were athletic, street smart and believers in non stop action. With their mouthy manager, Silky Smooth, always at ringside, they made a cue stick and eight ball lethal weapons in the Tennessee area. The Homies won the TWF World Tag Title several times, defeating the Seminoles, Da Gangstas and The Truckers in the process. Their ensuing battles with the Texas Outlaws, Heart and Soul and eventually The Think Tank were the things legends are made of!
3. The Wakkos
A new breed of tag team excitement came to the TWF in late 2000 with the debut of the rather large HIM and his diminutive partner, Lord Byron III. Tennessee had not seen such a pair of.....well, wackos! The duo were as likely to win with their wits as they were with their natural abilities. Not long after their arrival, they entered into a long running feud with the, by now, Tennessee icons, The Think Tank. After battling all across the area, the Wakkos did what almost nobody had doen before, defeated JackylFan and HST Gonzo cleanly to capture the World Tag Titles. Both men are now back in Tennessee and wrestling individually but you know that someday soon, they'll reunite to showcase their wacko style!
2. Lobo and Odin
What a pair! Charter members of the Unholy Alliance along with Dr. Midnight, Ric Justus, Widowmaker, Apokolips, Pedro Chihuahua and Steve Stanton. In wasn't long before Tennessee fans realized that the cream of the crop in tag team wrestling was Lobo and Odin. Tough as nails, the pair held the American Tag Titles at one time for over three months, and this was during a time when they were defending the titles every single week! They would eventually win the World Tag Titles on several occasions and continue their success well into the new millenium. During the latter part of 2000, they finally split and Lobo went single, becoming quite a success story himself. They were one of only a couple of tag teams that could ever stand toe to toe with the Think Tank, speaking volumes of their ability. Congratulations to Lobo and Odin for their inclusion as Diamond Members of the Tag Team Division.
1. The Think Tank
When you speak of tag team excellence, you have to talk Think Tank. Known not just in the TWF but all over the world as the premier tag team of all time! They arrived in Tennessee late in 1998, coming from the then red hot IWA and were immediate sensations! Thye battled every tag team in the area and quickly won what was the first of several World Tag Titles. JackylFan and HST Gonzo gave the Tennessee fans a side of the sport they had never witnessed. Intelligent, witty, well trained and skilled in every facet of the sport. Available records show that the Tank lost less than 10 matches during their entire career, spanning hundreds of encounters! An incredible record indeed. The team fell apart around a year ago when JF either died or staged his death, there is still much conjecture? Either way, Gonzo is back in the TWF and rumors of his partners imminent return surface daily. One can only hope that we have not seen the last of this great duo, deservedly awarded with this prestigious honor as Diamond Members of the Tag Team Division!
232. Skratch
231. Kevin Slay
230. Blizzard
229. Master James
228. Mark Jones
227. Sweet Roy Jones
226. Stinger Slinger
225.
Oswald Jamison
224. Lance Van Dyke
223. Mr. Internet
222. Angel
221. Nas Cardriver
220. Rampage
219. Billy Joe Blutnick
218.
Green Booger
217. Gregory Mann
216. Bobby Hart
215. Cypress
214. Cyrus Vance
213. CD Carroll
212. Thor
211. Bernard Waters
210. Mr. Perfection
209. Billy Heal
208. Hellrazor
207. Dean
Williams
206. Dark Angel
205. Jeremy Soule
204. Jon Jones
203.
Dex Davis
202. Thomas Y. Hawke
201. Dustin Jarvis
200. Mantis
199. Lodi
198. Sy Lent
197. Cyrus Storm
196. Croc D Sade
195. Steve Stanton
194. Justin Fare
193. Paco Fuego
192. Dill
Doberg
191. Vinny Pompei
190. Mimic
189. Ape Boy
188. Da
Gangsta
187. Widowmaker
186. Reptilimo
185. Rebel Yell
184. The
Bum
183. Bullock
182. Freak
181. Brandon Loudon
180. Deader
179. Wrestler X
178. Augustine Christian
177. Steven Styles
176. Steve Ziegfried
175. Johnny Walker
174. Billy Grey
173.
Eddie Fedder
172. Jacob Goldstein
171. Jubal Gaines
170. Damian
Simons
169. Skidmark Steve
168. Chris Staggs
167. Rainmaker
166. Golden King
165. Randy Hitler
164. Xuxo
163. Glacier
162. Lazarus
161. Tito Mendoza
160. Sir Kilgore
159. Elmer
Adonis, Jr.
158. Lethal Larry Ryan
157. Harry Nutt
156. Tex Mullins
155. Cannibal
154. Ultimo Ankelbiter
153. Wolverine
152.
Armageddon
151. Merlin Moloney
150. Punisher
149. Sgt. Slam
148. Apokolips
147. John Lorenzo
146. Lost Soul
145. Diamond
Dogg
144. Zanther
143. Prodigy
142. Professor Perfect
141.
Jerry Carteris
140. Arnold I. Dunn
139. XXX
138. Quan
137.
Tweeder
136. Dougie Aines
135. ARES
134. Cash FN Money
133.
Dread
132. Elmer Adonis, Sr
131. Herakles
130. Steve Xodiak
129. Cyrus the Virus
128. Dark Starr
127. Gomer Mathis
126. Moe
Mentum
125. Zed
124. Will Kaine
123. Tommy Matrix
122. Ryan the
Giant
121. Menace
120. Jon Sullivan
119. Homocidal Hamid
118. Mike
Hynes
117. Michael Saint
116. Big Boy Bell
115. Steve Akers
114. Tyson Bane
113. Cobra Coyle
112. Bealzeebubba
111. Y2K
110. Ricky Showers
109. Apox
108. Dante Edmonds
107. Tulip
Givins
106. Pete Sake
105. Dale Sandusky
104. Stanley Stanley
103. Big Val
102. Tyler Baze
101. Vito
100. Damian Satanis
99. Father Wolf
98. Phil Wreenkle
97. Trey Reed
96. Dan Druff
95. Big Money Benjamin G
94. Inkarnate
93. Logan James
92.
Andre Reese
91. Rob Blondie
90. Hi Lee Derivative
89. Karl Schmidt
88. Tojo Saito
87. Ryan Windsor
86. Elegant Emerson Philips
85. Dominic Moore
Dominic Moore made an impressive charge
up the TCWF & CWA ladder in 2000 and 2001. Another part of the world famous
Black/Stohler family, Moore was part of what is regarded as one of the greatest
matches of all time when he was in the famous four way battle for the CWA World
Title with JackylFan, Tim Haught and Dan Sweeny. Although he came up short, he
left an inedible mark on Tennessee fans with his talent.
84. JD Lawson
Lawson was part of a new breed of talent
that came pouring into the CWA after the expansion into a world wide group of
five seperate but linked promotions. Lawson was tough and witty and has his
greatest success in CWA Canada and later in the CWA Midwest area. He has
wrestled all over the world with great success.
83. Ryan "Primetime" Johnson
Primetime was brash and
arrogant, coming to the TWF in spring 1999. After winning the United States
Heavyweight Title - he went on to join the ranks of The Organization with NBK,
The Dealers In Smack, The High Flying Homies, and Racky Wreenkle. Johnson was a
semi to main event regular for several months before vanishing in mid 1999
never to be heard from again.
82. Chaos
Chaos had his primary success while working the
then red hot CWA Texas region of promoter GW Perry. He had a long standing
relationship with Perry in various independent feds and went right to the main
event when Perry was hand picked by Don Haney to lead the Texas division. Chaos
was a tough, steady competitor but left after a few months and wound up in the
mega-fed, FWF where he would gain his greatest fame.
81. Serdjan
An incredibly well travelled performer who was
successful in CWA Atlantic with Brian Black's promotion along with stints in
the BTW, IWA and many other quality federations. He was always linked with his
running mate Gabriel although not always as partners. But it seemed that
wherever one went, the other was always right behind.
80. Caesar Kane
Debuted in the TWF just a few weeks back
and has already worked his way into main event prospectus. Gary Holmes likes
his work rate and looks ready to push the rising superstar to big heights.
Getting lots of respect from his TWF peers and fans as evidenced by his high
finish in the polling.
79. Herb Wreenkle
One of the last of a dying breed, a long
time company journeyman (jobber). Nephew of TWF veteran Dickie Wreenkle and
cousin of current World Champ, Racky Wreenkle. Unlike his brother Phil, Herb
has actually seen a few times where he was given the opportunity to shine, as
in his tenure with Brian Black's CWA Atlantic. Wreenkle continues to work TWF
spot shows and act as a road agent for Gary Holmes.
78. "Superstar" Shawn Malis
Rugged young talent has raised
a few eyebrows in the Tennessee area with his superb mic work. Apparently been
designated as potential heel worker by TWF staff as he has been receiving some
prime placement in recent cards. If Malis stays in the Tennessee area for an
extended time, he is the heir apparent to a role played by the likes of Barry
Savage and Heartbreak Meyers in the past, that of primary TWF bad guy.
77. Jeremy Riley
Riley surprises the majority of pundits
with this surprisingly high finish! His wrestling career was distinguished
mainly in other federations, namely the FWF, but he garners big praise here in
the TWF. His major area success was during an eventful and impressive period in
Bill Gilman's CWA Northwest, later Continental. He went on to pull a stunning
financial coup by wresting control of CWA Canada away from longtime Tennessee
suit, Chris Haney.
76. Adam Young
Villified for his work ethic in the
beginning of his career in late 2000 and then for his anti-company stance a few
weeks back, Young has not always been overly successful but has yet managed to
be in the middle of things. He has been able to capture a few lesser TWF titles
over the past 18 months but is best known for his myriad of gimmick changes,
ranging from a boot scootin cowboy to a neo-Nazi to a playboy hustler. His
latest involved his rotting corpse showing up during a TWF televised program,
although most believed it to be a wax duplicate?
75. Matt Foster
Foster was a combination actor, attorney
and grappler and merged all his attributes into a great two time run in the TWF
and then the TCWF. Foster is another of the many faces from the Crimson Black
family that produces such names as Destructo, Father Wolf and Zed. A lack of
intensity kept him from moving further up the Tennessee food chain. Instead, he
was more content in taking an unknown, like Arnold I. Dunn, and winning the TWF
World Tag Team Titles.
74. Dante Jones
Nicknamed "The Inferno", he was the young
brother of Dylan Jones, a several time TWF champion. Dante was quite an
athlete, and stuck to the idea of following the rules, like his elder sibling,
although he would tend to show a much shorter fuse when provoked. He won the
TWF American Title and TV Title in 1998 and looked poised to break free of his
brother's shadow when tragedy struck. Then TWF owner, Brian Black, in the midst
of a heinous takeover bid, crushed Dante's skull with a steel chair during a
PPV event in Louisville and a few hours later, he died. Black has since pleaded
for forgiveness from Dylan Jones and actually established a foundation in honor
of Dante. A tragic accident in a truly dangerous sport!
73. Gabriel
Also known as the Fallen Angel, he toiled in
the TCW, the TCWf and the CWA but never for an extended period of time. Was
buried in Don Haney's doghouse after declaring his sacreligious views on a
national television interview and could never convince the stubborn Haney that
it was all part of his act. Went on to huge payoffs in the BTW, WWWWF and IWA.
Actually joined good friend Serdjan in attemting to revive Max Steele's
original IWA but wound up losing his life savings and lots of respect in what
was a huge disaster!
72. Lou Szer
Came to the area around the same time as the
initial debut of the legendary Mike Haggar. Apparently, he had/has some
relationship with Haggar, some speculate that they used the same high profile
agent who always negotiated a deal for Szer as a payoff for producing his
higher profile friend. He actually parlayed his "loser" gimmick into some
notoriety with several midcard matches. Shocked the wrestling world when he
teamed with perennial prelim grappler, Stanley Stanley and they won the TWF
World Heavyweight Tag Team Titles!
71. Bad Boy Marcus T
Well known African-American wrestler
who was a mainstay in GW Perry feds throughout the late 90's and then moved
into CWA Texas with Perry in 2000. Had some great success in that area and then
wound up being the first CWA signeee to try and wrestle in virtually every
region at the same time. After the breakup of the CWA, Marcus T found himself
in embittered battles with whichever authority was in charge at the time and
finally bid Tennessee adieu, returning to the BTW where he was regarded with
legend status. He continues to be active in the Big Time today and has not
mellowed one bit, still as cocksure and plain spoken as ever.
70. Aaron Blaze
The youngest ever member of any of the
many branches of the Tennessee Professional Wrestling groups. Blaze was only 16
years old when he made his debut for Don Haney and the TCW in 1999. Haney
covered up the young man's age for a few weeks, passing him off as 19 until
reporters finally dug up the truth. Blaze was a true sensation, winning the
World Cruiserweight Title over the talented Ryan Windsor and helping to
catapult the division into one of the most recognized and competitive in the
world.
69. Hans Schmidt
The youngest of the three Schmidt
siblings, Hans began his career as an afterthought to his brothers, Karl and
Fritz, who were marketed as a heel tag team, The Germans. Eventually, Hans
would begin to take the place of either of the other two in various tag
battles. He later made a name for himself with his love for goatskin and skimpy
thongs, hinting that despite his gruff exterior, he had a much softer feminine
side. Rumored to be another illigetimate son of popular Tennessee grappler,
Dickie Wreenkle, uncomfirmed at this time.
68. Sterling Silver
One of Don Haney and Brian Black's
blatant ripoff of the WWF's Goldust, Silver played the part well. He came to
the area with Black in late 1998 and got a huge push during Black's tenure,
battling all the big stars at that time and eventually winning the TWF American
title. It was later revealed that he was actually Sam Watson, Black's brother
thus bringing on constant charges and hints of nepotism. His life ended
tragically in December of 1999 in Nashville when at the TCW's End of Year
Awards Show, he was murdered by several gay bashers who were taken in by his
portrayal of the androgenous Sterling Silver.
67. Bam Bam Bell
Bam Bam Bell was one of Don Haney's
original roster members when he produced his first card in Loretto, Tennessee
in February, 1998. Hailing from Australia, Bell worked the first several months
as a proponent of the extreme hardcore style that Haney was diligently pushing
to the fans. He was later joined by his brother, Big Boy Bell and friend, The
Angel and attempted to market themselves with a gang like attirude.
Unfortunately, Bell could never show the work rate or mic skills to get above
the midcard. In 1999, he repackaged himself in an openly gay tag team with his
own brother! This angle was deemed sick and perverted by almost everyone who
witnessed the debacle but Haney refused to pull the pair apart and they
continued with very limited success. Bell continued to make occasional
appearances into 2000 and 2001 but never made a blimp on the radar screen after
the disgusting homosexual family act.
66. Jobber the Hutt
This large jovial man came into the
area in late 1999, a product of the Kentucky Connection ownership group. He had
been a personal friend of owners Jim Moloney and Jeff Perkins and was asked to
provide some comedy relief to what had become a tense period in the area. There
was never any serious idea of him being a competitive wrestler but after about
a year in the fed, he begin to gain a small but devoted fan base. He teamed
with Elmer Adonis and the two massive men were billed as Tons of Fun. They had
some limited success together but the partnership ended after Elmer was cut in
half by a train at another PPV. He later started teaming with another
journeyman, Skidmark Steve and they were eventaully recognized as a serious tag
team. Acknowledged industry wide as having the most innovative monicker in the
business, Jobber is still active today and is able to give any and everyone a
run for their money.
65. Live
His was a career of great but somewhat unrealized
potential. His best moments may have been working for Bill Gilman in CWA
Northwest where he was given a much deserved main event push. But he never took
it to the next level and now spends much of his time hanging around TWF events,
buddying up with HIM and Lord Byron III. Occasionally, his name pops up during
an interview or a retrospect program but no one knows what the future holds for
him, if anything?
64. Motorhead Massacre
One of the honoriest men who ever
laced up the boots. He was a main event player in feds ranging from the IWA to
the EWA to NEW but never made it past the midcard in the Tennessee area. Many
speculate that the prudish Don Haney refused to move him out of the doghouse
because he didn't agree with Motorhead's propensity to use profanity and his
hatred of the fans. His last time spent in the TWF was in late 2001 when Haney
had him play a clown angle. Needless to say, he vanished shortly and hasn't
been heard from since.
63. Diamond Dallas Scott
Scott was a member of a new wave
of wrestler who appeared in Tennessee at about the time of the TCWF/CWA period.
Along with Chris Staggs, Jon Sullivan and Moe Mentum, the young breed came into
the area and tried to crack the roster heavily laden with established veteran
stars. To the great extent, they were unsuccessful although Scott enjoyed the
most success of any, winning a minor belt or two and even garnering one shot at
the World Championship.
62. JJ Pierce
JJ was one of the original members of the
original Texas Outlaws with his brother, Barry Savage. Pierce was a
cruiserweight but was as tough as nails. He detested the high flying antics of
men like Pedro Chihuahau, Sgt. Slam and Tito Mendoza and made life as miserable
as possible for each of them. Prone to serious injury, Pierce saw a great
career hampered by a torn ACL, a fractured knee cap and a broken ankle. Still,
when he was inside the ring, he was as business like as any man who ever
journeyed through the area. He and Savage held the TWF World Tag Titles twice
and are most remembered for their long. bloody fued with the Unholy
Alliance.
61. Pedro Chihuahua
One of the TWF's first great
cruiserweights. Pedro was a member of the Unholy Alliance led by Dr. Midnight,
Ric Justus, and Lobo & Odin. The five men were tight and dominant with
Justus and Midnight main eventing the singles events, Lobo & Odin the tag
team and Chihuahua the cruiserweight division. Pedro had numerous battles with
the likes of Sgt. Slam and NBK and won the World's Cruiserweight Title several
times. The one time glory of Tennessee and it's cruiserweight division owes
much to his hard work. Today, Pedro is retired from the sport and lives
comfortably near Atlanta, in the mansion of the Unholy Alliance. He has battled
some severe illness but as he done inside the ring, he appears to have won this
fight as well.
60. Gideon Trait
One of our first dual inductees, Trait
was a member of the Skank Mob, who also finished as Gold Division members in
the tag team ratings. With his partner Oscar, Gideon was and still is, one half
of one of the area's most successful and durable tag teams. Trait saw his stock
rise rapidly as an individual competitor during the latter stages of the TCWF
era, battling his way into the upper echelon of the rankings and then
continuing into CWA Canada where he won his first and only World Championship.
He is very active today and is as always, right in the thick of whatever is
occuring in the TWF.
59. Sugar Ray James
One of the most controversial
wrestlers of all time. Sugar Ray James was an intense competitor whether he was
inside the ring or outside the ring, just as comfortable in a business suit as
in a pair of trunks. His tenure in the TWF was limited, a run early in Don
Haney's opening era and then a cup of coffee later. But he was always involved
behind the scenes in the wrestling world in general which sent waves throughout
every area. His biggest shockwave came several months back when his life ended
in a horrid and grotesque way at a BTW Pay Per View. James died in front of his
friend Destructo and son, Logan. After his death, Logan James entered the TWF
to limited success, never shaking the effects of that gruesome event.
58. Eric Ray Vaugn
Eric Ray Vaugn has been in and out of
the Tennessee area since early 1999. In addition to the TCW, CWA and TWF areas,
he has battled in Max Steele's original IWA, the PWA, EWA, BTW and countless
other feds. Many pundits have offered the thought that his travelling has kept
him from ever rising to the heights that many expected of him when his career
first began. Vaugn has held several lesser titles throughout his career and
spent a great deal of his time here battling top cruiserweights like Racky
Wreenkle, Falconer (Darrel Anderson) and Judge Turnbow. He was involved in yet
another unsuccessful TWF comeback a few weeks back but it lasted briefly before
he once again vanished from the fed. Many would like to see him establish some
roots to see if his potential could ever be truly realized.
57. Disco Stu
Disco Stu is quite a controversial figure
within the Tennessee area. He wrestled briefly a couple of times, once with Don
Haney's TCWF and later in CWA Canada. He never got a big push in Tennessee and
seemed happier when he returned to Big Time Wrestling or another organization.
Stu has been a part of several heated print confrontations with various TWF
employees in the past, usually comparing the attributes of the BTW against the
TWF. He is always controversial, never at a loss for words but has always had
the talent to make himself a prime player, wherever he may journey.
56. Jason Bagwell
Bagwell is much better known for his
time spent in the original IWA where he was a multi-time World Champion in what
many consider a forerunner to the style of the original TWF. Bagwell eventually
became so financially successful in the IWA that he was able to purchase the
federation from Max Steele and successfully run the comnpany for several
months. He made his first foray into the TWF in late 2001 and had a fairly
successful run, battling Deke Carter in several bouts. He was involved in a
handfull of high profile bouts with Haney but didn't stay around long enough to
get the huge push that many old time fans were hoping for.
55. Johnny Olympus
Johnny Olympus had been recognized as a
top tier athlete in other parts of the country when he came to the TWF in 2001.
He was cutting edge with his mic skills and with his talent. Olympus
immediately worked his way into the upper reaches of the federation and battled
with several main eventers like Jack Bone, Mike Haggar and Andre Reese. He was
able to win more than one title in his rather short tenure. Olympus was
instrumental in also bringing the Silver Division tag team of the Ominous
Alliance into the area. After leaving the Tennessee area, Olympus expanded into
the business side of the sport, where he offered consultation to various feds
including the TWF and BTW.
54. Hamid Ismaili
Hamid Ismaili's time spent in the
Tennessee area was limited to just a few months in the TCW in late 1999. He was
incredibly talented and could have no doubt made a lasting mark as a main
eventer in the area but left the business entirely near the beginning of the
new milennium. But Ismaili will always be most remembered for starting one of
the most popular federations of all time, The Fans Wrestling Federation.
Unfortunately, his falling out with alleged co-owner Justin Goldman in 1999
found him losing all control of the organization he had nurtured to the top.
Even after his being gone from the sport for over two years, he is still
remembred as one of the most innovative minds in the history of the game.
53. Aaron Christopher
Aaron Christopher made his mark in
the TWF in 2002 when he became a fixture in top tier matches against a wide
array of opponents. He had some success in BTW before showing up in the TWF
where Gary Holmes used him as a fresh face that quickly moved his way into the
big picture against established stars such as Racky Wreenkle, Moose Man Muncher
and Johnny Slam. Christopher is still a member of the TWF although he has been
absent from some recent events while dealing with personal problems. When he
returns, you can expect him to be thrust right back into the mix and begin his
ascent back up the ladder to the main event.
52. Deke Carter
Deke Carter entered the TCWF and was
quickly pushed to the limits by Don Haney who enjoyed his roughhousing style.
He battled all the top names in the area and won several titles. He moved into
the CWA where he worked for Brian Black and eventually garnered the areas top
singles title. After Black sold the Atlantic area to Carter's friend, John
Doudna, Carter was given a lesser role in the fed. He resurfaced in the area in
2001 and worked a sustained feud with veteran Jason Bagwell. Neither man could
ever gain a clear advantage and it wasn't long before both Carter and Bagwell
exited the area. As of this time, Carter is semi-retired from the sport.
51. Thomas Lane
Unknown to many is the fact that "Insane"
Thomas Lane was the very first graduate of Camp Wreenkle, a wrestling school
ran by Dickie Wreenkle and his brother, Lou. Hailing from Manchester, England,
Lane went to work for the TCW in 1999 and was an instant hit. He had some great
battles with men like Venom, Ryan Windsor and Aaron Blaze and won the TCW
United States title in the process. After his initial TCW success, Lane
explored the wrestling world in depth, toiling in BTW, the IWA, PWA and many
other feds. His reluctance to establish a home base played largely in his
diminished success as he never stayed anywhere long enough to get a firm push.
Today, Lane is living in England and promoting some local events in the British
Isles.
50. Void
He came from nowhere in 2001, signed by Don
Haney, who always had an eye for true talent. Void was incredibly gifted with
the microphone and provided the fans with an alternative to the train wreck
style that Haney had always promoted. Articulate, well educated and witty, he
quickly became a hit with the Tennessee fans. Haney had no choice but to start
placing the virtual unknown into main event matches as the fans were clamoring
for more of his skills. He battled with anyone and everyone from Heartbreak
Meyers to Destructo to Dave Dexter and held his own against whoever the
opponent might be. Void left the area almost as fast as he came and hasn't been
heard from since but fans still highly regard his time in the area.
49. Trent Storm
Trent Storm had already become a well
known name in the business when he first appeared in the Tennessee area in
early 2001. His arrival coincided with the appearances of Jade Diamond and Trey
Reed. The three men were alleged to be close, very close, in more ways that
most men would find acceptable. But these were rumors that until this day have
remained unsubstantiated. Storm was given a decent push by TWF promoter Don
Haney who never met a gay angle that he didn't like, feeling that employing men
like Storm gave his fed more acceptance in certain areas. Storm won the
Tennessee Title on April 22nd of that year when he outlasted Dr. Midnight and
The Canadian Patriot in a three way dance, possibly the crowning achievement in
an otherwise dissapointing TWF career.
48. Chris Crossward
Cunning Chris Crosward was a Tennessee
regular for well over a year, debuting for Don Haney in the TCWF in the year
2000. Haney liked his work and immediately moved him into some high profile
matchups, allowing Crossward to gain some quick respect from the usually
clanish Tennessee fans. But Crossward really begin to make a name for himself
within the confines of Bill Gilman's CWA Northwest territory after the major
TCWF expansion into five federations. Crossward was a favorite of Gilman and
won several of the areas titles and was a regular main eventer. After the CWA
met with the expansion blues and closed up shop, Crossward remained in the next
version of the TWF, once again working for old boss Don Haney. His biggest
success came on the night of July 29, 2001 when he won the second most
prestigious title at the time, the TWF American Heavyweight Championship,
defeating the legendary JackylFan, Void and Canadian Patriot in front of over
11,000 fans in Memphis.
47. Marv Ellis
Marv Ellis was the TWF's first brush with
Hollywood. Hailing from a background as a smalltime actor, Ellis was wealthy
and used his means to give the area an interview with production values that
heretofore been unheard of. He came on board for Haney shortly after the fed's
inception in early 1998 and was a regular for several months before finally
achieving his dream of winning the World Championship on September 28,
defeating Panther. Ellis left the area towards the end of the year but returned
in 2000 when Haney debuted the TCWF. He immediately entered into a legendary
three week feud with the "Postman" Frank Letters which saw the two men battle
almost every night during the legendary 11 straight nights of TCWF events, a
Haney inspired blitz of activity in which the fed booked 11 shows in 11 nights.
Ellis and Letters traded the Television Title five different times during the
span and gave the fans a marathon series of mathches that hasn't been
duplicated since. Ellis has retired from the sport and is back in Hollywood
trying to find a producer to tackle the story of his life and wrestling
career.
46. Scumbuster Brown
Scumbuster Brown appeared out of
nowhere in the spring of 1999, discovered by promoter Don Haney while working
some very small indy events in his home state of Alabama. According to outside
sources, Haney made a trade with promoter Jack Dalton, sending Philip Wreenkle
to Dalton in return for Brown's contract. Wreenkle never made a dent in the
Alabama promotion while Brown was a fixture for Haney's newly formed TCW all
during the 1999 season. Scumbuster won the TCW television title on July 29,
1999, defeating Arnold. I Dunn. It was one of the only times that Scumbuster
ever got a title shot, much less a title. Haney was content to use the
charismatic Brown as an alternative to Dickie Wreenkle who had left the area
for Big Time Wrestling. Using Brown almost exactly as he did his own brother,
he booked him in novelty matches and special tag team events, making him a
"homegrown hero" to the deep south fans. Brown eventually pulled up stakes and
left the area for the FWF and BTW but never had as much success. Today, he is
retired from the sport and owns a video store in Killen, Alabama.
45. Beld Painkiller
Beld Painkiller is one of the true
veterans of the sport. He was a permanent fixture during the heyday of Max
Steele's mega successful IWA, winning several titles in the area and scored
maybe his greatest success as a heavyweight champion in the very first When
World's Collide tournament of various feds. After the IWA finally folded, Beld
went to many different feds and has varrying degrees of success. In 2000, he
entered the Tennessee area with the TCWF which days later expanded into the
five headed conglomerate, the Championship Wrestling Alliance (CWA) Painkiller
went to the CWA-Texas area, working for noted promoter GW Perry and quickly
became a main event player. He battled for all the areas top titles and was
always involved in the biggest feuds in the region. After the demise of the
CWA, Beld returned to the BTW where he gained notoriety for his fierce loyalty
to the fed. He has been active in their organization for the past two years and
continues today to be one of their top draws.
44. Venom
Venom was a graduate of the University of
Alabama, where he lettered in two sports, football and wrestling. Don Haney
signed him to an exclusive TCW contract right out of college in early 1999 and
had him inside the ring in less than a month. Blessed with incredible athletic
ability, Venom made up for his lack of experience with his youthful exuberance
and nonstop action. Haney didn't fail to capitalize on his young star's
potential, pushing him heavily in several main event matches with the likes of
Ryan Windsor, Falconer, Scumbuster Brown and Thomas Lane. Venom defeated
hardcore legend OutKast on August 12, 1999 to win the TCW version of the
Hardcore Title. He also won the television title twice before the end of the
year, maintaining his stature as one of the biggest names in the area during
the 1999 year. He was instrumental in Haney bringing the fed back to national
prominence. He left for a few months but returned in 2000, settling in the CWA
Mid-South area where he won the fed's top title and got a shot at the CWA World
Champion, JackylFan. Although he came up short, it was one of the biggest
highlights of his young career. Today, he has returned to college to pursue
further educational oportunities but has stated that wrestling is still in his
blood and he expects to return someday.
43. Canadian Patriot
Hailing from north of the border, the
Canadian Patriot came into the area towards the end of the CWA era. Sporting
the physique of a sumo wrestler and the ability of a middleweight, he quickly
caught the attention of the TWF brass and was elevated to the upper tier of
weekly events. Patriot battled stars such as Jackylfan, Gideon Trait and
OutKast on a regular basis and became a big draw for Don Haney. The Canadian
Patriot's biggest moment came on Jult 17, 2001 when he shocked the wrestling
world by winning the prestigious TWF World Heavyweight Championship during a
three way battle with Dave Dexter and OutKast. Wade Keller reported on the
internet that, "Seeing the Canadian Patriot defeating Dexter and OutKast was
the equivalent of watching the College of Rhode Island Tech whip the Harlem
Globetrotters!" Patriot continued as an active member of the fed for several
months before returning to Canada where he is reportedly enrolled in a local
L.A. Weight Loss Center.
42. Ender
When you talk about guys coming from nowhere to
become TWF success storys, the first name on most lips would have to be that of
Ender. Chris Shakespeare (Haney) signed him to a two week deal while scouting a
Dark Star versus Wolfie D match in Arkansas. Shakespeare passed on those two
and brought Ender to the TWF. Haney didn't expect much from the raw rookie and
was amazed with the kid's witty mic work. Ender worked his way up from the
preliminary matches to midcard in less than a month and not long after, began
being booked regularly in main event matches. Ender's meteoric rise culminated
with his winning the TWF American Title on August 12, 2001 when he defeated
Chris Crossward for the championship. He had developed quite a fan following,
much attributed to his retarded sidekick, Ryan the Giant, who had his own dream
of being a wrestling star. But after dropping the title, Ender started showing
less enthusiam and a slower workrate, leading the promotion to curtail his
schedule. A few weeks later, he vanished once again from the area although it
is rumored that he is now receiving personal training from the famous Hart
family at their school in Calgary.
41. Tim Haught
Tim Haught is known for many things; a
productive career, his globetrotting ways, owning his own federation, several
historically important matches, some vicious feuds and political bickering.
Haught is generally regarded as a pure talent who could never stay anywhere
very long because of his propensity for getting sideways with management or
with his fellow workers. He challenged the power of Max Steele, Desmond
Stohler, Sugar Ray James and Don Haney and came up short each time, usually
leaving the fed after a bitter fallout with ownership. Haught had more than one
run within the Tennessee area, with his most notable being during the TCWF era.
He had several high profile matches with everyone from Destructo, JackylFan,
Heartbreak Meyers and Jack Bone. But he could never capture his dream of
wearing the Tennessee version of the World Heavyweight Championship. Many
speculated that Don Haney and later Chris Haney, would not hear of putting
their top strap on a man that had been involved in so many political feuds.
Haught battled for literally every title within the fed during his two runs in
the area but could show only tenures as the Tennessee and Mississippi champions
on his impressive resume. Today, Haught is simply a memory, being gone from the
area for over a year and not showing any interest in returning.
40. Colt Steele
Colt Steele first appeared in the area in
the spring of 1999, brought in during a talent explosion from usually tight
fisted promoter Don Haney. He was immediately designated as a perfect fit for
the Tennessee area's brand of hardcore violence. He was used almost exclusively
in the hardcore/extreme divisions and had memorable bouts agsainst the likes of
Hexion Jaxon, Havok, OutKast, Ric Justus and Barry Savage. Steele won the TCW
Extreme title on January 15, 2000 over Menace and then the TWF Hardcore belt on
December 9, 2001 defeating Damian Satanis. With his partner Steve Akers, he
formed a tag team known as the Good Old Boys, a successful pairing that won two
Mid South Tag Titles and battled all over the area against the best teams the
fed could offer. He would later form another team with his "brother" Armand but
not to great success. Steele was very active for a two year period, often
wrestling for both the TCW/TWF and also for rival BTW. He is inactive
presently, recovering from knee surgery but might be back in the area sometime
soon.
39. Havok
Similar to the man we just spotlighted, Colt
Steele, Havok also came into the area during the unprecedented acquisition
period of the TCW, in 1999. Haney and his trusted VP, Chris Fothergill-Brown
(Shakespeare/Haney) saw another key to the about to boom hardcore division.
Havok was somewhat more polished than some of the extreme group but still fit
well in the now exploding extreme era. He fought Barry Savage, Ric Justus,
OutKast and others to packed houses but reserved his greatest battles for a man
that would eventually become his friend and ally, Hardcore Hex. He actually was
given some time away from the extreme division by Haney in late 1999 and won
the TCW Television title on November 19th, defeating Apox. But still, his name
will be synonamous with the hardcore brand. He was a TCWF Hardcore Champion in
the TCWF in the year 2000 and also excelled in various CWA feds late in the
same year. Today, Havok is still active as a member of the TWF and promoter
Gary Holmes is turning back the clock to a tried and true hardcore formula, a
feud between Havok and Hex.
38. Moose Man Muncher
Muncher was brought into the fed by
new owner Gary Holmes early in 2002 and was a huge success. He wasted no time
making a name for himself, defeating the popular "gay" wrestler, Jade Diamond
on March 12, 2002 to win the TWF Television title. He dropped the belt 16 days
later to Jaime Krenshaw and the two men engaged in a long series of battles
that climaxed with Moose Man regaining the title on June 3rd in Chattanooga. He
dropped the belt to HIM 7 days later and since then has been basically
inactive. Moose Man Muncher had been a popular figure in other areas before
coming to Tennessee. He had a style that was unique and could always be counted
on to give the fans their money's worth. According to sources close to the
Tennessee Pro Wrestling Heritage Awards, Gary Holmes has been in negotiations
with Muncher over the past few weeks attempting to bring him back into the
area.
37. Devistator
Devistator came into the Tennessee area
after a very successful run in Jim Tow's PWA. He had caught the attention of
several high profile promoters throughout the nation but finally decided to
cast his lot with the red hot Tennessee Championship Wrestling organization.
Coming into the area in August of 1999, he quickly became a fixture with the
use of his trademark mic work, and the ability to win fans by sharing the story
of his past, a sad story of family heartache. Devistator made an everlasting
mark on the wrestling world on October 10, 1999 when he won a 60 man battle
royal to capture the TCW World Heavyweight Title, at the time, equally regarded
as the top prize in the business. He then held onto the belt for a remarkable
69 days before dropping the strap to Dan Sweeny on December 18th. He was poised
to make a comeback challenge for the title in January of 2000 when he met an
ignomanious fate, dying in a car wreck on his way back to the Tennessee area, a
sad end to what was mostly, a sad life.
36. Fritz Schmidt
Fritz was originally packaged with his
brothers, Karl and Hans, as members of a Nazi type heel trio known as The
Germans. Although they were obviously talented, Don Haney held them back as
strictly preliminary wrestlers and fodder for more successful teams. Many
months later, it was revealed that apparently, Haney was their uncle, as they
were all three the sons of Dickie Wreenkle, explaining Haney's reluctance to
sufficently push his own relatives. Fritz and Karl did get a real chance when
Jim Moloney bought the company from his partners in the summer of '99 and
strted giving them the push they deserved, culminated by the Germans winning
the TWF World Tag Titles on June 27, 1999 from Lobo and Odin only to lose them
minutes later to the Dealers in Smack. Fritz broke out on his own in 2000 and
worked for GW Perry in CWA-Texas, working several main event matches for the
red hot fed. He won the Texas TV title and did quite well for the area. After
the CWA folded later in the year, he wound up working a few independent feds
but had limited success until returning a couple of months back and
participating in the TWF's 100 man battle royal where he was a top 15
finisher.
35. Interrigator
The Interrigator was working for his
friend, Daniel Roach, in a North Carolina based federation when he was
discovered by Don Haney's wife who was on a shopping trip in the mountains and
saw him wrestling a small time event. Haney offered him a contract with the TCW
and he jumped on board and immediately moved into the upper reaches of the
federation. He became involved in a heated feud with another newcomer,
Devistator, that lasted for almost two months. Gator was the last television
champion of the original version of the TWF, winning over Scumbuster Brown on
August 12, 1999. Just a couple of days later, Jim Moloney announced that he was
near bankruptcy and sold the fed back to Don Haney who closed down and reopened
as Tennessee Championship Wrestling. On January 15, 2000, Interrogator was back
and won the TCW television title, defeating Dave Wreath. His career sputtered
afterwards. An attempt to repackage himself as TACK, the amazing cruiserweight
killer, being the last straw. Interrogator vanished after his friend, Daniel
Roach, had a disastrous run as CWA President and has not been heard from
since!
34. Brian Allen
Brian Allen came into the CWA in a way
that might never be duplicated again. With Jackylfan riding the finest title
reign in the history of the area, Allen shocked the wrestling world by entering
a 60 man Battle Royal and winning a World's Title Shot against JF for later in
the night. With a PPV crowd of over 14,000 Memphis maniacs on their feet, Allen
defeated JackylFan, putting an end to a reign that had lasted almost 70 days, a
truly phenomenal feat. Allen would drop the title shortly after winning it and
never make another serious run at the championship. Allen stayed in the area
for most of the 2000 year, even after dropping the World's Title but could
never catch the lightning wave he had ridden into Tennessee again. He left the
area and did not return until June of 2002, when he tried to duplicate his
greatest success by entering the 100 man battle royal put together by Gary
Holmes and his TWF staff. Another amazing story was not to be as Allen came up
short and left the area again.
33. Judge Turnbow
Judge Turnbow was a wrestling oddity, an
attorney by day and grappler by night. Operating a successful law practice in
the TCW's headquarters of Hohenwald, Tennessee, Turnbow used his connections
with Don Haney to get a tryout with Jim Moloney's TWF. Surprisingly, Turnbow
proved that his experience in the martial arts and fantastic athletic ability
coupled with his natural gift for gab was more than enough to garner a
contract. Turnbow battled the areas top cruiserweights, at the time the divison
being the hottest in the nation, and held his own, finally winning the World
Cruiserweight Title from Aaron Blaze on June 10, 1999. Turnbow held the title
for 31 days before dropping it to Dan Sweeny. On June 27, Turnbow was involved
in a controversial match with the popular Dickie Wreenkle in the finals of a
tournament that decided the new TCW World Champion. Turnbow was pinned with a
leg draped over the bottom ropes and most ringside observers swore that referee
Mike Hinson was looking directly at it as he counted the three, awarding
Wreenkle the victory. Turnbow was disgusted at what he preceived a double cross
from Moloney and Wreenkle's brother, Don Haney and left the area in late 1999,
to return totally to his law practice.
32. Hardcore Hex
Along with men like OutKast, Havok and
Ric Justus, Hardcore Hex has made the TWF the ultimate place to be when
concerning Hardcore action. Hex came into the area in 1999 and became a name
with partner Havok, the two men winning the Mid South Tag Team Titles on
September 26 over the Good Old Boys. Hex continued working for Don Haney when
he changed the fed to the TCWF in 2000 and then expanded to the CWA. He was a
hardcore champion in several areas and was always in the middle of the extreme
mix. Hex made it standard fare to work in and out of the territory with great
regularity and returned to the TWF in the summer of 2002 at the urging of owner
Gary Holmes. He was right back in the hardcore fold quickly, winning the
Hardcore title from Tweeder on July 1. He lost the title in two weeks but then
regained it on July 22, defeating old nemesis, OutKast. Today, Hex is as rough
and tumble as ever and has never met a fight he didn't like. There is no stop
in sight for this hardcore icon.
31. Panther
One of the originals, Panther was with the TWF
when it produced it's first card on a cold 1998 February night in the small
town of Loretto, Tennessee. Unknown to many, Don Haney had raided a popular fed
called the DWF during the month to sign almost his entire roster. His brother,
Dickie Wreenkle had worked in the fed for a couple of months, covertly acting
as a talent scout for the TWF. Panther was an immediate prime player for Haney
who used him strictly as one of the fed's premier baby faces. With the arrival
of the popular Dylan Jones, these two men were top fan favorites for over a
full year. Panther was always in the TWF title mix but his biggest moment came
on September 24, 1998 when he defeated the Heartbreaker Ric Justus to capture
the coveted TWF World Heavyweight Championship. He has won numerous titles
including two Television Championships, the Hardcore title, and three Tennessee
titles. Panther is one of the few men in the history of the sport who has never
fallen out of favor with the fans, wrestling his entire career within the
parameters of the rules. He has teamed often with fellow fan favorite, OutKast,
and has engaged in long running feuds with the Unholy Alliance and Texas
Outlaws. He still wrestles sporadically today, always in his home fed in the
TWF.
30. MOX
MOX, an acronym for the Master of Extreme, was a
popular figure in Max Steele's IWA for a long period of time before finally
arriving in the Tennessee area during the TCWF period of 2000. He walked a fine
line between crazy extremist and witty anti-hero, and thru a solid work ethic,
became a TCWF main eventer in a few short weeks. Always surrounded by a
multitude of nitwit and weirdo sidekicks, MOX used these men to his advantage
with his entertaining interview segments, including the famous Toga Party
scenarios that he became famous for. Mox entered the area for Don Haney's TCWF
and then worked in various feds in the CWA. He became a main event player in
the Tennessee area in the year 2000 and had a run of over a year at or near the
top of the fed. On August 12, 2001, MOX fullfilled a longtime ambition and won
the TWF World Heavyweight title in one of the most brutal four way matches in
the history of the sport, topping Void, Heartbreak Meyers and Destructo to
garner the big prize. He had finally gained the respect from his peers that he
had felt he had never received during his career. MOX left the area after
dropping the title to Darrel Anderson a month later and has been fairly
inactive since that time.
29. Gravestone
Gravestone was considered one of the very
biggest names in the sport when he arrived in Tennessee in 2000, not long after
his friend Big Red Scare. The two men were both mega main eventers in the red
hot FWF, at the time the TWF's primary competition for the #1 ranked federation
in America. TWF president Jim Moloney signed BRS and then Don Haney weeks later
brought in Hamid Ismaili & Gravestone, at the time considered one of the
biggest coups in the escalating talent raids between the warring feds.
Naturally, Gravestone was an immediate impact player with Haney's TCWF and
started headlining cards to packed houses all across the Tennessee, Alabama,
Arkansas and Kentucky area. Gravestone never found the push or success in
Tennessee that he had enjoyed as an icon in the FWF. He spent almost all his
time wrestling for GW Perry in CWA-Texas where Perry used him as a main eventer
and where he won several Texas area titles. But as for the big picture,
Gravestone never caught on with the CWA executive committee who assigned World
Title opportunities. Late in 2000, Gravestone vanished from the wrestling scene
entirely and rumors had him working a new career near Las Vegas. Although his
success in Tennessee was limited, Gravestone is recognized more so for his
overall contribution to the entire sport.
28. NBK
A change of name and a change in attitude never
meant so much to any one man in the history of Tennessee wrestling. Burton C.
Bell came along in late 1998, working opening bouts for promoter Don Haney and
was not even a blip on the radar screen but, he repackaged himself as NBK
(Natural Born Killer) and started producing zany interview segments with his
always constant cameraman, Big Val, and the rest was history. Gone was the lack
of self confidence and now on board was a brash cruiserweight who would take on
anyone that the promotion would throw his way! He won the World Cruiserweight
title twice in 1998, defeating Pedro Chihuahua and Cobra Coyle. He made a much
heralded return to the TCWF in 2000 and on March 1, defeated the legendary
Heartbreak Meyers to win another Cruiserweight title. Nut NBK would battle
anyone, no matter their size. On March 4, 1999, he defeated the Cadillac Man,
Johnny Carteris to win the TWF World Heavyweight Title, losing it to another
nemesis, The Iceman Dylan Jones 24 days later. He also held the TV title and
the Tennessee title during his career. NBK had great battles with Dickie
Wreenkle, Sgt. Slam and Racky Wreenkle. He made the "toilet match" a Tennessee
favorite, battling inside a men's bathroom full of all the usual accessories.
NBK was a true Tennessee original and although he is retired from the sport, he
will never be forgotten for his contributions.
27. Jaime Krenshaw
Jaime Krenshaw had made a name for
himself as World Champion of Big Time Wrestling (BTW). He showed up in
Tennessee and immediatley started working his magic here. Krenshaw worked a
gimmick where he unleashed on his old bosses in the BTW, winning lots of
support from the fans and somewhat gaining the attention of some TWF workers
who weren't convinced whether his spiel was a work or shoot? Gary Holmes knew
he had a rising star and quickly set the wheels in motion to get Krenshaw in
line for a shot at the TV title. Krenshaw got the attention of the entire
wrestling world on March 28, 2002 when he defeated Moose Man Muncher to garner
the TWF Television title and then proceed to hold it for a remarkable 67 days,
successfully defending against every opponent that Gary Holmes or Robb Tracey
would throw his way. He finally dropped the belt back to the Moose Man on June
3rd, ending one of the longest reigns in the history of the title. On July 1,
Krenshaw joined Will Kaine and wrestling as BTW (Brothers of Triumph and
Wreckage), the two men defeated Frag Incorporated to win the TWF World Tag
Championship, ending Dr. Midnight and Lobo's incredible 176 day title reign.
The two men are in the midst of what might prove to be quite a successful run
as tag champs themselves, and continue to impress their peers and fans.
26. Brent Kersh
The "Enforcer" Brent Kersh was a household
name when he first appeared in Tennessee in the early spring of the year 2000.
Don Haney had just once again reinvented the fed as the TCWF (a combination of
the TWF and TCW) and his signing of the former FWF World Champion was regarded
as a major coup. Kersh was just beginning to work his way up the ladder in
Tennessee when the formation of the CWA took place, five independent territorys
operating under the jurisdiction of Haney and his longtime associate, Chris
Fothergil-Brown (Haney). Kersh wound up in his home state of Texas, signing
with GW Perry's red hot CWA-Texas promotion which had brought in several huge
names including Kersh, Gravestone, Big Red Scare, Marcus T and others. Kersh
worked his way up the pecking order and wound up with a shot at the coveted CWA
World Title which he lost to the incredible Jackylfan. He didn't lose focus
though and when the rotation came back to Texas several weeks later, he gained
his one and only run as the area's prime player, the CWA World Champion. Kersh
left shortly afterwards and wrestled in other areas of the country and has
never returned to the area again.
25. Frank Letters
The Mailman Frank Letters has to be
considered one of the most unique of all wrestling "characters." Playing the
role of the mentally deranged postal employee, and from Canada at that, Letters
was an instant hit no matter where he traveled, and his travels were indeed
many. Letters was a big hit in Max Steele's IWA in 1998 as well as the EWF and
WWWWF. No matter where he wound up, Letters was always cast right into the
middle of a hot angle, playing the heinous villain role to perfection. The
Mailman finally made his way to the newly formed TCWF in December of 1999 and
was quickly used by Haney as a top heel and placed in a series of grueling
matches with Marvelous Marv Ellis. The two men battled fiercely for the TV
title, wrestling in one period, seven times in eleven days with several title
changes taking place. Letters came away from the brawl regarded as one of the
best "bad guys" in the sport at that time. Haney kept pushing Letters, who he
had met during a past When World's Collide Tournament and eventually placed the
TCWF Americas Title on the Mailman. Eventually Letters would vanish from
Tennessee, in April of 2000, runored to be in some serious legal trouble in his
home country of Canada. Our last report stated that after some counseling for
anger management, Letters has retired from the sport and is working in
Indianapolis as a software designer.
24. Jack Bone
Jack Bone was one of the biggest names in
the business in the year 2000, becoming a sensation in the BTW where he was a
permanent main event superstar and the fed's top draw as their World
Heavyweight Champion. He had several offers from big name promoters but fought
off all urges to leave the fed that had made him a household name, even being
given a piece of the promotion as partial owner during the year. But fate could
not be contained and eventually the wily Don Haney returned to the Tennessee
area, literally stealing the TCW from GW Perry and opening the fed anew, as the
TCWF. One of his first moves was signing Bone to a "personal service" contract
with the fed. Bone wore many hats in the TCWF and later, the TWF, he won the
Tennessee title on May 13, then winning the Southern States Title on June 24th,
2001 defeating three of the area's biggest stars in Dr. Midnight, Jackylfan and
HIM. He took the fed's #2 title, the American Championship on December 9th by
defeating Jason Starr and had a remarkable title reign, defending his title for
84 long days before being upended by OutKast. Bone stayed with the fed through
the departure of Haney but left during the CWA venture, then returned in 2001
and has wrestled a couple of matches in 2002. He still has immense talent and
made a couple of appearances back in the BTW but as of now, is resting
comfortably at his townhouse in Lexington, Kentucky, pondering his next
move?
23. Lobo
One half of the Heritage Award's #2 overall rated
tag team with his partner Odin, Lobo was an original member of the incredibly
successful Unholy Alliance along with Dr. Midnight, Ric Justus and Pedro
Chihuahua. The tag team holds membership in the prestigious Diamond Division
and Lobo just misses out as a singles competitor, firmly landing as a member of
the Platinum Division here in the individual placement. Lobo was and is known
as a true tag team afficianado although he showed great success when venturing
off to wrestle alone. In addition to his success with Odin, Lobo joined forces
with the legendary Dr. Midnight in late 2001, working as Frag Incorporated and
found even greater success, winning the TWF World Tag Titles on January 6, 2002
from Pricks R Us and then holding the titles for a record 176 days! His first
venture into individual competition was in the spring of 1999 and he quickly
won the TWF Television title from Apox on March 21 in Columbia, Tennessee and
held it for 56 days before dropping it to Ryan "Primetime" Johnson, proving
beyond any doubt that he could hold his own when going it alone. With nothing
seemingly left to prove, Lobo has actually gone on permanent hiatus,
semi-retiring from the sport that made him a wealthy man, living at the Unholy
Alliance Mansion outside of Atlanta, Georgia. He has announced that he is
enjoying his new life and has no immediate intentions to return.
22. Big Red Scare
In the summer of 1999, TWF President Jim
Moloney turned the wrestling world on it's head when he fired the first shot in
a huge promotional war by raiding the world's top ranked fed and signing away
their hottest superstar, the Big Red Scare! This was a man who had run wild in
the FWF for months and was recognized by most wrestling observers as the top
star in the sport at that time. The huge man made his Tennessee debut on July
11, 1999 at the Dixie Dynamite PPV and attacked World Champion Dickie Wreenkle
in front of 14,000 screaming fans in Nashville. Just two weeks later, Jim
Moloney put BRS in a title match with Wreenkle and he came away as the TWF
World Champion. BRS held the World Title for 35 days, defeating all comers
including Judge Turnbow, Dan Sweeny and Racky Wreenkle but saw his dominance
ended, not in the ring, but at the desk of former owner Don Haney who bilked
Moloney out of the company and shut it down, reopening as the TCW and stripping
BRS of his World Title. Haney would leave the fed without a World Champ until
October, after BRS left disgustedly, and then crown Devistator with the belt.
The big man returned to the FWF for a period of time before again coming back
to the area in 2000 when he signed with GW Perry and CWA-Texas. Scare was as
usual, one of the key elements of the fed and he and long time assocaiate,
Gravestone, formed a tag team that was dominant during this time. BRS finally
left for good after a few months when longtime business associate, Jim Harper,
was eased out his role as CWA commissioner by Don Haney who was working behind
the scenes again. Today, BRS is semi retired from the sport and working as a
substitute teacher near Houston, Texas.
21. Paul Leonard
Paul Leonard has transformed himself from
a one time novelty act into one of the top names in the sport during the last
twelve months. He began his career for promoter Jim Tow in the St. Louis based
PWA, working mainly as an aspiring singer, songwriter, wrestler known as Paul
Lennon. He experienced limited success in the area, never determined to put his
grappling career first. It wasn't long before Lennon would experience his first
transformation, one that would establish his career. In 2000, Lennon would sign
with Don Haney and his new TCWF but it would not be as Paul Lennon, but Dr.
Winston O'boogie, still maintaining his musical ties but now more focused on
his mat career. Dr. Winston would enjoy quite a bit of singles success and also
would begin a relationship with noted Jewish superstar, Dan Sweeny. On November
4, 2001 he would win the TWF TV Title from Jobber the Hutt, just 20 days after
losing the World Cruiserweight title in a match with Darrel Anderson. Winston
was a big success but even greater things were on the way. He finally decided
that he was tired of his personna and took the name Paul Leonard (alleged birth
name) and then caught fire. On March 3, 2002, Leonard ended the phenomenal
reign of the great Dave Dexter and became the TWF World Champion, this on the
heels of a Tag Title with Dan Sweeny. He held the title for 56 days, taking on
the fed's biggest stars. During this period of time, he expanded his horizons
by winning the BTW World Title and eventually garnered part ownership of the
entire fed in a move by owner Matt Moon to keep his biggest star happy. Leonard
would then give up claim to both world titles and concentrate on running the
BTW, which he did for a few months before selling out to Mark Chopper, a young
wealthy businessman. Currently, Leonard is taking some time off but is expected
to return to the wrestling business in the near future.
20. Undertow
A man who has been a household name in the
sport for many years and recognized as one of the truly great veterans of the
game, Undertow has wrestled for almost every big name organization and promoter
in the country over the past several years. He had great success in the IWA
during the glory years of Max Steele and garnered a big following with a great
performance during the annual When World's Collide torunament. Longtime TWF
promoter Don Haney first saw him at this venue and said, "I am not easily
impressed but this fellow had what it took. I knew he was locked in with Steele
but I also knew that what I wanted, I usually got and I wanted this man in the
TWF!" And good to his word, he signed the superstar to a TWF contract in April
of 1999. Just a few weeks later, Undertow won the first of many area titles
when he topped Ryan "Primetime" Johnson for the television belt. He has won
many accolades in the Tennessee area and many titles as well including a run as
TWF Hardcore champ, TCWF TV champ, and TCWF Tennessee champ. He has been one of
the areas biggest stars and still carries a reputation of being under
appreciated by the fans. Former TWF owner and superstar Desmond Stohler says it
best, "What a career of ups and downs. There have been so many people pulling
his strings, but despite all that, at the end of the day, he delivered in the
ring. No matter what the circumstances, his game always rose above." His last
area title was a big one, winning the International Title over Ronald Smith on
May 13th, 2002, a reign that lasted 35 days before dropping the strap to Adam
Young. Undertow left the fed a few weeks back after a disagreement over some
personal matters. According to TWF head honcho Gary Holmes, "A great guy. Easy
to work with and always ready for a challenge. Unfortunately my business
practices clashed with his and he left. Hopefully something can be worked out."
.....we understand that negotiations are continuing to have him back in the TWF
soon.
19. HIM
This big man gained his first big success as one
half of the fantastic tag team, the Wakkos, pushed by Don Haney as the team
that could finally give the Think Tank all they could handle. The Wakkos were
an odd combination with the massive HIM standing like a mighty oak tree and
weighing over 300 pounds while his partner, Lord Byron III was the diminutive
one, under 6 feet and weighing in at less than 180 pounds! The combination were
two time TWF World Tag Champs and a dominating tag team force throughout the
2001 and 2002 seasons. But even with their success as a team, both men also
ventured into the singles action in the area. HIM won the TWF Hardcore title on
June 17, 2001 before dropping the belt to OutKast a little less than three
weeks later. After the duo took a haitus from the wrestling wars during the
early months of 2002, HIM made a return to the TWF, lured by a big money
contract from TWF owner, Gary Holmes, who had intentions of marketing the big
man as a top tier singles atraction. He made his return a huge success when he
won the huge 100 man battle royal that included superstars from feds all over
the world. This immediately catapulted him into main event matches with HIM
winning the TWF TV Title on June 10th defeating Moose Man Muncher, holding this
title for three weeks before losing it to Aaron Christopher. He would then grab
his biggest singles belt to date on the night of June 24th when he defeated
Adam Young to gain the TWF International Title, the area's second biggest belt.
He continues firmly into this reign at this time and has also just recently
teamed with Lord Byron III once again in tag action. He continues to be one of
the area's top stars and most reliable performers.
18. Barry Savage
One of the best of the bad boys, Barry
Savage was a Tennessee original and a legend in the TWF. Savage entered the
area just a few weeks after Don Haney opened the TWF in February of 1998 and
the Sweetwater, Texas native immediately caught on with Haney who was promoting
a brand of rugged violent wrestling that was playing well in the area, first
becoming a cult phenomenon and then expanding to a much broader audience that
was loving the old school attitude of the TWF and it's stars. And Savage was
one of the biggest stars. Forming the original Texas Outlaws with JJ Pierce
(Savage), his brother, Barry entered into a feud with the Unholy Alliance that
lasted for better than two full years. His taste for titles came quickly and he
satisfied that taste often. His first TWF gold was won on March 29, 1998 when
he defeated Professor Perfect to garner the Tennessee Heavyweight Title. He and
Pierce would win several tag titles including the American and Tennessee tag
belts and were always in the hunt for the TWF World Tag Titles. On May 30, 1999
he defeated longtime nemesis Ric Justus in a brutal battle at Memorial Park in
Hohenwald to win the Hardcore belt. But through all the battles and titles,
Savage may best be known for his love of the television and his undying pursuit
of the TV title. Savage made the belt one of the most sought after with his
defenses, two to three per week when he held the title. His first reign came
after he defeated Dante Jones on May 7, 1998, holding the title 35 days and
then his second and most notable came after defeating Johnny Carteris on
December 22, 1998 at which time he set out on a 55 day reign, defending the
title 18 times during this period. He would win the title a total offour times
in his career, again on April 22, 2001 and then for the final time on August
19th of the same year. Savage is one of the true great villians of the TWF era
and is an original member of the TWF Hall of Fame.
17. Lord Byron III
Just moments ago, we spoke of his
partner, HIM. Lord Byron III was the second element of the Platinum award
winning tag team known as the Wakkos, the #3 rated team in our Heritage Awards
balloting. He was the smallish member of the pairing, quick witted and sharp
tongued. He would ultimatley be known as LB3 and "Superstar" Byron and would
eventually indulge himself with a rather large valet/lover known as Cherry Pie,
reputed to be an ex-wife of Tennessee standout Dickie Wreenkle. Lord Byron
would spend as much time courting his true love as he would preparing for an
upcoming match and would occasionally find himself crossways with this huge
she-devil of a woman. As we stated earlier, LB3 would wrestle quite often as a
singles grappler, even while a part of this award winning tag team. He twice
won the area TV Title, first on April 29, 2001 and then again on June 3rd of
the same year but never felt obligated to go full tilt after winning the belt,
content to wax poetic to Cherry Pie instead. LB3 was an enigma of sorts, he had
all the talent that a wrestler could ever want but seemed happy to deliver only
the minimum amount of effort required to take care of the situation at hand. He
was always able to challenge anyone for any belt, be it the World Title or the
Cruiserweight Title but never seemed focused enough to take the final step,
unless it involved his tag team exploits with HIM, at which he seemed most at
ease. Still today, Lord Byron has been making sporadic appearances in the TWF
and one must wonder if he has his sites set on anything of note or is just
enjoying another ride on the train bound for stardom?
16. HST Gonzo
With his longtime partner, Jackylfan, HST
Gonzo is known worldwide first and foremost as one half of the most successful
and well known tag team of all time, the Think Tank. The duo was recently
recognized as the #1 team in the Heritage Awards Diamond division, voted on by
fans and peers in the first undertaking of it's kind. Gonzo was in some ways,
overlooked, in comparisons to his more well known partner who had made a name
for himself by winning the When World's Collide heavyweight title in 1999, but
when given the opportunity to perform individually, HST Gonzo proved to the
fans of the wrestling community that he had all the necessary tools to go as
high as dared as a singles performer. TWF founder Don Haney took particular
pleasure in booking HST Gonzo as often as possible in singles matches as
according to Haney, "I always felt that he had a talent that was untapped. He
was eccentric, to say the least, and gave an amount of effort that was
commensurate with the challenge, not many men could do that and still walk away
victorious." Yet, Haney would not ever give him a title push as a singles
competitor, not hedging his bet that as one half of the Think Tank, Gonzo was a
much more valuable commodity. With teams like the Tank, Lobo & Odin, The
Wakkos, The High Flyin Homies, The DIS and many more, the fed had been ultra
successful where others had failed miserably, with their tag team division.
Gonzo has recently embarked on another singles journey in the TWF now getting a
look from current honcho Gary Homes who has been more receptive to the idea of
having HST as a viable individual competitor. Holmes recently had this to say,
"Finally out of the shadow of his partner JF. He's proving to everyone why he
was not just a member of the mighty ThinkTank, but the heart and soul. His
ideas in and out of the ring are incomparible. Truly the star now he was always
meant to be." But just as his star is again rising, rumors have circulated that
HST Gonzo is about to leave the TWF for some rest and relaxation on the beaches
of Florida. One can only hope that his stay will not be long and that he will
return to the area and make the splash that all know he is more than capable
of.
15. Johnny Carteris
Johnny Carteris, "The Cadillac Man",
entered the Tennessee area in late 1998 and was a character like none had seen
before. Utilizing a wealth of pure talent and the seediness of a snake oil
salesman, Carteris took the TWF by storm. He was as likely to try and sell a
fan a used car as he was to try and win his match of the evening. But the
bottom line is that he was adept at both. Carteris was a sensation and front
row seats became a hot commodity as fans lined up to see him wrestle and then
afterwards, try to haggle with him on a used car. Of course, Carteris had a
problem, a deep rooted problem that not many fans knew about, a tragic
addiction to alcohol that cost him much in life. Former TWF Prez Chris Haney
commented, "The car man! Once tried to sell me a piece of junk while sucking
back a bottle of Jack Daniels...typical. When he's sober, he's one of the most
dangerous men in the ring. When he's off the wagon...well - I feel sorry for
him. Could have been #1 all time if not for his problems." Yet, Carteris did
indeed gain much success inside the ring. On December 22, 1998, he realized his
dream and won the TWF World Championship, defeating the fantastic Dylan Jones.
He would later enjoy a second reign as World Titlist when on February 21, 1999,
he would beat Ric Justus to sit at the top of the wrestling world again.
Carteris would also enjoy runs as the TWF Television Champion, TWF World Tag
Champion (with Dickie Wreenkle), TWF Tennessee Champion, and TCWF Television
Champion. If he had been able to defeat his personal demons as well as he
handled his wrestling opponents, no telling what his place might have been in
the history of the federation? Johnny was often joined by members of his
dysfunctional family, brother Jerry, a man child who enjoyed wearing a loin
cloth and brother Joey, a career politician and later a wrestling referee, plus
various other family members who kept things exciting. Johnny Carteris played
an intergral part in the TWF during it's formative years, giving the fed a
character who put fans in the arena and ultimately, this is how we gage
success. He will go down as one of the best and we can only hope that we have
not seen the last of him, or his family.
14. Jade Diamond
Jade Diamond was already an established
force in the wrestling world when he entered the newly created TCWF in the year
2000. He had been a top draw in areas ranging from the eastern seaboard to the
pacific rim before deciding to check out the Tennessee area which by this time
was established as the #1 independent territory of all of professional
wrestling. Jade quickly allied himself with Trey Reed and Trent Storm and
rumors begin to fly about their "relationship." Several TWF workers alleged
that the three were involved in some type of "homosexual activity?" Never to be
one who didn't see an angle that would make a buck, Don Haney ran with the
thought and actually leaked the rumor to trade papers and internet sites. Jade
spent a great deal of his time trying to deny the rumors and wrestle at the
same time. He was very successful during the past two years, always being
involved in some key feuds and major angles. Jade won the TWF Television title
on December 2, 2001, defeating Dr. Winston and held it for a remarkable 100
days! He dropped the belt to Moose Man Muncher on March 12 but then regained
the title on July 8th from Aaron Christopher and continues to hold the belt
today. He has worked hard to earn the respect of those that matter and holding
the TV title for 100 consecutive days goes far towards that end. Legendary
Tennessee hardcore afficianado OutKast had this to say about Diamond, "A
well-respected friend. Jade is always a pleasure to watch in the ring and he
also keeps his promos entertaining. One of my favorite wrestlers of all-time."
Still, even today, despite his success, rumors still circulate that Jade
Diamond is gay. He has denied it bitterly but maybe the best way to answer it
was provided by former TWF president Chris Haney who said, "Rumors be damned -
this guy is GOOD. When you ignore the backstage talk and get to the man -
you'll see he's a supremely talented and energetic young superstar. Has made a
HUGE splash in the TWF history, and he hasn't really even been here all that
long! Great to see he's getting what he deserves finally. He'll be a World
Champion by the end of 2002." What more can be said?
13. Ric Justus
The Heartbreaker Ric Justus is a true Tennessee icon. He signed with Don Haney and the TWF just one week after the initial card in February of 1998, joined by a group of men who would reign supreme in the area for almost two full years, The Unholy Alliance. The original group included Justus and Dr. Midnight as the top singles stars, Lobo & Odin as the tag team experts and Pedro Chihuahua as the cruiserweight leader. Unknown to many newer fans is that the group also began with Widowmaker, Apokolips, Steve Stanton and Armageddon as fringe players. This was then, and remains today, the ultimate in stables in the history of the fed.
As for Justus, he took no time in becoming one of the areas top draws and top stars. He was a brutal man, with a haunting past and his interviews were dark and brooding, usually ending with his popular catchphrase, "Watch you backs boys!" Justus became a very popular anti-hero and Haney had no choice but to market him as a favorite of the fans, who instead of booing the antics of the Heartbreaker, rallyed behind him as the man who could right almost any TWF wrong. Using a backbreaker type submission known as the "Scales of Justice", he was a monster of a man who could physically dominate most opponents. The Heartbreaker wasn't long in being matched with a man who would help shape his career, The Texas Outlaw, Barry Savage.
Justus and Savage engaged in a feud that would seemingly never end. All through the 1998 year and into 1999 and then into the newly formed TCW, Savage and Justus brawled over the Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama area. They even met as late as just a few months ago to continue the battle that has never ended. Justus continues today as a top draw for the TWF, just reupping with the fed's current honcho, Gary Holmes who had this to say about the Heartbreaker, "The returning Ric Justus is just getting started. I'm excited about what he can bring to the ring. I look forward to his current and future endeavors."
Well the future may indeed be bright but it would be very difficult for Justus to top what he has thus far accomplished in the TWF! Justus holds the honor of being the very first TWF World Heavyweight Champion, winning the title over Dante "The Inferno" Jones at the conclusion of a tournament on June 28, 1998. But this was just the beginning as he had many more to come. He dropped the title to Sterling Silver on July 15th but then won it right back three days later in Nashville. He would lose the belt but then win it again on Septemeber 3rd, defeating the massive Armageddon in a showdown with Brian Black's United Takeover Incorporated, making him a three time World Champion. He would hold the title for 21 days before dropping it to another longtime rival, Panther on September 28th. Justus would come back yet again and this time win the title back on January 10, 1999, defeating the Cadillac Man, Johnny Carteris. This would begin his most successful reign as he held the belt 42 days before droppingit back to Carteris. So Ric Justus can lay claim to something not many can, a resume that calls him 4-time TWF Heavyweight Champion of the World. Of course, according to TWF founder Don Haney, Justus is actually a 5-time champion as he won the undisputed TCW World Heavyweight title on January 29, 2000 defeating Racky Wreenkle. Haney has always stated publicly that the record should reflect this title reign as well.
Justus has not only been a World Champion on five occasions but has also held the TWF television title, TWF Hardcore belt, TWF World Tag Titles (with Dr. Midnight), the Six-Man Titles (with Lobo & Odin), 2 time TCW Mid South Champion, TCW Extreme Champion and the TWF Tennessee Title twice. The Heartbreaker has been one of the most significant men to come through the area over the past four years and is still one of the true favorites of the fans even today. Chris Haney, former TWF president had this to say about Justus, "The Heartbreaker captures the spirit of the TWF - proving hard work will pay off in the end. A bit of a screwloose - he's simply a wonder to watch. Whether it's a straight up match, or a hardcore street fight, he can get up for anything. I wouldn't put it past him to capture another World Title before he hangs it up for good. 4 years strong, way to go Ric." Congratulations to the Heartbreaker Ric Justus for his inclusion into the Diamond Division of the Heritage Awards!
12. Darrel Anderson
Through almost 3 and a half years as a Tennessee standout, Darrel Anderson has undergone quite a trasnformation, from high flying cruiserweight to serious contender for the World's Heavyweight Title. Anderson was one of Don Haney's "finds", signing with the TWF in the spring of 1999. Anderson came into the area as a literal high flying lucha libre proponent that called himself Falconer and Haney saw a great opportunity to team him with another young cruiserweight named Racky (Wreenkle). The owner's original plan was to market the pair as an exciting good guy duo that would hopefully attract more of a young female sector to the fed. But is wasn't long before the wily promoter saw the potential for an even greater payday. With Falconer and Racky getting some great crowd reaction, Haney turned the wisecracking Racky heel, blindsiding his partner with a vicious attack at a PPV in Knoxville and a long, long running feud was set to begin. Racky played the part so well that some backstage rumors begin to circulate that there was some real "heat" between he and Falconer? They would battle dozens of times over the years and although Racky would somehow manage to get the upper hand, Falconer (later Darrel Anderson) would never give up!
Wrestling as a crowd favorite, the Falconer would become a key element of the TWF's cruiserweight prominence. He would win the area's recognized version of the World Cruiserweight Title on April 4, 1999 from Herb Cox (Wreenkle) but then lose the belt to old nemesis Racky, now using the last name Wreenkle, on April 11th. It would be just over two years before he would regain the Cruiserweight title. Now wrestling as the "Dirty Bird" Darrel Anderson, he would defeat Nightwing on May 18th, 2000 and reign as the very last TCWF Crusierweight champion, giving the belt up when the TCWF expanded into the ill fated, 5-headed mega fed, the CWA.
He would eventually drop the Dirty Bird monicker and wrestle simply as Darrel Anderson. He would be recognized as the very last CWA Heavyweight Champion, losing the title after the CWA had closed when Don Haney screwed him in some backstage political shenanigans. But not to be outdone, Anderson would rally himself and make his first truly concerted effort at winning the most coveted of titles, the TWF World Heavyweight Championship. After gearing up with an incredibly successful set of interviews, Anderson stunned the wrestling world when he defeated MOX (Master of Extreme) on September 9, 2001 in front of almost 9,000 screaming fans at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville to finally win the world's title. He would drop the belt 14 days later to the incredible JackylFan but his resume would now include something that not many can claim.
Anderson has wrestled in other areas, including the BTW and PWA but for the most part has been one of the more loyal members of the TWF fraternity. His runs as World and Cruiserweight champ are far from his only accomplishments. He has two TV Title reigns, winning the first on April 26, 2001 from Barry Savage and the second on July 29, 2001 when he bested Deke Carter, Trent Storm and Jason Bagwell in a four way battle. He has also held the TWF World Tag Titles (with Dan Sweeny), TCW Television Title (as Falconer), TCW World Tag Titles & TCW Mid South Tag Titles (with Zanther), in addition to numerous regional titles during the CWA days.
Currently, Anderson is resting comfortably at his home, alledgedly somewhere near Columbus, Ohio. Rumors have circulated that he is seriously considering a permanent retirement from the sport that has made him a household name. We at the Tenneessee Pro Wrestling Heritage Awards can only hope that these are simply unfounded rumors and that Anderson, The Dirty Bird or Falconer, whichever he chooses, will again grace the TWF with the ability and dignity that he possesses! A legendary cruiserweight, a fantastic fan favorite and determined competitor, Darrel Anderson is a true asset to the TWF and it's history!
11. Mike Haggar
Many men can stake some sort of claim to changing the face of the wrestling world but not many can actually back up their claims in the annals of history. Mike Haggar is one of those men who can. Before his advent of the short story interview segment during his days with Max Steele's IWA, most wrestling interviews were set in a locker area or backstage where opponents were content to simply "trash talk" their opponents and discuss the various forms of destruction that could be expected in their next bout. Haggar changed all that. He would demand that the promoter give him lengthy television time in order to tell his whole story, making him much more than just a large, sweaty, cantankerous brawler but transforming himself into a man that the fans understood, not necessarily liking what they heard but at least having an understanding of the depth and details of Mike Haggar, the man.
Haggar became a phenom in the IWA, becoming so popular that he was rumored to have been given a large share in the company just to keep him there. It was well known that he was one of the primary bookers and had some significant say in IWA scripting. But eventually, in 1999, Max Steele had some serious financial problems and even though Haggar took it upon himself to try and rescue the company, it would eventually fold up shop which would send Haggar seeking a new home. This is where wily promoter Don Haney stepped in.... "Had I heard of Haggar? Ha! The guy was at the time recognized as one of the top three wrestlers in the business. I knew if I signed the guy, it would create problems for places like the FWF, BTW and NEW in trying to keep pace so I offered him the farm and the rest is history!"
Haggar would score big success in the TCWF but left the area after the advent of the CWA. He would virtually vanish for close to a year before returning shortly after the CWA dissolved and Don Haney returned with yet another version of the TWF. He was quick to get into the heat of the battle this time, winning the TWF Television Title on August 26, 2001, defeating OutKast and then holding the belt for 56 days! He would drop the belt to Heartbreak Meyers on October 7th but in the same card win the American Title from the same man! He would hold this title for 35 days before losing it to an unknown named Thunder. Still battling the personal demons that had haunted him for years, most felt like he would vanish again but Haggar had other thoughts and set his sight on a higher prize.
"He's a man of steel. Cold steel. Too many demons. Too much pain in his life. His last chapter has yet to be written." said the legendary Destructo, although most thought that last chapter was near. But Haggar fooled the fans and most pundits by winning the TWF World Heavyweight Championship on the night of December 2, 2001, defeating his old nemesis again, Heartbreak Meyers. As he did with the American Title, Haggar would hold the belt for 35 days before dropping it to maybe the biggest star in the game at that time, the irrepresible Dave Dexter. A return match was in the making when Haggar finally left the fed in the spring of 2002. "A man with many personal demons, they seemed to fuel the fire that was his ability. The harder he had to fight outside the ring, the harder he fought inside it. Unfortunately for him, his downfall came once he'd accomplished all he COULD accomplish, be it the World Title. The last thing I made sure to do before my termination was to ensure he'd be taken care of...and wherever he is - I hope he's enjoying himself....", these the words of former TWF president Chris Haney.
Currently, he has decided to take some time off and enjoy a few rounds of golf on a course near his adopted home of Sacremento, California. Current TWF owner Gary Holmes has wrestled with Haggar's departure for the past several months, "When I came on board Mike Haggar was THE Man here in the TWF. I'd seen his work before and knew I'd have my work cut out for me giving him opposition that suited his level of talent. Unfortunately circumstances and such came between Mike and his health. In a fit of anger I contacted a "Mystery Opponent" to combat Mike and his health issues caught up to him. Mike decided to leave after that and a large hole exists to this day in the TWF because of it. I feel responbible for him leaving and regret it. He is a tremendous talent and is sorely missed."
We can all feel a little more wise about the sport we love because of the ability and brilliance of Mike Haggar. He was a man among men, a true warrior in every sense of the word. Although the years are quickly catching up with him, we would hope that he realizes that there is still a place in the business for a man..... the man, Mike Haggar!
10. Destructo
If there was ever a man in our sport who has done it all, then Desmond Stohler aka Destructo would fit the bill perfectly. From many time World's Heavyweight Champion to owner/operator of the TWF to principal booker in several organizations, Destructo has left an indelible print on the face of wrestling. Here is a man who has competed in almost every major fed on the planet, from the TWF to the IWA, BTW, ICW, EWF, WWWWF, NEW and he has been a major player wherever he travelled. Destructo first caught the attention of TWF founder Don Haney when his brother, Dickie Wreenkle, was competing in the IWA alongside Destructo. Unknown to many was the fact Wreenkle was covertly acting as a road agent for Haney at the same time he was contracted to the IWA. Wreenkle sent back a report stating that, "This guy is the real deal. Quite an incredible work rate with lots of charisma. He would be a huge asset to your promotion. My recommendation is to get off the hip pocket and sign him!" But Haney, ever the thrifty one, would see several months go by before bringing him into the fold.
Meanwhile, Destructo was quite content to make a virtual fortune for himself and his company through personal appearnaces, high dollar contracts, business arrangements with several federations and with his wife, a success story herslef, Geri Stohler. it was through his wife that he eventually made his way into the Tennessee area. After testing the waters during the TCWF period, Destructo made a return to the federation right after the folding of the territorial nightmare gone bad, the CWA. He had managed to get his wife to invest heavily in the company and also to issue some personal loans to Haney, who had seen his fortune go south in a failed "dot-com" deal. Before long, Haney would lose majority interest to Stohler Enterprises and Destructo the wrestler would revert back to Desmond Stohler, the owner, for a short period of time. But it wasn't long until cooler heads prevailed and Haney was back in charge of the company and Destructo was back inside the squared circle.
Interestingly enough, Des was not one who went after a lot of titles. He actually wrestled a lot less during his Tenure in Tennessee than most fans actually recall. His one World Heavyweight Championship reign came about on the night of July 1, 2001 when he defeated the Canadian Patriot to gain the belt. He would hold the title for 42 days before dropping it to MOX on August 12th in a fabulous four way encounter that also included Heartbreak Meyers and Void. His forte was getting his friends and family involved in the game. The names of those that are associated with the Desmond Stohler/Crimson Black circle is large and impressive; Matt Foster, Zed, Zilch, Father Wolf, Pete Sake, Sebastion Green, just to name a few.
But there is no denying the influence that Des has had on the Tennessee region and the wrestling world in general. Former wrestling columnist and agent Bruce Brannigan had this to say about Destructo, "Des was instrumental in getting me a job in the business. He linked Undertow and I together. Probably one of the best who never really cared to prove it." Current TWF owner Gary Holmes sends out the olive branch when he speaks about the now absent Destructo, "Not quite the devil people make him out to be. Always invested in the best interest of the fed no matter what. It's a shame communication broke down like it did. My second biggest flaw as a leader....I didn't properly nurture this superstar."
But to get the final word, we turn to the man we honor here tonight, Destructo... "I have said it before and I will say it again... I have accomplished more than I ever could have imagine, but my best work was in and because of Tennessee." A man who has always been at the center of our sport, and a man that we proudly include in our Diamond Division, Destructo.
9. Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones, "The Iceman", was Don Haney and the TWF's original golden boy. He signed with the federation shortly after it opened in early 1998 and immediately sprang to the main event. With his brother, Dante "The Inferno" Jones, the duo was by far, the most popular and well loved wrestlers during the 1998 season. Dylan was truly an incredible performer and raised the bar for all who would follow in his footsteps. Dylan would work for Haney non stop for well over a year solid, sometimes featured on 3-4 events per week. The TWF fans could not get enough of this man who signed autographs long after everyone else had gone home or stop and discuss the industry with several of his fans. He was truly the ultimate fan favorite/good guy and the people of Tennesse loved everything about him.
1998 was the definitive breakout year for The Iceman. He would become the first man to win every single TWF title in one year, winning all five of the original TWF belts. On April 13, 1998, Dylan would win his first TWF title, the first of three Cruiserweight Championships, defeating a man that would become an archrival, Cobra Coyle and hold the title for 13 days before dropping it to Wrestler X. He would win the Tennessee title on April 28, again from Cobra Coyle and hold it 21 days before dropping it to Professor Perfect. On May 22, he would win the now defunct Brass Knucks title from Panther. He would then defeat Bam Bam Bell on July 15 for the TWF TV Title and hold that belt 17 days before losing it to Merlin (Moloney). On August 5, he would win the TWF World Heavyweight title for the first time, defeating Tennessee legend Ric Justus but would lose the title 11 days later in a very politically inspired decision to then TWF owner, Brian Black. In the course of four months, he had become one wrestling's biggest stars and held every TWF individual title!
But as 1998 had been so great, 1999 was a sad time for Dylan. In a televised PPV in Nashville, his brother Dante was brutally attacked by several members of Brian Black's United Takeover Incorporated. With the over 7 foot Armageddon and old nemesis Cobra Coyle clutching him, Dante's skull was literally bashed in by Black who hit him over 20 times with a steel chair. Although his younger brother was a true fighter, he died from the heinous attack. A Tennessee Grand Jury absolved Black of any criminal charges acknowledging that it was truly a horrible accident but Dylan would become a changed man. No longer would he wrestle just by the rules but he became more brutal. He begin to inflict pain and punishment on his opponents and eventually destroyed Black in a PPV event in Memphis and not long after, left the sport to return to his home and his family in Florida.
Dylan would come back on occasion and wrestle for old boss and friend Don Haney once he needed a spike in the ratings but never seemed to have his heart truly in the sport he once dominated. He would give a 100% effort but there was something missing, the drive and fire that had made him one of the best in the business during the late 1990's. But his resume can not be questioned.
TWF World Heavyweight Champion on three occasions. Along with the one reign already mentioned, Dylan would defeat the great Dr. Midnight on November 22, 1998 and hold the title for 30 days before losing it to a new TWF superstar, Johnny Carteris. On March 28, 1999, he would win his last World Title, defeating the red hot NBK for the belt and holding it for another 21 days before losing it back to old foe, Dr. Midnight. He would also win the Cruiserweight title two more times in 1998, defeating Cobra Coyle and then Tito Mendoza for the belts.
Dylan Jones was one of the greatest of all time. He was one of the guiding and shining lights that made the TWF into a premier wrestling federation. His exploits in the little thought of cruiserweight division set the tone to make the TWF the beacon of the wrestling community for those in that weight class. His battles with Cobra Coyle, Pedro Chihuahua, Dickie Wreenkle, Wrestler X, Sgt. Slam, Tito Mendoza and Eric Ray Vaugn are the things that legends are made of and what else would you expect from a man that is truly a Tennessee legend, "The Iceman, Dylan Jones!"
8. Dickie Wreenkle
Dickie Wreenkle started with the TWF in the very beginning, unknown at the time was the fact he was Don Haney's half brother. Dickie had been wrestling since 1978, where he began his career as a 20 year old with the Nick Gulas based version of the NWA in Tennessee. Dickie has won many Tennessee titles including one stint as World Champion. He held the Tennessee title on three seperate occasions.
Dickie's self professed greatest claim to fame was winning the TWF, BTW and PWA World Heavyweight titles in June of 1998, holding all three at the same time and leading to his claim of being the very first "triple crown" champion. He has been successful, both in the ring and otherwise, bearing a family full of business associates. Reputedly, he is the father of Racky Wreenkle, Fritz, Hans & Karl Schmidt and the uncle of Phil & Herb Wreenkle. He is semi retired today but will occasionally come back for a short period of work when the time is right.
The best way to describe Dickie Wreenkle is to hear it from those that have worked with him. Diamond division co-member Destructo commented, "Who doesn't like Dickie? He's the spiritual figurehead of this whole sport. He encompasses so much of what people are looking for when they tune in every week." His nephew Chris Haney stated, "My uncle is without a doubt in my mind THE TWF. He hasn't always been active, but he's always played an important role and was the man who blazed the trail to the federation we see today. The smartest wrestler inside the ring, and a real class act outside. Congratulations. " Current TWF head Gary Holmes said, "Ha ha ha! Love the man no matter how much he hoards money, his or anyone elses. True Legend in this Sport and I'd like to see him go for another run at the World Title level. He takes some getting used to from a managerial position, but so does prune juice. It's been keeping me regular for months now."
And finally, maybe wrestling columnist and agent Bruce Brannigan wrapped it up best by stating, "There isn't much to say about Dickie that hasn't already been said before. Legend. Cheap skate. Spendthrift. Father of all champions -- literally. I compare him to Seattle Slew. He went out, won everything there was to win, then sat around and sired successfull offspring. A man who created his own legend -- and probably stole it once or twice too."
7. OutKast
When you talk hardcore in the world of professional wrestling, one name has to be mentioned in the same breath and that is the man who has defined the extreme style of the Tennessee area for over three full years.. OutKast! This young man burst onto the scene in 1999 and immediately entered into an arena that had been dominated for the past year by men like Ric Justus, Barry Savage, Professor Perfect and Panther. The arena we speak of was that which featured a brand of violence that Tennessee fans loved and these men had taken it to a new level. With the entrance of OutKast, it was taken to yet another level. OutKast not only signified extreme wrestling, he actually loved it! Don Haney recalls a conversation he had with the young man when he first entered the area... "I told him that with his work ethic and charisma, he would be in line for a World's title push within 3-4 months and the kid looked me straight in the eye and told me he would rather fight hardcore! He actually preferred brawling in bars, hardware stores and even in the dreaded TWF Room of Doom, more so than a promise of a shot at the world title!" When the organization saw Haney return and switch brands to the TCW, OutKast never missed a beat. He had added some more competition by this time. Not only were Justus, Savage & Panther still around but Haney went on one of the biggest talent raids in his tenure and brought in hardcore stalwarts Havok, Hexion Jaxon and Menace, making the TCW Extreme Division tops in the wrestling world.
OutKast fought them all and has won a remarkable number of titles, the great majority of them being of the hardcore/extreme variety. He would win the TCW version of the Extreme title twice, the TCWF version twice and the TWF Hardcore title a remarkable seven times, making him an eleven time Hardcore/Extreme champion!
In winning those titles, he has defeated the best in the business including Ric Justus, Colt Steele, Barry Savage, Dan Sweeny, HIM, MOX, Hardcore Hex, & Ceasar Kane, quite an impressive list of competitors. Former wrestling manager/agent Bruce Brannigan had a perfect comment about OutKast when he stated, "Possibly one of the most difficult opponents I've ever had to help anyone prepare for. He's all over the map when it comes to wrestling styles and is as good at cutting a promo as anyone in the business. One of my all-time favorite guys to watch."
And what Brannigan speaks of is true, for you see, you can't pigeonhole OutKast as "just" a hardcore wrestler. In addition to eleven Hardcore reigns, he has been all over the TWF map as well. OutKast would win the Tennessee title on February 14, 1999 from JJ Pierce and then gain a second reign on July 22nd, 2001, defeating Diamond Dallas Scott. He would win the American Title on March 3, 2002 defeating Jack Bone and holding the title for 42 days before it was disolved. He won the TWF television strap on May 20, 2001 beating Pete Sake, LB 3 and Barry Savage in a 4-way battle. But through all the belts, the hardcore violence and the title reigns, his greatest moment came during the CWA period of the area when he would finally accomplish his life long dream and win the feds World Championship after a series of innovative interviews and a fantastic effort in the match.
Maybe his career has been such that fans expect too much of him? Destructo adds to this thought with these words, "This guy... he just keeps getting better and better. People keep talking about 'when is this guy gonna breakthrough, and the fact is, he already has. We just expect more and more out of him, because he's that good!"
OutKast has been one of the most loyal members of the TWF for years and has been one of those men that has gone against the norm and always wrestled for the fans. He has never wavered from that principal and has one of the biggest fan followings in the area. He has seen many great times while wrestling in the TWF but during this period, has seen many sad times as well. Problems with friends, family, wives, girl friends and he has incorporated it all into his career. Former TWF honcho Chris Haney probably wraps it up best by stating, "You'll never find a guy who's living a life so closely resembling a soap opera, but he seems to thrive from it. He's VERY talented and hasn't tapped all of his potential, despite being a former World Champion. Well deserving of this award - a true Tennessee Wrestling icon."
6. Dan Sweeny
Dan Sweeny was a raw talent with the IWA in 1998 when he was chosen by Max Steele to represent the fed in the annual When World's Collide Invitational Tournament that matched the best from over 40 worldwide federations. Sweeny was paired with grizzled veteran Dickie Wreenkle as the tag team representatives for the IWA and was also a last minute addition to the tourney's Intercontinental division. Shocking the world and elevating himself to stardom, Sweeny won the Intercontinental Title and then joined Wreenkle in pulling an incredible stunner by winning the WWC World's Tag Title as well. Billing himself as hailing from the Jewish section of Northern Florida, Sweeny rode his WWC success into big time paydays in the Tennessee area.
After Don Haney wrestled control of the TWF back away from Brian Black, one of his first moves was to go and hire Sweeny away from the IWA. And he immediately thrust Sweeny into some big matches in the TWF. But just after his arrival, Haney sold the company to The Kentucky Connection headed by Jim Moloney and left the area. Moloney was an astute promoter and saw the money in Sweeny and took him higher than Haney had originally planned. Sweeny was immediately elevated to the #1 position for the TWF World's Television Title, the fed's second most important title at the time and won the belt on June 10, 1999 defeating Havok. He would hold the belt for 28 days before dropping it to Panther.
On July 4, 1999, he would then defeat Panther for the Tennessee Heavyweight Title and hold the belt for 42 days before it was disolved when Haney bought the fed back from the cash strapped Moloney and dissolved the TWF, reopening it as the TCW (TN Championship Wrestling). During this same period of time, he would also win the TWF's Cruiserweight Title from Judge Turnbow, dropping it just four days later to 16 year old Aaron Blaze after Don Haney reportedly told Sweeny to take a fall or risk being stripped of his Tennessee title. On July 18th, he would win yet another title while still holding the TN belt, taking the TWF Hardcore title from OutKast and then trashing the belt just five minutes later, getting himself into still more hot water.
The brash and sometimes foul mouthed Jew would get into some problems with TCW and TWF ownership during his tenure but even through various fines and suspensions, he would continue to shine, becoming one of the area's most prominent stars. On October 16, 1999, Sweeny would win the TCW TV Title defeating Venom and hanging onto the belt 28 days before dropping it to a young rising star named Apox. The on December 18, Sweeny would finally achieve the status he had been seeking when he won the TCW World's Heavyweight Title, pinning Venom in a PPV battle in Nashville. Sweeny would remain the area's top title holder for 21 days before dropping the belt to Racky Wreenkle.
When the TCW folded and became the TCWF, Sweeny would run into more problems with management over his racy interview sessions and his use of profanity. Don Haney fined him several times but Sweeny seemed steadfast in refusing to tone it down too much. Former TWF owner/superstar Destructo said this, "Dan Sweeny has always been an underrated talent. I think it's only in recent years that he's recieved the praise he truly deserves. Where so many others are phony, he is shockingly real. And he excells in the ring because of that attitude."
Others offered remarks that aren't so glowing, longtime TWF businessman Chris Haney stated, "I hate this guy. He's gotten under my skin on more than one occassion with his mouth. In a PG rated federation, you'd best get out the censor around this guy. But you can't deny his in ring talent. No matter how much of a pain in the rear he is, he'll bust his own twice as hard."
Sweeny has been one of those guys that is in and out of the area, pretty much as he is needed by the promotion. He has been wise enough to never wear out his welcome, coming in and working like mad for a few months and then heading off someplace else, always keeping his act fresh. He would appear in several high profile World Title matches during the TCWF and CWA era. He is a man that is always at the center of attention, no matter what the circumstance. Tennessee veteran Dickie Wreenkle wraps it up well, "I can honestly say that I had a lot of influence on Sweeny's career and I let him know it every time I am around him..ha ha But the truth is that when we first teamed way back in '98, I knew he had star written all over him. His act never gets old and he is as tough as they come. If I had to have one man step into the ring with me in a do or die match, I think I would ask Dan Sweeny! He's truly deserving of this honor."
5. Heartbreak Meyers
Heartbreak Meyers, "The Womb Raider", was already regarded as one of the top three wrestlers in the world when he made his first forray into the Tennessee area in the year 2000, signing a huge contract with TCWF promoter Don Haney. When one speaks of HBM, they have to look at an overall career that has circumnavigated the entire globe. Meyers was a legend in the old IWA, owned and operated at the time by one of the most powerful men in the sport, Max Steele. He was their World Champion on several occasions and would occasionally venture away from the area to wrestle for other promoters such as Desmond Stohler or Ray James. Stohler recalls, "Meyers has been one of my best friends in this world for a long time. He's practically family. His career is like the Dow Jones of this sport. We all gauge ourselves against how HBM is doing in this game. His absence creates a void, and just when you think we're down and out, the Womb Raider is back in the game, and we're all shooting through the roof." True words from Destructo because for some time, he was simply regarded as the best wrestler in the world, period.
When HBM finally arrived in the TCWF area in 2000, he was an immediate success, just as everyone had predicted. He won 57 of his first 58 matches and Don Haney was booking him like a madman, trying to capatalize on the fan's lust for more of the Womb Raider. He would actually start him out as the TCWF Cruiserweight champion but it was decided that was not enough for his talents and after holding the title six days, Haney would quickly pull the strap off HBM and place it on cruiserweight legends, NBK, sending Meyers onto bigger and better things. He would win the TCWF World Heavyweight title in March of 2000 and hold the belt for weeks! In an interview with Wade Keller in 2000, Haney would state, "It was common practice in the Tennessee area to give a guy 30-45 days with a World Title but in his case, I couldn't get the strap off of him. HBM was at the top of his game and was defeating everyone in sight! He just kept winning and winning, and this was at a time when we were booking 3-4 shows a week and sometimes more. His reign at this time might be the single greatest run I have ever witnessed." When HBm finally lost the title to Jackylfan, the TCWF would segue into the ill fated CWA and his career would slow down considerably. Always being a man who liked wrestling at the top of the sport, Meyers was ill suited for the regional setup of the CWA and eventually left the area.
But when HBM returned, he would embark on a title reign that would find no equal. But first came bragging rights as the TWF television champion, a title won when he bested 49 other wrestlers in a 50 man battle royal March 21, 2001. HBM would hold the title 32 days before dropping it to Barry Savage in a 3-way match that included MOX. On October 7, 20001, HBM would meet Mike Haggar for the prestigious Tennessee Heavyweight Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The match was a classic bout between two of the legends of the sport and HBM would come out on top. But this was just the beginning of the story. Known for long title reigns, HBM took it one step further. He kept winning and winning and winning.... for a mind boggling 189 days, he would hold the strap! But the most amazing part of the story is that he still would not lose the title as it would eventually be dissolved, replaced by the TWF version of the International title.
Afterwards, he would depart from the TWF in a contractual dissagreement with Gary Holmes who seems to have certain regreats in letting the legendary Austrailian slip away, "I'd heard great things about HBM but rarely in my reign got to see them. I thought I had him signed, I was wrong. Number three in my all time regret list at having not signed him properly." Currently HBM is back at home in Australia, raising his family, pleasing his wife and resting comfortably with the fortune he has made in the business. Whether he returns to the TWF, or the business in general, is anyone's guess but we can hope that the itch hits soon.
Wrestling agent/columnist Bruce Brannigan sums things up nicely, "The greatest. End of story. I was a young agent without a client when I first stumbled upon him in the IWF. He was main event there, and, well, frankly, anywhere he's gone he's been he the main event. Not a guy who fought in the main event, THE main event."
4. Racky Wreenkle
Maybe the heart and soul of the area for the past three years, Racky Wreenkle made his debut in the TWF in 1999, hired on by Don Haney, who would later be revealed to be his uncle. At first, he would wrestle simply as Racky and no one would know anything about his family connections to Don Haney or especially to his father, Tennessee legend, Dickie Wreenkle. But with such a heritage and bloodline, there could be no doubt that with his incredible work rate, undying effort and bragadaccio, Racky would become one of the biggest names in the history of the sport and do it in a relatively short period of time.
Upon his initial entrance into the sport, Haney would team him with Falconer (Darrel Anderson) and attempt to market the two cruiserweights as a popular tag team, playing to the younger sector of TWF fans. But it was obvious to everyone that Racky had no intention of playing cards as a fan favorite. He was brash, witty and a total wisecracker and he had to be unleashed so Haney turned him aginst Falconer and Racky would set sail on a long career as one of the fed's premium heel characters. He would feud with anyone, regardless of their size. From cruiserweights like NBK and Pedro Chihuahua to heavyweights like Ric Justus and HIM to the insanely large men like Big Red Scare, Racky would back down from no one.
He has held practically every conceivable area title over the course of his tenure. He has held the area version of the World's Cruiserweight Title on eight seperate occasions for an incredible 319 days total reign! A record that will likely never be challenged. He has held other belts as well, the TWF Extreme Title was the first belt he ever captured and the TWF World Tag Belts was the last he nabbed (with his father Dickie Wreenkle). Through all the wins and titles, Racky has succeeded in rubbing almost everyone the wrong way. The legendary Destructo speaks for many when he stated, "Racky is the opposite of Dickie. Nobody likes Racky. He did inherit the Wreenkle chromosone that makes a good talent in the ring, though." Whether it was inherited or because of his hard work, Racky would carry on the family name by placing himself as the top of the pecking order.
On January 8, 2000, Racky Wreenkle would win the TCW World's Heavyweight Title from the fantastic Jewish wrestler, Dan Sweeny. He would defend the belt for 21 days before dropping it to longtime standout, The Heartbreaker Ric Justus. More than two years would pass before he would get his hands on the top prize again as on the night of May 27, 2002, he would defeat Sweeny's protogee, Paul Leonard to win the TWF World's Title for the first time. Racky would continue to hold the title until July 22 when it was held up after a controversial finish in a four way match involving himself, HST Gonzo, OutKast and HIM. He would simply come back seven days later and defeat the foursome to recapture the title that he had technically, never lost. Which mean at the time of this award, Racky has held the World's title for right at 90 days and shows no signs of losing his grip on the belt.
Although some have found him difficult, others in the business end see him as money in the bank. TWF owner Gary Holmes said, "Most talented underachiever I've ever met. Cornerstone of the new TWF and a mainstay in the singles top tier. He can demand a few things from time to time via his manager, but in direct communication he is always a pleasure." His cousin, Chris Haney, a one time owner himself echoes those sentiments somwhat, "My cousin is really...really...really irritating. And it hurts to know he's really...really...really good. Has that ability to cause everyone in the promotion to simultaneously want to kill him - and manage to talk his way OUT of it as well. As the current World Champion, you're going to have to get that belt off of him kicking and screaming. Dirty tricks or not - he's earned what he's gotten received in his career and definitely earned his slot amongst the Diamonds." And former wrestling manager/columnist Bruce Brannigan chipped in with these remarks, "Regardless of what anyone says, this guy deserves everything he's getting. Both good and bad. For all the things in the ring he's done, he's done as much out of the ring that made plenty of people mad. But don't take it away from the trophy he has worn many times. He got that by beating who he needed to. "
Sure, he has been loud mouthed and obnoxious but during his time, it can be said that no one has done it any better. He has made a career of winning with an attitude, even though it is an attitude that most disliked. But he has earned everything he has gotten and what more could you ask? He has never failed to give the fans their money's worth and in today's period of huge egos and massive paychecks, that speaks volumes for itself. We honor him tonight as the #4 finisher in our Diamond Division, Racky Wreenkle.
3. Dave Dexter
Dave Dexter is one of the most influential men in the history of the wrestling business. Who else can say that he was operating one of the two top ranked feds in America at the same time he was headlining the other, only Dave Dexter! "Dex" had made a name for himself in the wildly successful Fans Wrestling Federation (FWF) during the late 90's and early in 2000 and had become by far, their biggest star and World's Heavyweight Champion. His reign in the FWF for it's owner Justin Goldman was the single biggest factor in bringing the company from the brink of bankruptcy after a nasty tiff betwen Goldman and former owner Hamid Ismaili. With the company about to sink, Dexter was given the mantle of their top title holder and his incredible style with a microphone and efficiency inside the ring carried the company through hard times and back into financial solvency. Dexter was so successful that Goldman eventually had to give part of the company to Dexter to keep him from totally bolting to greener pastures. Dexter begin to wrestle less and started working on the other side of the business, booking and writing for the FWF until eventually he was elevated to the position of President of the entire company.
At this time, he was somehow able to juggle his schedule, pulling off an almost Herculean task of running the FWF and wrestling in Tennessee at the same time! Dexter would show up in the newly formed TCWF in early 2000 and would immediately become a force in the area. It was an odd combination, Don Haney pushing a guy who was promoting his biggest rival, The FWF, while working for Haney in the TCWF. Dexter would eventually work his way into a World's Title, winning the CWA crown, after the TCWF split into the five region inter-federation monstrosity. It wouldn't be long before controversy ran wild when former FWF employee Jim Harper took over as CWA promoter and he and Dexter ran afoul. The World's Champ showed just how much influence he had in the business when he outlasted Harper and forced his resignation as CWA promoter, with Don Haney having to come back in for a few weeks to straighten out the situation.
Dexter would leave the area after a while and return to the FWF where he went right back to keeping the fed profitable with it's high ratings. They would become trend setters in the wrestling world by instututing such annual events as the Last Man Standing Tournament and the use of technical advances that most feds simply didn't have the financial wherewithal to compete with. But while the FWF was the glamor of the sport, the TWF remained the place where many of the world's biggest stars continued to migrate and call their home. Dexter still missed the competition and once again returned to the Tennessee area for a second go round in 2001.
On March 25, 2001 he would win the prestigious Tennessee Heavyweight Crown in a 50 man Battle Royal, defeating the best the fed had to offer. He would hold the title for 14 days before dropping it to the legendary Dr. Midnight. Of course, Dexter had his sights set even higher and on April 8th, he would win the TWF World's Heavyweight Crown in a three way showdown with Destructo and Darrel Anderson, again setting himself up as the top player in the game. He would hold the title for 56 long days before he and OutKast would be declared co champions after a controversial finish in their title match on June 3rd. Then finally, 14 days after that, 70 days since winning the title, Dexter and OutKast would both come up short, losing the World's Championship to the massive Canadian Patriot. Dexter would take another short break but once again, the lure of the TWF's competition would bring him back to the Tennessee area. On January 6, 2002, working for new TWF owner Gary Holmes, Dave Dexter would win his 3rd Tennessee area World's Heavyweight Title by defeating Mike Haggar at the January PPV. Like his previous reign, Dexter would holdthe title 56 days before dropping it to Paul Leonard on the 3rd day of March. After that, Dexter would leave the area again but most fans wonder when he will get the itch once more and stray back into Tennessee in search of his fourth World Championship reign?
The accolades for Dexter are numerous. TWF Vice President Chris Haney stated, "This guy is amazing. He has literally walked into the TWF and taken the World Title the next day...TWICE! And don't be surprised if he does it again. Once he drops the gold, he disappears. Once a main eventer, always a main eventer. He's perhaps the most talented man alive today, and I pity the next World Champion he eats alive and spits back out."
Just departed TWF President Gary Holmes added, "I brought Dave aboard as a mystery challenger to Mike Haggar. Little did I know he'd win and dominate the TWF for quite a while! When others said I was crazy for bringing him in, Dave quickly proved them wrong by being a model champion for the federation. Amazingly brilliant in and out of the ring, Dave was very easy to work with. When he knew it was time to let go, he did. An asset to any orginazation." Wrestling columnist Bruce Brannigan chimed in, "The Bomb. Wow. Dexter was to wrestling what a spoon is to breakfast. You can't have wrestling without Dave Dexter. You could count, scatch that, set clocks by, Dexter's consitency. While others came and went and lasted for the short run, Dexter did it all the time."
And finally, TWF founder Don Haney imparted these words of wisdom, "Up until Dave Dexter, the relationship between the TWF and the FWF had been quite fragile. He was and is a trendsetter. As a businessman, he is the toughest competitor I have ever encountered. He turned the FWF into the cash cow it is today. As a wrestler, he is unsurpassed. If I was ever gonna smoke one of them reefer cigarettes, I would do it with him. I am very proud of the fact that the TWF history includes the name... Dave Dexter!"
2. JackylFan
He is a man that defies description, plain and simple. There has never been another like him and most assuredly, will never be another in the future. He began his career in the Tennessee area as one half of maybe the most dominant tag team in the history of the sport, the irrepresible Think Tank. Alongside his partner, HST Gonzo, the two men would dominate the sport for close to three straight years. Not since the red hot days of the Road Warriors has one tag team enjoyed such success. The Think Tank had been a huge success in the IWA, operated by one time powerhouse promoter Max Steele and decided to come to the TWF in the winter months of the 98-99 season. Expecting the same backbiting and trickery that had dominated the IWA, JackylFan abd Gonzo were shocked with their TWF reception. The fans instantly took to their characters and the crew of veteran and fresh faces made them feel right at home as well. Haney would always make sure that they were two of the most well paid wrestlers in his stable, billing them in main events about as often as he would the TWF or TCW World singles champ.
As you already know, their greatness and long time dominance earned them a spot in the Diamond Division of the TWF Heritage Awards for tag teams, as they were voted the overall #1 position in the poll. And their attributes have already been well documented, so today, we honor individually, Jackylfan.
In 1999, Max Steele had branched out of the IWA and was running the wildly successful When World's Collide Tournament. This coalition tourney would bring together wrestlers from almost every single important fed in the world at that time. From the FWF to the IWA to the NEW to EEW to the TWF and dozens of other regional feds. Each fed would send their most talented grapplers to represent them in the showdown single elimination tournament that began with 128 wrestlers and eventually wound up with just two men battling to determine who was the best of the best. With the TWF sitting comfortably as a defending champion in the Best Fed Award, Haney was able to send eight of his top wrestlers to the tourney. After a last minute cancellation left them one man short, JackylFan, heretofore known as a Tag Team wrestler, volunteered his services to Haney and the TWF. It was a decision that would change the life of JF and give the TWF the recognition that would make it the number one fed in the country at that time.
JackylFan would methodically dispose of opponent after opponent, defeating all seven men who stood in his path until he would eventually win the whole shooting match and be crowned as the WWC World's Heavyweight Champion, standing the entire wrestling world on it's head! A tag team specialist winning the most coveted individual award at that time? Even Don Haney expressed shock at the ending, "Knowing that JF was a talent went without saying but when he volunteered his services, I never truly expected for him to go all the way, not until after his fourth match when it was obvious that the guy had as many gears as he needed. He was remarkable in the fact that he could give whatever effort was needed to win a match, I have never saw another like that."
Aftee that performance, it was simply up to the man himself concerning his singles career. And after his partner took a sabatical in the year 2000, JF would have a go at it and rise to almost unparalleled heights. With the advent of the five headed federation known as the CWA, JF would move to the top and become the CWA World Champion which at the time meant he would have to defend the title against the top contender from each fed every week at a PPV. Most felt like this would simply be so taxing that the title would change hands almost weekly but Jackylfan had other ideas. He would successfully run the table, the only CWA champion to do so, and defend the title successfully in every CWA territory. His run was amazing and somewhat shocking to many pundits. He would finally lose the title when Haney put together a 65 man battle royal bringing in wrestlers from all over the world. An relative unknown, Brian Allen, would be the man who finally ended his dominating reign.
But JF was not finished. He and Gonzo would tag once again and prove as successful as ever and then after an apparent falling out, he was off on his own again. Among the various titles he would hold were the Kentucky Heavyweight title, The American title and another run at the top, this time as the TWF World's Heavyweight Champion. He would win the title on September 23, 2001 defeating Darrel Anderson and holding the belt for 49 days before it was stripped from him after some contractual problems.
Not long after, JF supposedly met his maker in a publicized TWF event although most continue to believe that is was all a work and that he is off somewhere today enjoying his beloved Voodoo with his friend HST Gonzo. There are many who would comment on this man's career but we can only list a few, TWF Vice President Chris Haney states, "He's the best, hands down. Always thrives on a challenge, and can knock off anyone at anytime. Unstoppable when hot. Plays the psychological game like I've NEVER seen. Amazing talent, and if he's not a top 5 finisher, he was screwed. Rest in peace buddy."
Wrestling columnist/agent Bruce Brannigan added, "My memories of JackylFan are from When World's Collide 5. I was managing Undertow to a fifth place finish, while JF was scooping up the first place spot. I had aspirations to work with him, but his death put an end to that. Like all great warrior-poets, he was lost before he could cement his foundation as the greatest the world ever knew."
The legendary Destructo offered this thought, "Jay Eff, as I call him, always thought a few steps ahead. That's why I liked him. That's why I think we never aimed our sights on each other, we knew we'd have to destroy the entire world before ever admitting defeat. P.S. I knew he was faking it (the death)."
And finally, TWF great OutKast said, "One of the best champions of all time, absolutely one of the very best! I never competed against him too much, but I saw him work often, and he is definitely a legend. No doubt about it."
Who else can lay claim to the greatness of Jackylfan? One half of the #1 rated tag team, member of the Diamond Division in both tag and singles and as of today, the #2 rated singles performer of all time in the Tennessee Pro Wrestling Heritage Awards. He is a truly..... a legend!
1. Dr. Midnight
There is no single man who exemplifies the TWF better than the legendary Dr. Midnight. He joined the other members of the Unholy Alliance just one week after the TWF opened in 1998, and the five men (Midnight, Justus, Lobo & Odin & Chihuahua) were forces to be reckoned with. These men were joined originally by other members to form the most impressive stable in the history of the fed. Along with these five greats, other members of the group during the years were Widowmaker, Apokolips, Armageddon, Lazarus, Steve Stanton, Savior and Offspring.
Dr. Midnight had been in the business for many years, toiling in various indy feds throughout the deep south where he was a cult hero of sorts. Over 40 years old when the TWF opened, he brought a saltiness to the fed that would play well with the fans in the Tennessee area. Midnight would battle for every conceivable title that the fed offered and won much more than his fair share of the gold. And along with the other members of the Unholy Alliance, they would team to make life miserable for men like Panther, Merlin (Moloney), and The Bell Brothers (Bam Bam & Big Boy). But their greatest foe was always the members of another stable, one that was nefarious by nature, the The Texas based TXO Incorporated, headed by Barry Savage and JJ Pierce. These groups battled in every conceivable type match, in singles, teams and stable wars for over two years and were money in the bank anytime they were on a card!
Dr. Midnight would become possibly the finest singles performer in the history of the fed. He would win almost every title, and always be in the hunt for the World's Championship, whenever the mood struck him. For he is truly a man that plays by his own set of rules. He would seemingly be just as happy tag teaming with one of his buddys or creating havoc with Panther as he would be going for a major title.
As we said, he has won virtually every TWF title:
TWF World Tag Titles (with Ric Justus) on August 1, 1998
TWF Brass
Knucks Title on August 10, 1998
TWF World Heavyweight Title on October 25,
1998
TWF Hardcore Title on March 25, 1999
TWF World Heavyweight Title
on April 18, 1999
TWF World Heavyweight Title on June 6, 1999
TCW Mid
South Title on September 12, 1999
TWF Tennessee Title on April 8, 2001
TWF Kentucky Heavyweight Title on May 13, 2001
TWF World Tag Titles
(with Lobo) on January 6, 2002 (Held for 176 days!)
TWF Hardcore Title on
August 31, 2002
Plus the good doctor held several titles during the TCWF/CWA period during the year 2000-2001. He has been one of, if not the steadiest performer for the area since it's inception. Naturally, this elder statesman has won many awards and received tons of accolades, not but a few that we can share here today.
TWF Vice President Chris Haney commented, "After all these years, the Doctor is mostly definitely "in"! World Title after World Title - there's no giving up in this man and he doesn't ever seem content to leave his legacy as is...there's always another rung on his ladder. And that's why he's getting this award...hard work, and dedication...as well as being supremely talented."
Former TWF chieftan Gary Holmes commented, "Another great vet! Always looked forward to what he had to say and how he conducted himself in the ring. Recently he had disappeared from the TWF but has now returned and we look forward to his incredible work!"
Hardcore great OutKast stated, "He's one of the toughest men I ever faced. Doesn't look that way from a distance but up close and personal, you will find out different."
And finally, the man that brought him to Tennessee, Don Haney had this to say, "Steven Andros, Dr. Midnight... way ahead of his time! Was cutting promos 5 years ago that the in crowd thinks are original now. He has made me lot's of money, but made himself a fortune at the same time. I am glad that he is receiving this award but when it gets down to it, he might be as good as anyone whoever laced up the boots."
Tonight, we honor Dr. Midnight with this induction into the Diamond Division and as the top vote getter and number one finisher in this years Tennessee Pro Wrestling Heritage Awards. An honor that is well deserved!