Just Added: Badger v. Loveless--Two Of Western PA's Brightest Stars Added To This Exceptional Card

The always crowd-pleasing and hard-hitting Honey Badger has been added to the benefit show.

 by Thomas Leturgey

Another match has been added to the wrestling benefit for Lord Zoltan/Ken Jugan and it is as wild and as unorthodox one might expect.

The “Feral Female of the Kalahari,” Honey Badger will battle “The Siren” Laura Loveless.

Both are among the fastest-rising stars in Western Pennsylvania. In three years, Honey Badger, an import from Cape Town, South Africa, has wrestled for the most recognizable brands in the area and has traveled to rings from Erie to Philadelphia and many places in between. The tenacious Honey Badger is a whirlwind of kinetic energy who has also laid out opponents all over Ohio and West Virginia.

Laura Loveless has been kicking tail for just about as long as Honey Badger in Western Pennsylvania. The tough-as-nails Loveless has battled foes in Western PA, Ohio and West Virginia. While Honey Badger excels in high-impact moves like the Zef Effect that closes out many of her matches, Loveless is a much more tactical and measured athlete. She is much more likely to use her height advantage for pressure-point holds and leverage moves, where Honey Badger has an advantage of power. 

"The Siren" Laura Loveless will be in action Sunday afternoon.

The fans have taken an exceptional liking to Honey Badger, while Loveless most likely couldn’t care less about what the paid patrons think. The two have met in the squared-circle before, so this contest won’t be among newcomers. Neither woman is above chopping, stomping or punching each other. The Siren is alluring but dangerous. Wrestlers know that if they cross her, she will become a vicious enemy.

Both Honey Badger and Laura Loveless follow the proud Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh tradition of a Women's Division started long ago by the likes of Donna Christianello and Angie Minelli.

The Loveless-Honey Badger contest is just the latest match scheduled for the fundraiser to benefit Lord Zoltan/Ken Jugan this Sunday, August 5 at the Syria Shriner’s Pavilion in Cheswick, PA. Appearances by Dominic DeNucci, Cody Michaels and others highlight a day in which many of the most recognizable names and reputations in Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh’s Independent Wrestling scene get together to help raise funds for Ken Jugan, who continues to battle colorectal cancer. 

Bell time is 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Call 412-726-1762 for more information.

Biggest Pro Wrestling Fundraiser Since Deaf Wrestlefest To Feature Most Accomplished And Eclectic Roster Ever To Benefit Lord Zoltan

Ken Jugan, aka Lord Zoltan, prepares to enter a match. Photo by Howard Kernats.

by Thomas Leturgey

Not since the Lord Zoltan-led Deaf Wrestlefest shows has there been a professional wrestling event such as this in Western Pennsylvania. Now, an event featuring some of the most well-known and respected wrestlers in the area are getting together to help Ken Jugan, just as he has done for so many over the decades.

Special appearances by Dominic DeNucci and Cody Michaels have already been confirmed, but the in-ring action is already solid.

Any of the matches already scheduled for Sunday, August 5 at the Syria Shriner’s Pavilion in Cheswick would be a Main Event anywhere in the Tri-State area. Included in that is the first-ever one-on-one showdown between long-time wrestlers T-Rantula and Shirley Doe. Both men have proved their in-ring work with excellence and success for many years. T-Rantula has wrestled everywhere since 1990, and Shirley Doe has done the same since 1995. Both men are looking forward for this first-time matchup.

Throughout much of Lord Zoltan’s career in Pittsburgh and beyond, wrestlers such as Lou Marconi and Frank Staletto were a part of the scene. And for much of that time they were all associated with promoter Norman Connors. In 2018 with a bit of nostalgia and just a bit of celebratory excitement, the team of Lou Marconi & Frank Stalletto, along with “Notorious” Norm Connors will take on “Nasty” Nick Crane & Sniper. Marconi, Stalletto and Connors were all a victorious team on the last Deaf Wrestlefest in 2012. All five of these men have long and storied histories alongside one another, or on other sides of the canvas. How will this classic contest end? One has to be in attendance to find out.

Another contest between long-time veterans should thrill the crowd. Dennis Gregory, the long-time veteran and multiple-time champion, is scheduled to go against Dynamite Dean. Both of these professionals have performed throughout the region and have garnered great attention. Gregory is one of the most decorated independent wrestlers of this generation and has much more in the tank. Plus, he will be accompanied to the ring by the always controversial Mayor Mystery. Dynamite Dean is a prolific performer in his own right. This match is not one to miss.

A triple-threat match features three of the most unique and valued wrestlers around. Multiple-time champion and Ring of Honor’s Chris LeRusso tangles with the distinguished Tanner Reynolds and the always volatile Beast Man. LeRusso is known for his resilience and technical prowess, Reynolds is a crafty brawler and Beast Man is regarded as one of the finest big men to wrestle in the Tri-State area for the past decade. None of these competitors are strangers to one another, and this will be a great opportunity to show their skills in what will assuredly be a memorable match.  

For the past decade, Lord Zoltan has been almost an honorary member of the VIPs, but for most of it he has battled against Shawn Blanchard and Lou Martin. On Sunday, August 5, Blanchard and Martin will be accompanied to the ring by the remarkable and mischievous Count Grog. They will wrestle against Anthony Alexander and Kris Kash with Bobby O in their corner. All of these men have battled each other many times over the years. Might Bobby O keep Count Grog in check on the outside is yet to be seen, but inside the ring, it will be all action.

In one-on-one action is Lord Zoltan’s longtime tag team partner and sometimes foe Justin Sane against veteran Jake Garrett. Both of these fierce in-ring competitors are looking for a fight and will have no trouble getting into it whether they are friendly or not.

Also scheduled, long-time friend Preston Steele is scheduled to express some heartfelt words for Lord Zoltan. The two have tagged, battled one another and have helped raise funds over the years for several philanthropic endeavors. Steele has asked for some time to talk about his inspiring friend.

In addition to all of that action and festivities, others such as Bubba the Bulldog and “Gentleman” Joe Perri are scheduled. The event will be co-hosted by Trapper Tom and Adam Montgomery, and some of the industry’s most recognizable and respected referees—Shawn Patrick, Bobby Williams, Jimmy James and Adam Jugan—will call the action down the middle.

That is the preview as of now. Card is subject to change as this extravaganza is the biggest fundraising event of the summer. Fans from several states have already made plans to attend this star-studded wrestling event benefitting a great friend. A 50/50 raffle will be held, a Chinese Auction of noteworthy value is being assembled and food and drinks will be available on site for purchase.

Pittsburgh's Wrestling Community Is Getting Together To Aid Its Reigning Legend

Even after 40 years in the wrestling business, Lord Zoltan is not above using a hammer to get a point across.

by Thomas Leturgey

Ken Jugan’s love of professional wrestling began when he saw live events in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, which is only a few miles away from his home in Glassport. He soon found a way to sneak into Studio Wrestling events to take pictures. He then started to provide editorial for the programs sold at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena during the early and mid-1970’s.

That’s where his passion for the industry began, and when he decided he wanted to try his hand in the ring. He started to travel around the region and into West Virginia. In November, 1975 during a card in West Virginia, a wrestler failed to show. The promoter looked at the just-turned-18 Jugan and told him to put on his rookie gear.

The next year, Jugan began to tailor the “Zoltan” gimmick. By the late 1970’s, he was considered to be one of the first to use face paint. From “Zoltan the Great” to “Lord Zoltan,” Jugan was starting to be booked frequently. Then he started to promote his own shows.

In the early-to-mid 1980’s he traveled a lot and was booked often for the World Wrestling Federation television tapings in Allentown, PA. It was there that he played an understated role in a major WWF feud. Jugan was to take on The Iron Sheik in one-on-one competition and Sgt. Slaughter, who up until that point had been an unsympathetic figure, suddenly came out to verbally assail the Sheik. The former WWF Champion quickly dispatched of Jugan and the feud between the Iron Sheik and Sgt. Slaughter was on. It was also during this time that Jugan and a partner took on Andre the Giant in a handicap match. The partner took the pin and Jugan has always joked that he was never covered by Andre.

When Jugan realized that he wasn’t going to succeed in the WWF like his foes, including Tito Santana, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and the Samoans, he decided to return home get a day job and helm a family. Even so, “Lord Zoltan” would make regular weekend and vacation day appearances.

And more importantly, when sons Adam and Blaise were both born deaf, Jugan began a long and storied life of helping others. Most familiar is the “Deaf Wrestle Fest” events that showcased wrestlers and personalities from throughout Jugan’s rolodex. From The Iron Sheik to Mick Foley, “Big Bully” Nick Busick, Dominic DeNucci and Bruno Sammartino, Jugan’s annual shows helped raised thousands of dollars for the Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf in suburban Pittsburgh.

More than a decade ago, Jugan was diagnosed and treated for Prostate Cancer. Since that time, he has personally raised money for various cancer-related charities. In addition, during the spring and summer months, Jugan, as well as friends and his sons have participated in dozens of charity walks.

There’s never been a time in which Ken Jugan has not gone out of his way to help a friend, and especially those in need.

In 2012, Jugan emceed the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum induction ceremony in Amsterdam, New York. That class included DeNucci and featured Sammartino picking up his Hall of Fame ring.

Now in his 43rd year as a wrestler, Jugan has been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. The long time champion has undergone a series of treatments that have already left him uncharacteristically tired and tested. Now the Professional Wrestling Community in Pittsburgh is coming to help their friend.

“A Benefit for Ken Jugan/Lord Zoltan is scheduled for Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Shriner’s Pavilion in Cheswick. A professional wrestling card will take place, a Chinese Auction is being assembled and a 50/50 raffle will also be collected.

Wrestlers and personalities from throughout Pittsburgh and beyond is being contacted and no one is saying no to the effort. Friends and foes such as Norm Connors, Cody Michaels, Bubba the Bulldog, “Nasty” Nick Crane, Shirley Doe, “Beastman” Fetty, and Dennis Gregory have been confirmed. Other wrestlers such as Anthony Alexander, Shawn Blanchard, Lou Martin, King Kaluha, Lou Marconi and Frank Stiletto are also scheduled to appear. Lord Zoltan’s famous manager (and sometimes foe) Mayor Mystery as well as TC Reynolds are to appear. Preston Steele, T-Rantula, Sniper and Justin Sane will also be in attendance.

Referees Bobby Williams, Shawn Patrick and Jimmy James will be on hand to call matches down the middle. And the event will be co-hosted by friends and ring announcers Adam Montgomery and Trapper Tom.

More announcements are to be made as more wrestlers are going to want to be apart of this showcase of support and brotherly spirit.

A Benefit for Ken Jugan/Lord Zoltan is set for a 2:00 p.m. bell time on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Shriner’s Pavilion, 1877 Shriner’s Way in Cheswick, PA 15024. For more information, call 412-726-1762 or email lordzoltanbenefit@gmail.com.