A True And Thoughtful Independent, Sam Adonis Is One Of Wrestling's Most Important Stars

Sam Adonis at Brawl Under the Bridge IV in Homestead this past July. Photo by Howard Kernats.

by Trapper Tom, Editor

Sam Adonis is training, and “rabbit food” is his meal of choice during a recent lunch meeting in suburban Pittsburgh. When he switches gears for a rare diversion, it’s for a double chicken with marinara sauce on toasted wheat bread. No one sees the sandwich disappear from the table mere moments later.

Sam Adonis is happy. He enjoys being back in Pittsburgh and he reflects on his past decade in the squared circle with reverence, understanding and respect. Never one to stay put for long, he’s eager and very excited about what might come next.

Adonis gained national headlines in late 2017 for his portrayal of a “Pro-Trump” wrestler in Mexico during his successful run in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), the industry’s longest-running federation. While he hasn’t been contacted by the White House in regards to the depiction, Sam believes that the Commander in Chief—a WWE Hall of Famer and admitted television news junkie—certainly knows of the character.

In June, Adonis returned home to Pittsburgh’s Mon Valley area to reside and wrestle whenever and wherever he could. Tagging with T-Rantula, Adonis participated as a fan-favorite in the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s “Brawl Under the Bridge IV” in Homestead this past July. The enthusiastic crowd of more than 800 screamed and shouted with approval as Adonis and T-Rantula defeated the seven-foot-tall Jack Massacre and “The Gavel” David Lawless, Esquire. “That was cool,” he said with gusto. “T-Rantula is as close to me as an uncle. We’ve been up and down the roads together. He shares what it’s like to be responsible in this business and put the work in.”

Adonis pinned David Lawless, Esquire at Brawl Under the Bridge IV. Photo by Howard Kernats.

He’s traveled all over the globe this year, including a trip to England, where he combined the “English style” into the “Mexican style” he had already learned south of the border. “I really learned the craft,” he adds.

Adonis also helmed a Lucha Libra wrestling event in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood during September. The show, held in conjunction with a grocery store catering to the area’s burgeoning Mexican community, was an enormous success. More than 400 fans attended “Lucha Fiesta” that featured Caristico, Ultimo Dragon and others. It ended up being a joyful, carnival-type atmosphere with food, drink, kid-friendly bouncy house and other attractions. But while the show was fruitful, he has no intention of being a full-time promoter. He’s having too much fun wrestling.

This year, Adonis also made his way to an extended tour in “All Japan Pro Wrestling” the internationally-respected promotion founded in 1972 by Giant Baba. “When I first went there in 2017, I felt like I had to impress,” he said. “This time, I felt like I belonged.” He said that he really felt “validated in the industry.”

But as the year starts to wind down, Adonis isn’t resting on his laurels. “I’m getting bookings all over on Fridays and Saturdays,” he says. “Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles. They’re paying me to fly all over and I love it.”

With a truly humble approach, Adonis says that he’s serving as a sort of “Ambassador” even if it’s as a villain. “I want people to appreciate professional wrestling.”

Next up, Adonis is set to take on Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle Champion, “Double A” Anthony Alexander at KSWA’s FanFest/Toy Drive 2018 on December 1. It’s Adonis’ debut at Spirit Hall in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. “It’s really great that this is in the city,” he said. Now in its 14^th year, KSWA FanFest has become the largest and most eagerly-anticipated event of its kind on the east coast. “I’ve known Anthony for about a decade,” Adonis continues. “We are about the same size (both are around 6’4” and 250 pounds). He is a bigger guy. This will be like a heavyweight boxing match.”

The show also includes National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis in his first defense in Pittsburgh. Adonis unsuccessfully challenged Aldis for the “Ten Pounds of Gold” in Chicago last May. This time, Aldis is set to take on long-time veteran Shawn Blanchard.

Adonis would proudly serve as the next KSWA Golden Triangle Champion, but even if isn’t victorious, he’s ready for his next professional chapter. "I'm in a positive position," he said. "The best is yet to come."

And he may even take a moment to enjoy and carbs that he’s been craving before his next match.

Friends From All Four Corners Of The Wrestling World Converged To Help One Of Their Own In Lord Zoltan

At the conclusion of Sunday's fundraiser, Lord Zoltan/Ken Jugan (center) stood proud with his friends, including (l to r) Cody Michaels, Dominic DeNucci, Preston Steele and refereeing son Adam Jugan. Photo by David Fedor.

by Thomas and Taylor Leturgey

It was a royal gathering of professional wrestling talent that got together on a hot, humid Sunday afternoon to help the man who helped promote friendship through the sport for more than 42 years. It was the benefit for Ken Jugan/Lord Zoltan at the Syria Shriners Pavilion in Cheswick.

Many of the biggest, most recognizable and even notorious names in Western Pennsylvania and beyond converged for a series of matches that ultimately ended in the king of Lumberjack contests.

Lou Martin and Shawn Blanchard w/Count Grog Vs 

Double A Anthony Alexander and Kris Kash w/ Bobby O

Kash starts off against Shawn Blanchard. Blanchard gets the wrist lock on Kash but Blanchard reverses it. Kash is able to gain control and whips Blanchard into the VIPs corner. Blanchard tags in Martin who immediately points that he wants Alexander. The Prime-Time Player is more than happy to represent. The two go for a “Test of Strength.” That doesn’t work well for Martin, who gets shot into a corner and stomped on by Alexander. There’s a bulldog by Alexander on Martin. Alexander tosses Martin across the ring and onto the concrete floor below. Blanchard helps Martin back in and the same thing happens as Alexander tosses Martin across to the other side. Then a third time, this one at the feet of Bobby O. Martin is tossed back in and Alexander tags Kash. Kash whips Martin into a corner and follows with a clothesline. It doesn’t take long for the veteran Martin to tag Blanchard back in. Blanchard gets the offense on Kash and chokes him with wrist tape. At one point, Count Grog chokes Kash on the apron. The VIPs back elbow Kash down in the center of the ring and its’ all Martin and Grog as they choke Kash with the middle rope. Blanchard whips Kash into the ropes and lands him in a sleeper hold. Kash is forced to a seated position and he fights back with some elbows, but Blanchard hits him with a huge spine buster. Blanchard digs at Kash’s face and the referee admonishes him. Count Grog says “that’s legal in North Carolina.” Martin is tagged back in and he whips Kash into a corner, where he springs out and onto Martin. Both men are in and they tag their partners. Alexander cleans house. Kash dives onto Martin on the outside and Alexander waits on the inside for Blanchard to get up. Alexander hits the The Prime-Time Cancellation out of nowhere. 9:44.

Jake Garret Vs Justin Sane w/Yo Yo Goose

Justin Sane grabs Garrett’s arm and drapes it over the top rope. Garrett is distracted by Yo Yo Goose (a new manager who looked suspiciously like "Pac Man" or maybe even a free-faced Jason Friday, but who knows) on the outside. Garrett gets Sane down in a seated position and shouts insults. Sane fights to get to his feet and he does. He nearly gets out of the hold that Garrett has on him before Jake goes low. Justin is in a seated position again and Jake scoops him up and lands an elbow. Justin gets up, lands a boot and then a leg-drop. Justin goes to the top rope and prepares for a frog splash. On the outside, Yo Yo Goose trips Justin up or bashes him with a toy yo yo and he goes down hard onto the mat. Ever an eager opportunist, Garrett makes the cover and scores the win. 4:22

Trapper Tom gets to the ring and introduces Cody Michaels, Dominic DeNucci and Preston Steele. Preston Thanks the fans for coming and supporting his friend. Just like that, Mayor Mystery comes out with Bubba the Bull Dog, hijacking the show. Steele Challenges the Highjack and starts a Zoltan Chant. Steele Challenges Bubba to a Lumberjack match, including Dominic DeNucci and Cody Michaels as lumberjacks. Bubba Accepts the challenge. But before he goes, Bubba, with Mayor Mystery's cane, hits Steele with a cheap shot in the leg.

Robert Parker Williams w/ BC Steele vs King Kaluha w/TC Reynolds

The referee for this match is Shawn Patrick. Reynolds was originally supposed to wrestle here, but he wasn't physically able to compete and RPW was given the opportunity. King Kaluha gets out of the ring and commandeers the house microphone to cut down his opponents. The bell rings and RPW tries to get crowd support. That doesn’t go well when King Kaluha drops him from behind. It’s all King Kaluha in the opening moments of the contest. Kaluha gets RPW in a headlock and the two end-up running the ropes in an attempt to gain control. King Kaluha drops Williams with a hip toss and that makes him revert to a corner. Kaluha brings RPW in the hard way and monkey flips him down for a two-count. There’s a sudden dance-off with RPW and BC Steele. Once that ends, Kaluha wants to dance but he is ambushed by Williams. Kaluha is in the middle ropes for an assault by Steele on the outside. Williams puts the boots to Kaluha in the corner. TC Reynolds on the outside wants to know what’s going on. Williams missed with a double leg drop from the top. He's really feeling that miscue. There’s an atomic drop and another that keeps Williams grounded. There’s a running face-first face plant and BC gets on the apron. That angers Kaluha who chases him around. Williams pounces once Kaluha is back in. Reynolds chases BC. BC tries to wallop Kaluha buts hits RPW in the mush instead. He goes down in a heap for the pin. 8:11.

Triple Threat Match: Tanner Reynolds vs Beastman Vs Chris LeRusso

Beastman, who is larger and more intense than ever, chases Tanner in his introduction. The “Heir Apparent,” Chris LeRusso takes a more calculated way to the ring. LeRusso asks that referee Chris Wood get the Beastman’s enormous thigh bone out of his face. Beastman, all 411 pounds of fury, chases both of his opponents. They go after him together but that doesn’t mean anything to the burly brute. The Beastman goes to work on both men with clotheslines and big punches. Tanner Reverses a slam attempt by beast man, Both Chris and tanner kick beast in the corner. Both Reynolds and LeRusso double team Beastman, however, that gets him nowhere until the big guy is tied up in the ropes. Reynolds levels the big guy with a knee to the guy. The position him for and land a double DDT. There’s a two count. LeRusso and Reynolds argue about each other’s haircuts and go to blows. Beastman gets to his feet and double noggin knocks his opponents together. With Reynolds on his back, Beastman kicks LeRusso down and drops “Pittsburgh’s Most Hated” down. Beastman catches both men and tosses them across the ring. Beastman rolls into both men in the corner and gets a two count on both. Beastman gets on the top rope and fights off both men before they combine their efforts and drop him down. Reynolds drives LeRusso from the ring and gets ready for offense. Beastman drops Reynolds instead and gets the win. 6:49

Shirley Doe vs T-Rantula

Both men have wrestled in Western Pennsylvania for more than two dozen years, however, they have never faced off one-on-one before this. Doe tries to use psychology against T in the ring. The two long-time veterans have never battled one-on-one before. Doe gets the advantage and drives T into the corner. Doe whips him across the ring and into a corner for a splash. T is in an unfamiliar position as Doe is clearly in charge. There’s a pin attempt that sees T launch Doe across the ring. Now T gets Doe in the corner for a big chop on the chest. Then another. Doe is woozy as T asks the crowd if he should do it again. He does and that drops Doe down into the corner on all fours. T hits Doe with a cup of soda and gets the duke. 7:48

Women’s Match: Laura Loveless v. Honey Badger

"The Siren" Laura Loveless. Photo by Ken Burch.

Before the match even began, Angie Minelli was introduced as being in the house for this contest. Badger chases Laura around the ring and then grabs her by the leg. Badger gets her in a head lock and then reverses that to the into an arm bar. Laura is able to recover and gets Badger down with an arm bar. Badger hip tosses Laura but Loveless kicks Badger square in the mush. Badger is in the ropes and Laura chokes her with the rope. Laura drop kicks Badger square in the back as she is posted on the middle rope. There’s a two count on the Feral Feline of the Serengeti. Loveless chops Badger in the chest and the angry one reverses those chops and drives Loveless into the corner for a series of shoulder blocks. Badger gets a near pinfall on Loveless but can’t believe Laura got her shoulder up. Loveless drives Badger down to the mat. Loveless hooks her into a front face lock but Badger recovers and drives her down. Both women are down. The count from referee Jimmy James is on. Both are up at six. Badger clotheslines Loveless and then kicks her in the gut. Loveless clotheslines Badger down. There’s a drive face first into the mat. Two-count on Badger. Loveless is frustrated. She says, “That’s it” and goes to the top. Badger gets out of the way. Badger kicks her in the gut and lands a stunner finish for the win. 7:31.

Dennis Gregory w/Bubba the Bulldog and Mayor Mystery v. Dynamite Dean

Dennis Gregory. Photo by Ken Burch.

Referee Shawn Patrick checks both men, even though Bubba shouted that he had already checked Gregory. The bell rings and the athletes get ready in different ways. Gregory goes to one ring post to mostly boos. Dynamite Dean goes to the corner to a vast amount of cheers. They lock up with Gregory breaking the hold and yelling “Is that all you got?” He admonishes Dean for smiling and says that he’s going to “knock his teeth down his throat.” The two wrestlers circle the ring and Gregory once again yells at his opponent. Dean shoulder blocks him down, leap frogs and tosses him over the top rope onto the floor. Dennis snookers Dean and gets him down on the mat for a series of dead-on punches to the knee. Mayor Mystery then pokes away at his knee. At one point, Mayor Mystery chops at Dean high while Dennis punches away at the upper half. At the other side of the ring, Gregory once again uses illegal tactics to attack Dean’s knee. Dean fights back and collides with Dennis in the ropes. Dennis rolls him up for a pin attempt but only gets two. Dennis then locks in an ankle lock. Dean break out of it. Dean has Dennis down for a submission move. Dean chases Mayor Mystery on the outside and wallops him down. Dean grabs the Mayor’s cane and hits Dennis with it. Gregory then gets the cane and wallops Dean with it for the win. 7:14

Tag Team Match: The Mercenaries w/Benjamin C. Steel vs 

Lou Marconi and Frank Stalletto w/Norm Connors

Referee Chris Wood checks on the combatants. Norm Connors, Lou Marconi and Frank Stalletto strut across the ring to start things off. Benjamin C. Steele confab with his team of the Mercenaries on the outside. The bell rings and Stalletto locks up with Sniper. They break the hold and Stalletto starts a chant of “Sniper Sucks.” Stalletto locks Sniper up with an arm bar and tags in Marconi, who continues the assault on the Mercenary from South Africa. After some offense the tag is made back to Stalletto who continues to work on Sniper’s left arm. Nasty Nick is tagged in and he goes to work on Stalletto. Steele works on Stalletto from the outside. Norm breaks it up. Nasty Nick puts the boot to Staletto’s throat. Sniper puts the boots to Stalletto’s and then his fists. Wood breaks it up and counts Sniper to his corner, where he tags in Nick. Stalletto goes after Crane and then Crane goes after Stalletto. Stalletto cross body blocks Crane. Crane gets out of it and gets to sniper. Marconi is tagged back in and he goes after both Mercenaries. There’s a clothesline and pin attempt on Crane. The Mercenaries rebound. Marconi tries to sunset flip Sniper. Stalletto races in and sunset flips Crane. The winners at 6:13, Marconi and Stalletto.

Main Event: Lumber Jack Match Bubba the Bulldog w/Mayor Mystery v. Preston Steele

Referees James, Wood and Jugan on the outside, and Shawn Patrick is on the inside. Both Wrestlers in the ring, Bubba asks for his lumberjacks to come out and Gregory is accompanied by the Mercenaries who quickly decide against helping Bubba. Steele asks for his lumberjacks and the entirety of the locker room come out to support Steele and Zoltan. Bubba starts with a cheap shot and the bell rings. Mayor Mystery is still in the ring. Steele reverses the cheap shot and knocks both mystery and bubba out of the ring. Immediately met with force, Bubba is forced back into the ring and frantically looks for a safe way out of the wring. Steele knocks him down by the head. Bubba starts screaming his hair was pulled on his cleanly shaven head. Steele Repeats the head-lock and met with the same reaction. Steele knocks out Bubba once again, who is promptly returned to the ring. Steele initiates an arm bar, which gets reverses round table. Both screaming appropriate “Yes” and “No’s” with the fans. Bubba gets the upper-hand and starts working the left thigh of Steele. Steele is pushed out of the ring, where the surrounding wrestlers brace him with love and let him take a brief break before rolling him back into the ring where Bubba continues to work the left thigh. Steele gets a burst of energy and reverses the control, knocking Bubba down getting a two-count, with a kick-out. Steele with a sore leg is unable to get back up. Bubba gets Steele into a leg lock. Wrestlers outside and fans pump up Steele, who is able to reverse on bubba. Bubba attempts to work Steele more, where Steele gains control with a flip over his back. Steele gets Bubba down for a pin, when Mayor Mystery distracts the refs from an easy pin fall after a body slam. Another Body slam and easy pin fall distracted by Mayor Mystery. DeNucci and Michaels get in the ring and works on Bubba. Steele finishes him off and there’s a pin for the win in 9:33.

Lord Zoltan gets called into the ring at the conclusion of the event and thanks the crowd. He receives a standing ovation.

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.

Corgan Says NWA Affiliates—Including NWA East—Are Finished

By Trapper Tom

With William Patrick Corgan’s purchase of the National Wrestling Alliance this year, the NWA has been a topic of conversation for the first time since Shane Douglas tossed the famed “Ten Pounds of Gold” down.

Over the past few weeks, current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Tim Storm, has had more title defenses than any WWE World Champion. However, overall details of the “new” NWA’s future plan have been more secretive than anything at Area 51. However, a “Busted Open” podcast from October 9 revealed something that almost no one knew. Hosts Dave LaGreca and Larry Dallas interviewed Corgan, who announced that the main arm of the NWA has cut off all affiliates.

“We’ve let all of the affiliate programs lapse,” said Corgan in the telephone interview. “There will be no more NWA affiliates.” Corgan went on to say that he “empathizes with everyone else,” including those who have created their own “kingdoms,” championship belts and the like in affiliate program. However, the current NWA President, who is best known as a musician and Smashing Pumpkins front man, said “to the victor goes the spoils” and the program is now a thing of the past.

While no definitive, current and active list of affiliates currently exists, numerous searches find dozens of federations from all over the United States laying claim to the NWA in some fashion (with seven promotions in Texas alone). While most of the current list shows promotions that date back to only the year 2000, a few dates back later than that.

According to cagematch.net, Western Pennsylvania, McKeesport’s PWX was the NWA East flag-bearer from 2001-2012 (with PWX on the books beginning in 1999 and the NWA name last officially being listed in January, 2011). During its final few years, NWA East had a number of “affiliates” outside of PWX. None exist in 2017.

Since PWX dropped the NWA East banner, no promotion has maintained the same kind of prominence.

Many independent federations claim to be NWA affiliates, yet a number don’t figure the iconic letters in their promotion. “Innovative Wrestling” from Tennessee and “Irish-Italian Wrestling” based in New England were just two.

It’s interesting to note that current NWA Champion has defended the vaunted “Ten Pounds of Gold” in some of the Texas-based affiliates this year.

Corgan promises NWA wrestling “content” in the spring, and Storm continues to defend the belt and make appearances celebrating the belt’s lineage. Storm attended Tommy Dreamer’s “House of Hardcore” recently and “The Innovator of Violence” told the current champion that he’d love a shot at the title. Storm said he’d be willing to defend against Dreamer at any time. Meanwhile, NWA’s “Ten Pounds of Gold” documentary team took video of Shane Douglas in the background near the belt. Filmmakers noted that Douglas refused their request for a comment.

In a separate podcast, Douglas said he’d like to challenge for the NWA belt, and if he won, he would run the belt over with some heavy equipment and throw the trophy in a river.

The First 400 Days: Tim Storm Is The Champion The NWA Needs & Why The Independents Should Care

By “Trapper” Tom Leturgey

In recent weeks, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) has been in the wrestling news due to musician and long-time wrestling fan William Patrick Corgan’s purchase of the name, rights, trademark and familiar Ten pounds of Gold championship belt.

The Backstory

The developments have also lead to the resurgence of the current NWA Heavyweight Champion, Tim Storm. As multiple outlets have reported, Storm is a 53-year-old school teacher of history by day who has wrestled as the NWA Champion since winning the first World Title from Jax Dane on October 21, 2016 in Sherman, Texas. As of 11/23/17, Storm’s reign has extended 398 days. Aside from Dane’s 419 day run, Storm’s is the longest in the NWA since Blue Demon Jr.’s 505-day rule from 2008. This is the same NWA that hosted Dan Severn’s 1,479-day title run that ended in 1995 (Tim Storm unsuccessfully challenged Severn for the belt back in the day).

Even though only the most astute professional wrestling fans realize that Corgan is a wrestling fan, even fewer know who Storm is or where he came from. According to Wikipedia, the  Pine Bluff, Arkansas native is a 27-time champion, and was #159 in the PWI Top 500 wrestlers of 2017. He debuted in 1995 and has wrested in some capacity in some wing of the NWA since 2010. The perpetual gum-chomping champion is also only the 54^th wrestler to hold the most prestigious title in the history of professional wrestling, and his the 92^nd reign. Mostly a heel, Storm has also wrestled as a fan-favorite from time to time. When he lost the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship to Dane, Storm used underhanded tactics and clobbered NWA President Bruce Tharpe to the carpet of the packed ballroom where the ring was set up.

Storm Becomes NWA Champion

Ever since winning the prestigious Ten Pounds of Gold, the 6’3”, 252-pound “Perfect” Storm (the oldest athlete to win the title) has successfully defended the title on a number of occasions, most in abject obscurity. At “NWA Big Apple Black, Blue & Proud,” on 1/27/17, Storm retained against Rodney Mack in Hackensack, New Jersey. Mack, 47, is a former WWE hand who debuted in 1998, and has primarily succeeded on the independent scene since 2005. Mack’s Wikipedia page posts 17 championships to his name.

While the numbers seem to change a lot, NWA Big Apple is one of the 29 independent wrestling organizations that still maintain a branch of the brand. As is customary with small promotions (it was formed in June 2016), almost no details—aside from a list of results—can be found from the event. (Association case in point: The federation appears to have halted operations in early 2017.)

It’s interesting to note that even in 2017, an NWA Heavyweight Champion in 2017 can be tossed in a tag team match of little consequence. At “VIP Love Steel Hurts,” at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Arlington, Texas, on February 2, Storm and independent veteran Adam Asher were defeated by Aaron Solow and Ricky Starks in tag team competition.

On February 23, 2017, Storm defeated Ryota Hama to retain the title in Tokyo, Japan. Not much can be found about this match (and Storm declined to comment for this retrospective), but Hama is an interesting competitor. At 5’9” and nearly 500 pounds, the sumo wrestler is an imposing force. Storm defeated the challenger at 5:54 with a school boy roll up. Diamond Stars Wrestling/NWA called the event “Overcrowded” with 331 spectators. Road Warrior Animal was at ringside for the NWA tag team contest that served as the Main Event of the evening.

Approximately 300 fans were in attendance for Storm’s title defense against “Loverboy” Matt Riviera at Championship Wrestling of Arkansas. Here, Storm defeated Riviera after in-ring interference from his own valet Lily, as well as Riviera’s dastardly second Boyd Bradford, the “Manager For the Ages.”

VIP Kings of the South, April 29, at The Gym “Warrior Warehouse” in Arlington, Texas, Graham Bell and Luke Langley beat NWA Champion Storm and Asher by disqualification in tag team competition. This put Storm at 0-2 in tag team matches in the young year.

Also in April, Storm took part in a 55-man Battle Royal, but the NWA Champion did not come out victorious.

On July 21 at the Elks Lodge in Sherman Texas, Storm and Dusty Gold were defeated by the tag team of Charlie Haas and Randy Wayne.

In September, at IPW “A Hero Never Dies,” at the Austin Sports Center, J.C. Re. S., Stacey Slade and Bruno De La Rosa defeated Davey Vega, Delilah Doom and Tim Storm for the IPW Tag Team Titles.

On September 16, at Wrestle Raise III in Arkansas, Storm turned heel and dispatched manager Lily for Boyd Bradford. Ever the opportunist when a lovely lady is at hand, opponent Jerry “The King” Lawler snapped up Lily’s managerial services for the evening. The match was a 12-minute contest that saw Riviera interfere in the late going and snuff Lawler unconscious with a rag full or aerosol poison. Storm retained in the Main Event at the respectively-attended Hot Springs Convention center.

The New Era For NWA And Storm

On September 23, 2017, Championship Wrestling From Hollywood (CWFH)-hosted United Wrestling Network TV tapings. Based at KDOC TV in Los Angeles, CWFH, which has broadcast since 2010, is available on cable outlets all over the country. The events are filmed in a small, free-ticket venue that’s great for a televised wrestling offering. During the first taping at the Oceanview Pavilion Performance Arts Theater in Port Hueneme, California, Storm was introduced to the welcoming audience. The applause was huge for Storm, who undoubtedly is now a fan favorite. Storm defeated the jiggly, tattooed Ziggy Dice in a non-title contest. Storm won with his “Perfect Storm” side suplex in two minutes.

After the easy victory, Nick Aldis, in a tailored suit, made his appearance and challenged Storm for the first of the “Billy Corgan” era. Storm accepted and listed the Ten Pounds of Gold into the Los Angeles air.

Corgan And The NWA

For most of 2017 rumors circulated that Corgan (who had dabbled in small independents, and attempted to purchase a flailing TNA Impact brand) was purchasing the NWA, but no details were ever made public. “What was he buying?” is a common refrain. A Sports Illustrated story asserts that Corgan bought some recent tape library; however, it has long been established that the WWE owns all of the well-known content, such as Ric Flair’s reign and everything from that time. In a Jim Cornette podcast, former NWA President Howard Brody revealed that it’s his understanding that the WWE owns all things NWA and has since 1998. Brody also said on the podcast that he believes that WWE might not realize it still has control of the brand, and may not act on it at all.

There were also legal concerns that former NWA Owner Bruce Tharpe didn’t have anything to sell, as his trademark on the brand expired. Interestingly, the once-popular rap group N.W.A. also was known to have interest in the acronym. No details of any deal have ever been made public.

Regardless, Corgan persisted and moved on, along with business partner, and NWA Vice President Dave Lagana.

Ten Pounds Of Gold Digital Videos

Soon, a series of compelling Ten Pounds of Gold digital videos started to circulate. In the very first seconds of Episode One, Storm and Championship Wrestling From Hollywood executive and former NWA promoter David Marquez marvel at the trophy. Later in the first video, Storm called his NWA reign “My Mountain Top.” From this time forward, the phrase became common for the Champion.

In a follow-up video, an elated and enthusiastic Marquez interviews Storm in the Championship Wrestling From Hollywood ring. Storm, smiled from ear-to-ear, pointed to the championship belt and held it skyward. The men emphasized the importance of the belt’s legacy and Storm’s immense pride in holding it.

This lead up to the Sunday evening, November 12, 2017 title defense against Nick Aldis. In some ways it seemed as if Storm were the underdog in this CWFH TV-Taping from Port Hueneme. To mainstream wrestling fans, the former Magnus was the bigger name. Aldis, 31, a former 8-time champion elsewhere known primarily for power and precision, made his way to the ring. In real life married to WWE’s Mickie James, Aldis joined the NWA in September of 2017.

(In a Ten Pounds of Gold video promoting the showdown, Corgan was heavily featured. The Smashing Pumpkins front man shook hands with Storm saying it was nice to finally meet Corgan. They took together before an adoring crowd and Corgan waved and thanked them for attending.)

Storm approached the ring to much aplomb from the crowd, introductions were made in a very old school way and the match began. The 14:26 contest was the antithesis of the aerial acrobatics favored by some modern-day fanatics. It was grounded, technical, psychological and at times featured power moves. The ending came with Storm reversing a cradle. He momentarily had his feet stuck in the ropes and made the unconventional cover for the three-count in the near center of the ring. Some observers (in addition to Aldis himself) tried to make something of the entanglement, ultimately, the pin was hardscrabble but clean.

Afterwards, Corgan Tweeted that the NWA title was “open for business” and any challenger would be welcome. Corgan suggested that anyone interested should tweet Lagana. Some like veteran deathmatch star Matt Tremont and former ROH wrestler Mike Elgin responded. Storm posted a NWA video responding to the CZW invitation for “Cage of Death 9” in Sewell, New Jersey. Storm said he will appear there on December 9. It is assumed that this will be his next wrestling appearance, as any other defense could end in defeat before then.

Instead of those most-recognizable names, Storm immediately accepted a video challenge from a self-professed professor Jocephus Brody. The match was scheduled for Tried and True Pro Wrestling, Friday, November 17 at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville, Tennessee. Jocephus Brody, the “Shelby Street Brawler,” is 6’3,” 280-pounder from Nashville who debuted in 2009. According to online research, Jocephus has held about regional championships to his name. Brody primarily wrestled for Resistance Pro Wrestling of Illinois, a federation co-owned by Corgan that shuttered November 19, 2017.

Jocephus once made hometown headlines because he enrolled in an audio technology program at SAE Institute in Nashville. It was during his confrontation with Storm that Jocephus made reference to Storm’s “19 grandchildren.” In an audio follow-up, Jocephus launched into a vulgarity-riddled tirade against the NWA, Storm and his grandchildren.

Although almost no details currently stand as of November 23, Storm was successful against Jocephus. In one photo, a fan noted that it was good that a World Heavyweight Champion defended the most prestigious title in wrestling twice in one week. There is a promise that the match will be featured on a “future” episode of Ten Pounds of Gold.

On November 18, Storm appeared with Tommy Dreamer during an in-ring promo at House of Hardcore in South Philadelphia. Dreamer introduced Storm during the premier episode of H of H’s TV show on Twitch TV. Dreamer was quick to point out that the NWA World Title last appeared in that same former ECW Arena on August 27, 1994 when Shane Douglas won the championship in a tournament, defeating 2 Cold Scorpio in the final. Douglas earned the title after it was vacated in 1993 when WCW split from the National Wrestling Alliance. Douglas won and immediately vacated the title. He had already held the NWA-Eastern Championship Wrestling division title. Eastern Championship Wrestling broke free from the NWA and became Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).

Dreamer promoted Storm and how the NWA Champion was eager to wrestle anywhere he could at any time. Then, Dreamer talked about past NWA Champions, such as his mentor Terry Funk. Dreamer, 46, said that he would like a shot at the NWA prize. He also invited Corgan to the House of Hardcore. Storm quickly accepted the challenge, “anyplace and at any time.”

As soon as the challenge was accepted, Nick Aldis appeared from the locker room. Aldis effectively noted that Storm offered a rematch and even if Dreamer would beat the current champion, Aldis would win against the “Innovator of Violence.”

Since that video, Storm posted a Thanksgiving message with his wife at his side. Storm thanked his family, Corgan, Lagana and everyone associated with the Ten Pounds of Gold episodes. He noted that for the first time in his wrestling career, his “relevance” has extended from Arkansas and Texas to “the big picture of wrestling.” And in a moment of retrospect, Storm said that “if this is the end, this is a great way to go out.”

Unless a match is made between Storm and Dreamer or Aldis, the NWA Heavyweight Champion is next expected at CZW in New Jersey on December 9.

In a few short weeks, Storm (with an assist from Corgan) has made the NWA Heavyweight Championship relevant again. There’s a buzz, growing interest and crowds. With an emphasis on the legitimacy of the title, its history, and its current champion, for the first time in more than a decade, fans have cared about the Ten Pounds of Gold again.

“Trapper” Tom Leturgey is the Editor of KSWA Digest, Ring Announcer for Pittsburgh’s Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) and Community College of Allegheny County Adjunct Professor who taught “The History of Professional Wrestling in Pittsburgh” this past October in Pittsburgh.