PWO presents Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age on Sunday August 9th 2009!

8/14/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

PWO WRESTLELUTION 2 DVD AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER THIS MONDAY

Everyone at Pro Wrestling Ohio is still reeling from the chaos, action, and raw emotion we all experienced this past Sunday at the Nautica Pavilion. To those that attended, it was an afternoon that won’t soon be forgotten, and will be talked about for months, and indeed years, to come. To those who missed out on the excitement, or those who want to the chance to re-live the memories over and over again, the special Collector’s Edition 2-disc PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age DVD release will be available for pre-order this Monday! From the uncontrollable violence in the Dumpster Match, to the Mike Tolar’s battle with M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross and confrontation with Cleveland Browns legend Bob Golic, to the emotional rollercoaster and instant classic that was Johnny Gargano vs. Josh Prohibition that led to one man’s career reaching a new level… and one man’s career reaching it’s end. All this and so much more, every match, every interview, plus exclusive extra features only available on DVD. It’s PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age on DVD, this Monday!

And be on the look-out for all NEW episodes of PWO TV, premiering Sunday, September 6 on Sports Time Ohio!

8/12/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

PWO WRESTLELUTION 2: A COMING OF AGE, AN END OF AN ERA

On Sunday afternoon, August 9, Pro Wrestling Ohio returned to the Nautica Pavilion with the second installment of its signature event, “PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age”. A loud and raucous crowd of nearly 1500 fans packed the Pavilion to see one year of hostility and emotion unleashed in a single afternoon to see the stars of PWO raise the bar once again and reach a personal and collective coming of age.

In the main event, it was teacher vs. student as PWO Champion Josh Prohibition defended his championship against his long-time protégé and best friend, Johnny Gargano, who had broken from him due to Josh’s selfishness and greed. This bout was No Disqualification and will go down as one of the wildest matches in the history of wrestling in the area. For over 28 minutes, Gargano and Prohibition relentlessly punished one another - chairs, tables, guardrails - every weapon they could find was used with sick and malicious intent. Livelihoods were risked with breathtaking chances, including Prohibition being dropped 15 feet from a stage and Gargano’s majestic leap from a 25 foot balcony. The crowd was standing in awe at the brutality and emotion involved, as Gargano finished Prohibition with Josh’s own signature maneuver - The Drunken Driver - onto a table for a much deserved victory. Gargano celebrated his newfound reign as PWO Champion, and the biggest win of his career, as Josh Prohibition stood in the ring delivering an emotional, and heartfelt speech, as the most hated man in Pro Wrestling Ohio history seemingly used this heartbreaking loss to say goodbye. Gargano and Prohibition’s careers and lives were both changed forever as a result of this match. In two very different impactful ways, both of these men truly have reached a coming of age.

New PWO Tag Team Champions were also crowned as The Clash, Ernie Ballz & Brian Bender, defeated the feel-good legendary tag team of Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart to claim the titles. Valentine had been injured the night before, in an alleged rumored incident involving himself and The Clash, leaving Neidhart to fend nearly by himself, with Valentine offering whatever physical and moral support he could from the outside. However, The Clash took advantage of their own handy work, stealing Valentine’s crutch and using it as an illegal weapon on Neidhart to steal the victory and the championships.

Three time NFL Pro-Bowler, and Saved By The Bell star and XFL commentator, Bob Golic served as special guest ring announcer for the cocky Mike Tolar’s battle with “Innovator of Aerial Insanity” M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross. Tolar, who frequently objects to his introductions by regular ring announcer Pedro DeLuca, took similar issue with Golic. Tolar ordered Golic to re-do it, but received a very unflattering intro for his trouble. Golic proudly introduced Cross to begin the battle of Tolar’s mat credentials and Cross’ gymnastics background. Though Tolar, in the eyes of most, failed to prove his undisputed superiority to Cross, he did in fact pick up the victory, through the help of the distraction caused by Ben Fruith & EJ Georgio, Tolar’s hapless lackeys he has brainwashed and manipulated. Tolar picked up the win in this Championship Contender’s match, making him a prime suspect for a PWO Championship opportunity sooner rather than later.

Jason Bane & Hobo Joe survived the “hit list” of Aaron Maguire and his hired thugs, Mickey & Marshall Gambino in a wild weapons-filled Dumpster Match. All four men brawled all over ringside, utilizing trash cans, kendo sticks, and even thumbtacks. For The Gambinos, it was strictly business, all about getting the job done. For Bane & Hobo it was personal, fighting for their careers, their health, and the personal hardship caused to them by Aaron Maguire. Bane & Hobo were able to place both members of The Gambino Family into the dumpster, then place Aaron on top for good measure, and push the dumpster past the red line located in the entranceway to pick up the victory.

The Snowman Cometh to PWO as Al Snow made his Pro Wrestling Ohio debut to fight for the honor of Ohio against the Michigan elitist “Amazing” N8 Mattson. Mattson was quick to once again proclaim the superiority of his home state, and do a great deal of damage to Snow, despite it being Mattson’s first match back from serious ankle surgery. However, Snow channeled the strength and confidence he gains from his trusty sidekick Head to help lead him onto victory.

“Omega” Aaron Draven became the first-ever PWO Television Champion, surviving three tough adversaries in “Big Bear” Benjamin Boone, Virus, and Super Hentai. Draven, still battling a badly injured back and ribs, came into battle less than 100% and was re-injured early when he missed a dive to the outside, landing ribs first on the unprotected concrete floor. As staff led Draven to medical help in the back, the battle waged on with the two masked marvels doing their best to tame the big bear. Miraculously, Draven sucked up the pain and returned to battle, and refusing to back down. The risk taker and thrill seeker may have taken time off of his career but on this night, his guts and determination paid off on this night, as a tornado DDT to Virus led to the three-count and PWO’s consummate underdog achieving a major career milestone. However, with a long list of contenders already lining up, and Draven still battling through injury, how long can Omega survive?

Matthew Justice overcame “Bloody” Morty Rackem in a relaxed “Pirate Rules” match-up. Rackem spent the majority of the match punishing his former tag partner, with both a leather belt, and the steel-studded belt we had seen as the focal point of the Pirate Justice friction for a number of months. Rackem attempted to teach Justice a lesson, however unfortunately for Rackem, Justice learned that lesson at the exact wrong time for the swashbuckling superstar. Once Justice was able to battle free from Rackem’s abuse, he discovered Rackem’s steel-studded belt on the canvas. After the months of abuse, berating, and the physical assault of a few weeks ago, Matthew Justice finally used the weapon Morty had spent months telling him to use -- though he used it on Morty. Justice choked Rackem out, much as Morty had done to him, depriving him of oxygen. Rackem had passed out, was unable to continue, and Matthew Justice, brings his own brand of justice to his former tag partner.

Sex Appeal scored a big-time victory over Marion Fontaine, Noj the Wild Samoan, and Gregory Iron (subbing for Kid Cupid, reportedly recovering from a “broken heart”) in a six-man tag team encounter. Fontaine & company had a unique entourage, as not only were they joined by Cupid, but also by Oscar, the former manager of Men on a Mission in the WWF in the mid-1990s, who rapped the team to the ring. Sex Appeal as always, were joined by the devilish Dawn Decadence. Bobby Shields, Bobby Beverly, and newcomer Nicki Valentino showed that while beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, victory lies with Sex Appeal, as the narcissistic trio pick up the win.

The double-tough Hailey Hatred emerged victorious over Eric Ryan’s hand-picked opponent for her, internationally traveled Portia Perez. Hatred survived a tough battle, and then was met face-to-face with Ryan, whom Hatred taught a very physical lesson to as well. Hailey Hatred, not only proved Eric Ryan wrong, but solidified herself as one of PWO’s toughest athletes of any gender.

Irish Airborne, Dave & Jake Crist, teamed for the first time in PWO, emerging victorious over upstart team Eric Ryan & Corey Winters. It was a battle showcasing two hungry teams, and what may be a sign to come for the future of tag team wrestling in Pro Wrestling Ohio.

For information on pre-ordering PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age on DVD, stay posted in the coming days and weeks to www.pwowrestling.com and www.myspace.com/prowrestlingohio.

7/21/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!7/28/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

LEGENDARY CLEVELAND BROWN BOB GOLIC TO APPEAR AT PWO WRESTLELUTION 2!

Professional wrestling has always seemed to see involvement by athletes from other sports fields who are drawn to the one-of-a-kind action and entertainment that wrestling provides. Here at Pro Wrestling Ohio, it’s no different, as we are pleased to announce the involvement of legendary athlete Bob Golic at “PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age” as a very special guest ring announcer!

Bob Golic immortalized his name in the NFL, serving as one of the most memorable defensive tackles of the 1980s. Originally drafted by the New England Patriots, Golic reached his highest degree of fame as a member of the Cleveland Browns for seven of his total 14 seasons in the NFL. As a Brown, Golic was a three-time Pro-Bowler, and a major part of the Cleveland Browns’ domination of the AFC Central and appearance in numerous AFC Championship Games.

After retiring from the NFL, Golic kept busy both in and out of the sports world. Golic became a noted reporter and radio host in Cleveland, as well as Los Angeles and Great Britain as well. He’s also currently an extremely popular radio personality based in the Akron area, and has also opened his own business, “Bob Golic’s Sports Bar & Grille”, located at 1213 West 6th Street. Beyond that, Golic has been seen in a variety of other locations including as a recurring character on the popular television series “Saved By The Bell”, a spokesman for the NutriSystem diet plan, and even appeared as a broadcaster for the ill-fated XFL.

Golic’s athletic credentials aren’t just limited to football either, as Golic was an NCAA All-American amateur wrestler in 1978.

Golic is reportedly very excited to be a part of “PWO Wrestlelution 2” and serving as a guest ring announcer. What impact will Bob Golic make in Pro Wrestling Ohio? Will anyone attempt to cross his path? We will answer these questions when the legendary Bob Golic enters a PWO ring on August 9!

In addition, PWO has learned that live music will return to Wrestlelution, as a live band will be on-hand to perform during intermission! Also, rumors state Pro Wrestling Ohio has been contacted by some unlikely parties, and there may be a few surprises on hand to witness PWO Wrestlelution 2 themselves!

Check back in the coming days for more on these breaking stories!

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7/21/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

FINAL TWO PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED FOR WRESTLELUTION TV TITLE MATCH

In recent weeks, we've seen Omega Aaron Draven and "Big Bear" Benjamin Boone win qualifying matches, earning them a spot in a four-way match-up to crown the first-ever PWO Television Champion, Sunday afternoon, August 9 at 3 pm at PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age. PWO has stated they are looking for the youngest and hungriest athletes with untapped potential that are looking to make an impact in Pro Wrestling Ohio. We can now announce the two stars that will round out this field of four.

Super Hentai
This internationally-known star trained in Hayabusa, Japan earned his way into the mix by winning a recent qualifying match in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Hentai brings a disciplined fury and intensity with him into the ring, and seen him go toe-to-toe with some of PWO's best. Can Hentai be PWO's first Television Champion?

Virus
Returning after a several-month hiatus is PWO's most infectious superstar. Virus was granted a bye into this bout after several months of Virus being refused a PWO Championship match by Josh Prohibition, whom Virus had pinned when we had last seen him. As a result of Prohibition's politics, PWO management have granted Virus this title opportunity, which could be a definite springboard back to the top of PWO cards.

Add to this the unstoppable power of Michigan's newest resident "Big Bear" Ben Boone and the risk-taking and high-octane offense of "Omega" Aaron Draven, despite him still battling a severe rib and back injury.

Which of these four young and hungry athletes has what it takes to be the first PWO Television champion? We'll find out, August 9, Wrestlelution 2.

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7/14/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

PWO WRESTLELUTION NEWS - THREE MATCHES ADDED, MAIN EVENT NOW NO DQ

This past week on PWO TV was as eventful as ever, as more blockbuster news was confirmed leading into “PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age” Sunday afternoon, August 9 at 3pm at the Nautica Pavilion.

PWO Title Match Now Officially NO DISQUALIFICATION!
In recent weeks, we’ve heard rumors that the professional and personal relationship between PWO Champion Josh Prohibition and his one-time apprentice Johnny Gargano has disintegrated so far so fast, that drastic measures may need to be taken to settle this rivalry. Word has it both Prohibition and Gargano spent weeks petitioning for the rules to be completely thrown out the window. After much deliberation, PWO management has officially announced that when Prohibition meets Gargano August 9 it will be NO DISQUALIFCATION and absolutely anything goes! Both men have promised to practically destroy and eliminate the other from Pro Wrestling Ohio, and now with No DQ, both men will have full access to do anything and everything to each other they want? Who, if anyone, will be left standing after this personal championship battle?

Pirate Justice Explodes Under Pirate Rules - “Bloody” Morty Rackem vs. Matthew Justice
For months we have seen the rift between PWO’s one-time most popular tag team, grow to irreparable proportions. When Morty Rackem recruited Matthew Justice as a tag partner nearly a year and a half ago, Rackem wanted someone ruthless, someone cut-throat, someone to display the many characteristics of a pirate-like lifestyle, to win at all costs, and to take what you want no matter how the means. Matthew Justice, ever the competitor, just wants to wrestle and prove himself in the ring, without resorting to Rackem’s trademark tactics. Rackem has spent months attempting to convince Matthew Justice to use Rackem’s steel-studded belt he frequently wears, but every time, Justice refuses. Rackem gave Justice one last opportunity, when the duo challenged Greg Valentine & Jim Neidhart for the PWO Tag Team Titles, but with Justice trapped in Valentine’s lethal figure-four leglock, Justice once again refused the illegal object, opting to throw it away and tap out, rather than use it and win under dubious circumstances. Following the match, Rackem used that very same belt to knock Justice silly, and then choke Justice unconscious in an uncomfortable scene. Rackem is out to teach Matthew Justice the pirate way is the right way, and has requested he meet Justice August 9 in “Pirate Rules”, meaning rules would be relaxed and disqualifications would only be warranted under extreme circumstances. After medical treatment following the Rackem attack, Matthew Justice was quick to accept those terms, and now the tag team of Pirate Justice officially explodes at Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age.

Irish Airborne Make Their Official PWO Debuts Against Eric Ryan & Corey Winters
With Eric Ryan already focused on Portia Perez’s battle with Hailey Hatred, now the brash and cocky Ryan and tag partner Corey Winters must prepare for a high-stakes tag encounter as well, as Dave & Jake Crist, Irish Airborne will be making their PWO debut as a tag team. We’ve seen Jake Crist find success in PWO before in a major way, at one point holding one-half of the PWO Tag Team Title. How will Jake fare when he & brother Dave team in PWO for the very first time? Ryan & Winters have caused a lot of problems for a lot of people in recent months and are not to be taken lightly, and are looking for a career-making victory here. Who will survive this battle that could have major implications on PWO’s tag team division?

Benjamin Boone Competitor #2 To Earn Television Title Opportunity
PWO’s “Big Bear” became the latest to qualify for the TV Title four-way at Wrestlelution 2, joining a very gutsy, yet injured “Omega” Aaron Draven. Boone has been undefeated since renouncing Ohio, and moving to Detroit, Michigan along with new mentor “Amazing” N8 Mattson, the Michigan elitist. PWO management is searching for the youngest and hungriest talent to compete for the TV Title, and none are much younger or hungrier than Boone. Will Ben Boone take the TV Title back to Detroit, Michigan with him after Wrestlelution 2?

Available exclusively on PWOWrestling.com
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7/14/09: PWO TICKETS UPDATE!

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ANY FAN PURCHASING WRESTLELUTION 2 TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER OUTLETS

It was recently brought to the attention of PWO that some current Ticketmaster service outlets (i.e. Giant Eagle, etc) currently contain a temporary glitch in their computer systems that may prevent them from properly filling your Wrestlelution 2 ticket orders. Should you encounter this problem at a Ticketmaster service outlet, fear not, tickets are STILL available! If you encounter this glitch, it is recommended you instead visit the Ticketmaster box office at the Nautica Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore Street in Cleveland, or follow the below links to Ticketmaster online or simply try your service outlet again later. We apologize for any inconvenience and will see you all live at Nautica Sunday, August 9!

www.ticketmaster.com or direct link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050042BCEE32BBA5

7/7/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

WRESTLELUTION NEWS - AL SNOW, DUMPSTER MATCH, WOMEN, TITLES, MORE!

This past weekend on PWO TV, several major revelations were made public as the card for Pro Wrestling Ohio’s signature event - “PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age” Sunday afternoon, August 9 at the Nautica Pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio - continues to take shape.

The following matches have officially been added to this loaded and surefire historic card Sunday, August 9.

Ohio vs. Michigan - Al Snow w/Head vs. “Amazing” N8 Mattson
The 12-year veteran Mattson made his official return to PWO TV this past weekend, and picked up right where he left off - proclaiming the dominance and superiority of all things Michigan, while degrading and mocking all that comes from the great state of Ohio. With “Big Bear” Benjamin Boone by his side, whom Mattson had convinced to move from Ohio to Detroit, Mattson claimed from now on he would wrestle on HIS terms and wouldn’t let anyone from Ohio tell him what to do. However, Mattson was joined by PWO broadcaster Joe Dombrowski who had some most unexpected and unsettling news for the Michigan elitist. It seemed when Mattson got hurt earlier in the year, he forgot to take his open contracts to wrestle ANYONE from the state of Ohio off the table. Not only were there a lot of fans watching state-wide on Sports Time Ohio that were offended by Mattson, but other wrestlers as well. One such wrestler chose to step up to the plate, and sign one of N8’s contracts -- Lima, Ohio native Al Snow! The twenty-plus year veteran has found success everywhere he’s gone, from WWE to ECW to successful training stints in Ohio Valley Wrestling and the hit television show “Tough Enough”. On August 9, the storied Ohio vs. Michigan sports rivalry returns to the wrestling ring as Al Snow, with his trusty sidekick Head, attempts to silence the Michigan loudmouth once and for all. Which state will reign supreme when these two crafty veterans meet at Wrestlelution 2?

Dumpster Match - Jason Bane & Hobo Joe vs. Mickey & Marshall Gambino w/Agent Aaron Maguire
When PWO’s Most Dominant Man Jason Bane ran Cronus out of PWO, Aaron Maguire’s professional and personal life were in ruins. Months of frivolous spending and illegal gambling debts caught up with Maguire and drove him to the poorhouse, or more specifically the dumpster, where Aaron befriended and learned from PWO’s cult hero Hobo Joe. However, just as Aaron had adjusted to life on the streets, his past caught up with him. Marshall “The Bull” Gambino, soon to be joined by “Nice Guy” Mickey, began stalking PWO live events, hunting Maguire, and looking to collect the remaining gambling debts Maguire owed him. Maguire’s attempts at getting fast cash came up empty, but when Hobo Joe won $25,000 in the Ohio State Lottery, Maguire’s greed and selfishness resurfaced, as he conned his would-be best friend Hobo out of the only riches Hobo had ever had. Maguire used the cash to not only pay off The Gambino Family, but also sign them on as clients, re-invigorating Maguire’s stalled career. Aaron immediately sent the Family to target Jason Bane, screwing Bane out of winning the PWO Championship, a feat Bane had worked for nearly a year to achieve. The Family also targeted Hobo Joe, as Maguire now felt he was once-again too good to be associated with “trash”. Maguire instructed The Family to throw Hobo into a dumpster and light it on fire, though thankfully Jason Bane was there to settle his own Family score, and save Hobo in the process. Bane & Hobo refuse to run despite now being officially on the “hit list”, and have joined together to form possibly PWO’s most unlikely team. They issued the challenge to the Family for a “Dumpster Match” - no disqualifications, anything goes, the only way to win is to place both of your opponents into a dumpster and close the lid. For Bane & Hobo it’s a chance to fight for retribution in the elements that have surrounded much of this sordid story. For The Gambinos, it is a chance to carry out their “hit” and send Bane & Hobo “sleeping with the fishes”. Who will survive this volatile streetfight-like atmosphere when all hell breaks loose?

Clash Confirmed As Top Tag Team Title Contenders - Valentine & Neidhart In Their Future?
After over a week of petitioning, Ernie Ballz & Brian Bender, The Clash, have officially been named #1 Contenders to the PWO Tag Team Titles, and will receive their title opportunity at Wrestlelution 2 on August 9, currently set to be against timeless legends Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine! Neidhart and Valentine have a tag team title opportunity this weekend on PWO TV against Pirate Justice, and if the legends are victorious the title match will be made official. Regardless, Valentine & Neidhart are set to appear and continue this amazing coming of age of their own at Wrestlelution 2.

Women’s Action: Hailey Hatred vs. Portia Perez
Hailey Hatred is one of the toughest and most dangerous wrestlers today - of ANY gender - but has lately been the victim of both verbal and physical assaults from the brash upstart tag team of Eric Ryan & Corey Winters. Ryan & Winters attacked Hailey from behind two weeks ago, and this past week when Hailey challenged them to a match at Wrestlelution 2 - they declined! Instead, Ryan claimed he was hand-selecting a formidable opponent to take care of Hailey for him on August 9 - Portia Perez. Portia is a world-traveled athlete, and one of the most well-respected in the business today, capturing numerous accolades and championships throughout The United States, as well as her native Canada. Portia is a force to be reckoned with, particularly with Eric Ryan & Corey Winters by her side, however, is it enough to overcome the fury and rage of Hailey Hatred?

PWO Television Title Match: Omega Aaron Draven vs. ? vs. ? vs. ?
This past weekend on PWO TV, the risk taker, the thrill seeker, the fearless “Omega” Aaron Draven overcame Bobby Beverly to be the first to qualify in the match to determine PWO’s first ever Television titleholder. PWO management have stated they are searching for the youngest, hungriest, the most focused and determined young athletes looking to make an impact in Pro Wresting Ohio, to represent the TV championship. Omega, however, is battling through a back injury and severely injured ribs, as a result of an assault by Mike Tolar in Tolar’s attempts to send a message to M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross. Draven has survived serious injury before, but with doctors saying Omega will NOT be 100% by August 9, is Aaron Draven getting in over his head on his quest for championship glory? And who will be the three competitors that will join him in this battle?

All this in addition to already announced…

PWO Championship Match: Josh Prohibition vs. Johnny Gargano
Will Josh kill his creation or can Gargano prove he is as good, if not better, than his egomaniacal teacher?

Championship Contender‘s Match: “Superstar” Mike Tolar vs. “M-Dogg 20” Matt Cross
Two men craving a shot at PWO gold! Collegiate mat wrestling vs. aerial insanity, which will prevail!

Sex Appeal w/Dawn Decadence vs. Marion Fontaine’s Freaks!
Can Dawn prove beautiful is better or will Fontaine prove beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

All this and MORE on Sunday afternoon, August 9!

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Stay posted for even more hot PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age news in the coming days and weeks!

7/3/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

WRESTLELUTION UPDATE - GREG VALENTINE & JIM NEIDHART NEW TAG CHAMPS - SET TO DEFEND TITLES AT WRESTLELUTION 2!

This past weekend on PWO TV was historic for a number of reasons. Not only did we witness the official dissolving of the relationship between Josh Prohibition and Johnny Gargano, but we saw one relationship develop new life.

Timeless veterans Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, tag team specialists during much of their respective careers, teamed together for the very first time this past week on Pro Wrestling Ohio television on Sports Time Ohio, defeating top contenders Ernie Ballz & Brian Bender for the vacant PWO Tag Team Championship. Hammer & Anvil secured the victory with, of all things, The Hart Attack, the same move that propelled Neidhart to tag greatness along with Bret “Hit Man” Hart some two decades ago.

With the championship win, Greg Valentine & Jim Neidhart are now officially confirmed as appearing in action at PWO’s signature event of the year, “PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age” Sunday afternoon, August 9 with a 3 pm belltime at the Nautica Pavilion in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Valentine & Neidhart WILL see action and, assuming they can make it to August 9 with their titles in tact, will be defending their prized championships as well!

Ballz & Bender, of course collectively known as The Clash, have been petitioning for a return bout August 9, but PWO officials have yet to officially announce the opponents of Valentine & Neidhart. One thing is for sure, the PWO Tag Titles have a newfound prestige and are more coveted than ever before.

Sunday afternoon, August 9, can Valentine & Neidhart continue this feel-good story and prove that age is merely a number? Or will the future of tag team wrestling be ushered in? One team will meet a coming of age August 9, at PWO Wrestlelution 2!

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Don’t miss out, reserve your tickets now for the most exciting three hours of professional wrestling this area will see all year! Be a part of the revolution, be a part of PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age!

6/29/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

PWO WRESTLELUTION 2 MAIN EVENT SIGNED - THE MATCH WE THOUGHT WE’D NEVER SEE

This past weekend on Pro Wrestling Ohio TV, exclusively on Sports Time Ohio, a situation unfolded that many thought we would never see. An irreparable rift has been formed, and the two men that comprised inarguably PWO’s most unstoppable duo are now at odds. It is a true coming of age on Sunday, August 9 when Josh Prohibition must defend the PWO Championship against the very man who stood at his side for nearly three years - Johnny Gargano.

Prohibition & Gargano aligned shortly before the formation of Pro Wrestling Ohio, gaining a number of victories together in tag team action - most notably a win over The Motor City Machine Guns, Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley. With the selfish and opportunistic Prohibition and the immature, cocky, and overbearing Gargano, the two created an alliance that few could stomach - but due to Prohibition’s world-renowned experience and Gargano’s beyond-his-years ring savvy - even fewer could defeat.

When PWO launched in October 2007, Prohibition saw the opportunity to have the brightest spotlight yet shine on him. With the young impressionable Gargano by his side, Prohibition led the both on a path of destruction through anyone who stepped foot into PWO to oppose them. The list is nothing short of impressive - M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross, John McChesney, Josh Abercrombie, Marion Fontaine, Colin Delaney, Jimmy Olsen, Hiromi Horiguchi, Gregory Iron, Jason Bane, Michael Hutter, Super Hentai - they all fell to the two-man power trip of Prohibition & Gargano, who craved every second of attention and press they could receive. Together, Josh & Johnny were simply untouchable and were synonymous with Pro Wrestling Ohio through its first year. Then, after PWO’s inaugural Wrestlelution, everything changed.

Johnny Gargano, despite suffering a dehabilitating back injury that left him on the shelf for many months, survived a violent and bloody Last Man Standing match, and thus earned an opportunity to wrestle PWO Champion M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross for the title. Cross had defeated Prohibition to become Pro Wrestling Ohio’s first titleholder, an outcome that sent Prohibition spiraling into a whirlwind of jealousy and rage. Gargano began an arduous and grueling road to recovery, while Josh attempted to send messages through violence and brutality. As we drew closer to the Gargano vs. Cross title clash, Josh’s demeanor seemed to only get more intense. Was Josh happy that his student that he had mentored for years was finally receiving his first ever chance to stand alone atop PWO? Or was he enraged over the fact that, for once, it was not all about Josh Prohibition.

Prohibition showed solidarity, supporting Gargano in the weeks leading to the championship match, claiming “we” would take the championship from Matt Cross. However, little did we know what “we” would turn out to be. When it seemed Gargano had Cross defeated, Prohibition leapt onto the apron, instructing Gargano to NOT pin Cross, but instead continue to punish him. Was this Prohibition putting personal hatred toward Cross over Gargano’s professional gain, or was it something more? The momentary miscue between Josh & Johnny allowed M-Dogg to recover enough to surprise Gargano with a pin and retain his championship. However a vindictive Prohibition, after months of being repeatedly denied an official title match by PWO management, called out M-Dogg center-ring and goaded Cross into accepting an impromptu title match. A fatigued Cross fought like the true warrior he is, but after a draining 15 minute war with Gargano, a fresh Prohibition was able to steal the title all to himself. Steal it, not just away from M-Dogg… but from Gargano as well. Was it inadvertent or a calculated ploy?

Gargano remained loyal to Josh in the weeks that followed, continuing to show his respect and appreciation for the man who had brought him to prominence. But suddenly, Gargano was hearing completely different thoughts than what he was used to. Thoughts he used to dismiss as lies or rumors, but now may have started to make some sense. After narrowly defeating Super Hentai in Hentai’s quest for revenge over Gargano, Hentai showed his true class and professionalism by praising Gargano’s in-ring talents. He continued by claiming Gargano’s only weakness has always been his immature negative attitude. An attitude that was fueled by Josh Prohibition. Hentai extended his hand to Gargano out of respect, and after a moment of torn deliberation, Johnny accepted. An on-looking Prohibition was irate. Did Josh see his creation beginning to slip away?

One week later, Prohibition scolded Gargano, attempting to “put him back in his place”, not only criticizing him for listening to Hentai, but for failing to defeat M-Dogg 20 for the PWO Title in the first place. Just when it seemed Josh’s manipulative ways had put Gargano back in the shadow of Prohibition, Gargano was visited by another familiar rival. M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross himself, much like Hentai before him, endorsed Gargano’s talents and condemned his attitude and blind faith toward Prohibition. Cross stated to Gargano the phrase that would ring truer than anyone could’ve imagined - “He needs you more than you need him”.

Later that night, Prohibition defended the PWO Championship against PWO’s Most Dominant Man, Jason Bane. Though, to the untrained eye, it almost seemed like a handicap match. Time after time, Prohibition would distract the referee, throwing Gargano into the battle lines by ordering him to attack the most physically imposing athlete on the PWO roster. It seems during this match, the words of Hentai and M-Dogg had sunk in once again. Gargano saw the reliance Prohibition had on him, contrasted to Gargano who defeated Hentai without anyone’s help at all. Gargano left ringside, and left Prohibition to, for the first time in PWO history, face his problems on his own. It was a brief moment in defiance, but would he have it in him to do it again?

One week later, Prohibition was once again enraged with Gargano. Prohibition reminded Gargano that PWO was and is always about Josh Prohibition. Josh is the leader, Johnny is the follower. Gargano was seemingly beginning to realize that the partnership that dominated PWO from day one wasn’t really an equal partnership. It was an alliance formed to benefit only one. Josh condemned Gargano’s behavior of a week before, and told Johnny he would show him how a corner man should act later that night when Johnny wrestled Lars Rockne.

However, the increasingly demanding belligerence of Prohibition and the increasingly conflicted Gargano once again led to a disagreements and dissention. Gargano seemed to have Lars Rockne in-hand, until Prohibition repeatedly began barking orders and making Gargano do things the way Prohibition wanted him to, including making him use a steel chair. The constant orders of Prohibition threw Gargano off of his game, distracted him, and ultimately cost him the match. Gargano was frustrated, near his breaking point, and Josh Prohibition was not about to let this pass by without another harsh lecture.

Josh once again began to spin his web of deception to Gargano, but this time Gargano could see the truth staring him in the face. Prohibition claimed he’s beaten everyone, he’s taken everybody out, and he is the star of the show. Gargano, however, was quick to point out that there was one man in PWO Josh Prohibition has never defeated. That man… is Johnny Gargano. Gargano had finally realized that so many were right about Josh Prohibition. And more importantly, Gargano had gained the confidence and the guts to do something about it. The coming of age of Johnny Gargano had officially begun.

On Sunday afternoon, August 9, at the Nautica Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St. in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, 3 p.m. belltime, PWO’s most unstoppable duo officially explodes.

Josh Prohibition spent nearly three years molding and crafting his ally and partner in his own image. To create a sadistic, diabolical, cunning athlete, to be at Josh’s side and help lead him to the top of Pro Wrestling Ohio. Now, Prohibition must look at his creation face-to-face and attempt to destroy it.

Johnny Gargano spent nearly three years idolizing and admiring a man whom he rightfully thought to be one of professional wrestling’s absolute best. Gargano confided in him, trusted him, followed his every instruction, with the promise and hope that he would one day stand atop the wrestling world with his mentor and teacher. Now, an older, wiser, and stronger Gargano looks at that same man and sees a selfish manipulator who used every ounce of Gargano’s blood, sweat, and tears to help build his own legacy, and then cast him back to the shadows when he was no longer needed.

Josh Prohibition is the most intelligent, conniving, and successful athlete in PWO history. Does he have what it takes to outsmart and overpower Johnny Gargano once again at PWO’s grandest stage? Johnny Gargano is the most promising young athlete in professional wrestling today, and for the first time is thinking clearly, independently, and focused on his own success. Can Gargano’s coming of age be completed with championship gold at PWO Wrestlelution 2?

PWO Wrestlelution 2: A Coming Age is the biggest event on the PWO calendar year, emanating from the Nautica Pavilion in downtown Cleveland on Sunday afternoon, August 9 with a 3 p.m. belltime. Tickets are on-sale NOW:

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6/29/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!

FIRST TWO MATCHES SIGNED FOR PWO WRESTLELUTION 2: A COMING OF AGE

We are just about six weeks away from the signature event on the Pro Wrestling Ohio calendar year, as PWO presents “Wrestlelution 2: A Coming of Age” at the Nautica Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St., in downtown Cleveland Sunday afternoon, August 9. Gates open at 2:00 pm with a 3:00 pm belltime.

The card for Wrestlelution 2 is already beginning to take shape, as PWO management this morning announced these two matches to take place on what will no doubt end up as the most stacked and loaded card in PWO history!

PWO Championship Contender’s Match: “M-Dogg 20” Matt Cross vs. “Superstar” Mike Tolar
After Matt Cross was screwed out of the PWO Championship by Josh Prohibition, M-Dogg set out on a mission to regain his title and defeat Josh Prohibition once again to re-prove his dominance. However, while Prohibition has outright REFUSED to even consider signing for a match with M-Dogg, one man has come forward to challenge Matt Cross - the conceited Kent State University All-American Mike Tolar. Tolar blamed walking out on a recent #1 Contender’s match on his trick “college injury”, but then stated there was no quicker way to get to a PWO Title opportunity, then to defeat and humiliate the previous champion. M-Dogg, however, still had tunnel vision on the PWO Championship, until Tolar got personal. Tolar stated that M-Dogg was nothing more than a stuntman, a gymnast, and has no real mat wrestling skill, like the talents that Tolar has perfected all his life. We saw the anger each man possessed recently on PWO TV - M-Dogg attacked Jimmy DeMarco with a flaming torch of all things, while Tolar hand-selected a match with “Omega” Aaron Draven, a young high-flyer many have compared to M-Dogg in speed and agility. Tolar used Omega to send a message to M-Dogg that the high-flying style is “inferior” to Cross’ aerial skills, and the message was so severe that it left Draven with injuries to his back and ribs. Seeing this chaos unfold, management signed a match between the two, with the added stipulation of being a Championship Contender’s Match - the winner will receive a guaranteed title shot against the PWO Champion at a date to be named later. Can Mike Tolar’s mat mastery ground pro wrestling’s most innovative high flyer? Or can the “Innovator of Aerial Insanity” show it takes more than amateur skills to make it in pro wrestling, and earn another opportunity at the PWO Title he was screwed out of this past spring?

Sex Appeal vs. Marion Fontaine’s Freaks!
Ever since she stepped foot into PWO, Dawn Decadence has attempted to rid Pro Wrestling Ohio of any and all individuals she deems unfit for TV and inferior to her and her friends. In other words, she doesn’t feel anyone she finds to be “ugly” or “disgusting” deserve to be on the same television show as her. Dawn has found others that believe in her cause - the egotistical gym rat “True Talent” “Beautiful” Bobby “The Body” Shields, and the hip-thrusting turncoat Bobby Beverly, who are all completely immersed in their supposed superior looks. Meanwhile, “Megastar” Marion Fontaine is considerably less shallow - as PWO’s “Friend of the Friendless”, Fontaine has opened his heart to the outcasts and rejects of society, those overlooked or cast aside as different or inferior. August 9, Fontaine brings his bizarre band of friends into the Nautica Pavilion to attempt to prove that looks only run skin-deep and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Will Sex Appeal rid the PWO world of the supposed ugly outcasts of society or can Marion Fontaine and friends show that freaks are indeed people too?

This, ladies and gentlemen, is just the beginning. So much more to be confirmed and announced in the coming weeks, but don’t wait until the entire wrestling world is looking in on PWO, reserve your tickets NOW while they are still available!

Available exclusively on PWOWrestling.com
Available exclusively at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets

6/15/09: PWO LIVE EVENT UPDATE!