From Scott Hensley: The state of Georgia features several dozen promotions. I try to stay up to date with the talent and happenin...
From Scott Hensley:
The state of Georgia features several dozen promotions. I try to stay up to date with the talent and happenings of the promotions that I consider "major" promotions, which are typically promotions that I feel have interesting booking, good production values, and that feature talented wrestlers looking to go to the next level.
This list is based on the following criteria:
1) Independent wrestlers who competed in approximately 10 or more matches in the calendar year of 2015 in the state of Georgia (This eliminates guys that just came in for a shot or two or that aren't regularly active)
2) Talent not signed to contracts by "major" promotions( This eliminates guys like Styles, Gallows, Moose, etc)
The criteria I used was a 1-10 scale on each of the following categories:
1) Overall Name Value - when fans see the guy's name, how many know it and want to see that person work?
2) Wrestling ability - this is the technical ability to execute moves in a way that is entertaining, makes sense, and tells a story.
3) Entertaining ability - this is more character oriented or just the ability to captivate the crowd and hold their attention.
4) Potential - Does the guy have the potential to make a living doing it? Work for international companies? national companies? regional companies? big local events? good local companies? etc
5) Peer Respect - How does ones' peers talk about them and the way they conduct themselves inside and outside of the ring?
That being said, please do not take it personally if I did not include you or rank you as high as you feel you should be ranked. If I don't know your work or if I did not include you, it doesn't mean you aren't good - just that I'm more familiar or fond of those on the list. Once again, this is just my opinion. Hopefully this list recognizes those that have worked hardest, encourages guys to continue working hard, or is motivation to work even harder. I have a definite bias for guys I'm more familiar with so I apologize for any hurt feelings. I appreciate all the hard working guys who sacrifice their health and time to do battle inside the ring.
Please feel free to disagree. This is just what I came up with. I'm also not counting what I call "training show" matches in which there's no admission cost or pay for working.
1. Jimmy Rave - the undisputed king of independent wrestling in Georgia. He won the Scenic City Invitational and is the current AWE Georgia Crown Champion as well as Peachstate Heavyweight Champion. His matches are must see matches.
2. Cedric Alexander - just barely qualified but what a blessing it's been to have him wrestle in Georgia so much in 2015
3. Kyle Matthews - Took some time off to spend with his wife and new baby but came back just as strong as ever. I'm not sure I've ever heard someone say a bad thing about Matthews.
4. Corey Hollis - has been appearing on NXT with John Skyler and has an upcoming match in 2016 with AJ Styles at GPW on February 5
5. Chip Day - The phrase "Chip Day does not have bad matches" holds pretty true. He recently debuted for CZW and had a slew of impressive matches in 2015 including Carlito, Cedric Alexander, Andrew Everett, JT Dunn, Shane Strickland, and David Starr.
6. Sal Rinuaro - One of the most entertaining guys in professional wrestling.
7. Slim J - A legend of Anarchy, his matches with Fred Yehi and tag team with him proved this "young veteran" still has it.
8. Shane Marx - A master storyteller and ring general
9. Mikael Judas - how many near 7ft guys in wrestling look like Judas looks and can do what he does? I think he stopped aging.
10. Trey Williams - 1/2 of the Washington Bullets, featured all over the Southeast and just flat out entertaining
11. Jon Williams - the other half of the Bullets - these guys are unforgettable and great. They can make you love them or hate them equally.
12. Ace Rockwell - when I watch Ace Rockwell, professional wrestling in real. He helps everyone around him to be better.
13. Billy Buck - a throwback feel to him and someone a crowd can't help but root for
14. Anthony Henry - phenomenal physique and someone that just oozes talent, recently had a spot on WWE Smackdown.
15. Drew Adler - Taller guy who can pull off some crazy things. Loads of potential here.
16. Seth Delay - a staple of Georgia wrestling, solid worker, solid dude.
17. BJ Hancock - Really came into his own in 2015. Good size and work. Competed in the Super 8.
18. Fred Yehi - Some of the best pure wrestling ability. Recently worked for Evolve.
19. Simon Sermon - a fantastic technician and entertainer
20. Iceberg - the hardcore legend continues his path of destruction, although he finds himself as a fan favorite a lot more often now!
21. Tyson Dean - had a breakout year in 2015 as his impressive ring work caught up to his impressive physique. Got lots of good exposure for his 60 man Iron Man match with Jimmy Rave.
22. Odinson - Absolutely beastly guy with loads of potential. More and more people are taking notice, including at the FIP 6 man tag tournament recently.
23. Tank - the "Strong Style Psycho" celebrated his 19th year in pro wrestling by going toe to toe with some of the best and the toughest.
24. Jeremy Vain - appears to be winding down his in ring career but one of my all time favorites and a guy who can make a broom look good, right Jonathan Feltner?
25. Mike "P-Dawg" Posey - who'd a thunk it? The former WWE referee is now a poser rapper... and a hilariously entertaining one that makes crowds want to see him get his face punched in,
26. Azrael - a solid force in the ring that's widely respected for his years of work at Wildside/Anarchy
27. Ethan Case - extremely charismatic and known more as a tag team specialist but recently won the PWX X16 tournament in NC
28. Gunner Miller - impressive make up with college football background. Has a long ways to go but has the determination and ability to pursue it.
29. Raphael King - this member of P-Dawg's Get Along Gang has a major league physique and a great body of work to go along with it, having recently worked a series of matches with Jerry the King Lawler in Memphis in 2015.
30. Kerry Awful - the entertaining and unusual heavyweight is 1/2 of Team IOU. Along with Jake Dirden, they won the FIP 6 man tag tournament.
31. Nick Iggy - the clean cut 1/2 of Team IOU has impressed in big matches in 2015.
32. Shadow Jackson - No one seems to know how old Shadow actually is but everyone knows that Shadowmania is still running wild wherever he goes. I mean come on, he gets away with Dusty elbows!
33. Bobby Hayes - 24+ years in the ring and still standing tall as the Empire Heavyweight Champion
34. Stryknyn - loads of personality and talent for this punk rocker
35. Francisco Ciatso - 1/2 of the Circle of Disrespect. Ciatso captures the attention(and usually hatred) of crowds everywhere he goes. He and Simon Sez put some miles under them this year coming from Florida to many shows in Alabama and Georgia
36. Murder One - He's another 24+ year guy that just keeps on trucking and as part of AWE's hierarchy he continues dishing out punishment and taunting crowds
37. AJ Steele - the powerhouse wins over crowds wherever he goes
38. Bobby Moore - this former "regular guy" is ruthless and fearless when he isn't getting "Barney" chants for his purple gear
39. Stitch Osiris - another talented athlete from the WWA4 school who has been showing out everywhere he goes in Georgia and beyond.
40. Jason Collins - he's a well rounded striker and technician who has improved by leagues in the last couple of years
41. Marvelous Michael Stevens - the more experienced 1/2 of the ridiculously over the top but always entertaining Beautiful Bald Besties. Also trained Drew Adler.
42. Zac Edwards - the other 1/2 of the Besties - get ready to roll your eyes, shake your head and smile at what they bring to the ring
43. Simon Sez - the other 1/2 of Florida's Circle of Disrespect. He's a road warrior who is extremely hatable
44. Jagged Edge - equal parts trash talker and feared competitor
45. Kevin Blue - what's his name? The Matt Hardy lookalike has seized opportunities to shine lately, showing his ability and personality
46. Owen Knight - one of the most confident young guys you'll see anywhere.
47. CB Suave - great physique, interesting work, and hopefully riding the Get Along Gang to bigger opportunities
48. Cousin Cletus - my MVP of Georgia Wrestling. He and Cousin Shaggy are as over as two guys can get with their hillbilly shtick. He does as much for a show as anyone and it's a family affair with his son-in-law, daughter, and son also involved.
49. Cousin Shaggy - an absolute asset to any show he's on. He's the other half of the Good Ol Boys and he takes a lickin and keeps on tickin with the best of them - was very impressive in a rat trap scaffold match vs Brad Cash this year.
50. KT Hamill - known as a tag team specialist, he's shined in singles action at DSCW, the Scenic City Invitational vs Moose, and he picked up a super impressive victory over Jimmy Rave in 2015.
51. Trevor Aeon - a true work in progress that impresses with his physique and personality, he'll turn heads when his ring work catches up.
52. Paul Lee - The "Nature Boy" continues to promote big shows and work big matches, including an upcoming match vs Jerry the King Lawler in Mississippi. He's the Donald Trump of Georgia Wrestling.
53. Logan Creed - he's an athletic giant and a guy that no one can ignore.
54. Geter - defeated both Washington Bullets to win the PCW championship. He's a monster that can move.
55. Kameron Kade - is there a show Kameron Kade isn't on? He takes his craft seriously and isn't afraid to travel.
56. Cyrus - the resident monster champion of DSCW, he's extremely athletic and menacing.
57. Jacob Ashworth - an impressive evolution from a referee and security guy at Anarchy to a top notch wrestler.
58. Brian Kane - the guy packs a punch and can fly. He's making his presence felt at PCW and SFCW.
59. Chris Ganz - he's a high flyer, a noted tag team wrestler, and captain consistency when it comes to matches.
60. Ryan Vega - a relative newcomer, he is the mouthpiece of Empire's The White Rose stable, he saw time at Anarchy and Peachstate as well in 2015
61. Joey Lynch - derailed by an injury for part of 2015, he's one of the most athletic competitors in the state and beyond. He's a star at Empire and recently branched out to AWE.
62. Adrian Armour - he's got power, athleticism, and a larger than life personality. He's 1/2 of the Lethal Weapons with Sylar Cross
63. Ace Haven - a respected lightweight singles competitor, he's also a driving force of Alabama based Pro South. He's recently started teaming with the impressive Charles Zanders as
#TrendingNow
64. Nigel Sherrod - Nigel stays busy in the world of professional wrestling and if you think he can make English speaking Americans mad, you should see him at Mucha Lucha!
65. Mr Sports Entertainment - he's the Sportiest Entertainer to ever Sports Entertain and if you can watch him without smiling then there's something wrong with you. Mr. SE is one of the best things about Empire Wrestling or wherever he goes.
66. Jeremy Foster - Foster is a young and talented guy that crowds like to get behind.
67. Tommy Too Much - he's a trash talker in the title picture at Peachstate and with valet/bodyguard Merica in his corner, who knows what he's capable of.
68. Marko Polo - another guy who utilizes the talents of Merica, Marko is a guy with a good physique that has been showing Georgia more and more, including joining up with P-Dawy's Get Along Gang.
69. Lamar Phillips - he's apparently the posterchild for Lionel Lucas Lazarus' Lazzercise program. It apparently doesn't make you tan or fit but Phillips knows how to get in the heads of his opponents and the fans, while being a consistently dependable worker in the ring.
70. Matt Fortune - a solid light heavyweight at Empire for years, he's recently started teaming with his brother Joey Lynch at AWE, where they've impressed
71. Jason Hampton - a veteran tag team wrestler, Hampton knows his way around a ring and makes any opponent instantly likable.
72. Chip Hazard - 1/2 of The Movement, Hazard is a respected veteran who is featured at DSCW and PCW.
73. Johnny Danger - he's a cult hero at PCW and recently won it all in the tag division with his partner Devlin Valek
74. Bill The Butcher - frightening competitor who brings a fight wherever he goes
75. Fry Daddy - a light heavyweight, most say he's one of the most improved wrestlers of 2015
76. Ray Ray - if anyone on the DSCW roster could run for mayor, it's Ray Ray. He's the "Ultimate Underdog" and a lot of fun to root for.
77. Drew Game - I don't know if anyone works as many matches or for as many area promotions as Game. He's the master of the double or triple booking and a respected ring worker.
78. Cody Roberts - a part of DSCW's popular tag team The Georgia Heat with Mr. Showtime, Roberts has the physique and fan support to be taken seriously.
79. Brandon Collins - took a hiatus in 2015 but has returned to continue impressing crowds. He and his brother/long time tag partner Jason Collins appear focused on singles action.
80. Rush - was a part of Empire's Match of the Year vs Kyle Matthews in a street fight. Rush is a tough and hate-filled wrestler that has to be taken seriously.
81. Brian Blaze - the man who was wrongfully incarcerated has returned to Georgia Wrestling, punishing foes in singles and tag action with partner Geter.
82. Pain - The monster inflicts plenty of Pain to his opponents.
83. Andy Anderson - a dominant force in the Middle Southern region of Georgia
84. Talon Williams - the other 1/2 of the Movement. Williams uses athleticism and experience to remain a dominant force in the tag division at DSCW and PCW
85. Torque - a lightweight that has continued to get better and better, combining technical wrestling with high flying.
86. Chris Crunkk - he's getting some good attention at AWE with his stiff striking and abundance of confidence.
87. Ray Fury - a veteran who has recently stepped up his game in singles action, including a match against Steve Corino. He also regularly tags with Drew Game.
88. Sylar Cross - size, strength, and brutality are what Cross brings to the ring in singles or as 1/2 of the Lethal Weapons with Adrian Armour
89. Kevin Kaufman - he's 1/2 of AWF's Young Lions, which keeps busy with bookings all over the Southeast and has had some good matches with the Washington Bullets in 2015. They're athletic, take their physiques seriously, and get over big with crowds.
90. Lex Lee - The other 1/2 of the Young Lions, Lex is the son of the Nature Boy Paul Lee.
91. Dusty MacWilliams - Peachstate cowboy who doesn't back down from a fight and has recently been at war with Iceberg
92. Chunky Dragon - the other 1/2 of the Double Dragons tag team with his brother KT Hamill, Chunky has a meanstreak that comes out in his hard-hitting offense
93. Chase Jordan - a former heavyweight champion of UEW, Jordan has regularly competed at Empire Wrestling, where he was trained. He's the youngest person on this list and has a long way to go but plenty of time to get there.
94. Ken Lee - he's on the comeback trail at AWE, this time in the tag division with Chris Crunkk as the Spring Street Suicide Squad.
95. Logan Alvey - Alvey had some of the biggest matches at Empire Wrestling in 2015, as their heavyweight champion. He's got the power and fan support to chase getting his championship back in
2016.
96. Corey Coxx - the charismatic staple of Empire's tag team division brings smiles to the faces of their fans as he goes all out against some of the best tag competition anywhere.
97. Roscoe Ray - always seems to make himself the center of controversy at SFCW.
98. Johnny Viper - Empire's longest running Light Heavyweight Champion will look to utilize his athleticism to regain momentum in 2016.
99. Brad Cash - He's not afraid to spill blood in the pursuit of a win or step into the ring for any type of hardcore gimmick match. He starred for Great American Wrestling in Knoxville, TN as 1/2 of the Death Row Inmates and went one on one with "The Modern Day Viking" Gunner
100. Baniac - Bane Lynch is the ultra lightweight and bizarre brother of Matt Fortune and Joey Lynch. Along with Good Job Bob(a painted face on his hand), Muji Bear(a stuffed bear), and his Muji balls (cheeto cheese balls) they keep Empire entertained and leave you wondering what he's going to do next.
Several notable talents that had big matches in Georgia or call Georgia home had their primary bodies of work outside of the state so I wanted to acknowledge Suge D, Shynron, Black Baron, Joe Black, and William Huckaby as guys that would have made the list if I was more sure they fit the 10+ matches in the state criteria.
Questions? Comments? Updates? Arguments?
Feel free to message me on twitter or Facebook
@ScottCHensley
Thanks for reading and have a happy New Year!
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