Photos by Distracted By Wrestling From Jonathan Wells: After its Invite only Test Run event and nearly eight years away, United Pro Enterta...
After its Invite only Test Run event and nearly eight years away, United Pro Entertainment made its long-awaited return with “Showcase” at Axes & Eights Sports Bar and Lounge in Kingsland, Georgia and it did not disappoint. The night was filled with shocking announcements, hard-hitting action, and the official kickoff to a new era for the promotion.
A New Era Begins
The evening opened with the introduction of United Pro’s new ring announcer, the charismatic Chianne Michaels, who immediately set the tone for the night. United Pro owner Kevin Kantrell followed, welcoming fans back and officially ushering in the company’s revival.
Kantrell wasted no time raising the stakes, announcing the return of one of United Pro’s most iconic events “Championship Rumble”, set for May 31st at the same venue. The high-stakes rumble match will crown the inaugural United Pro Champion of the new era.
In a series of shocking reveals, fans learned that Axes & Eights owner Jon Boy Ink has begun professional wrestling training. Even more surprising, he is begun his traiining along side the returning United Pro legend Lance Alonte who was also announced as the first entrant into the Rumble making his in-ring return in the rumble.
The surprises didn’t stop there. Kantrell confirmed that Alonte will also face longtime rival “That Dude” Jon Davis on May 31st, reigniting a rivalry that dates back over a decade. The segment ended with a tense handshake between Kantrell and Alonte, setting the stage for what’s to come.
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Match 1: Bryce Maddox def. Joey Osbourne
“The Machine” Bryce Maddox and 18-year veteran Joey Osbourne kicked off the in-ring action with a fast-paced, hard-hitting contest. Osbourne’s gritty, British brawling style tested the rising star from Jacksonville, but Maddox refused to stay down.
In a decisive moment, Maddox caught Osbourne off guard and soared from the top rope with his patented Frog Splash to secure the victory, earning the first win of the new United Pro era and building momentum heading into the Championship Rumble.
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Match 2: Aaron Berry def. Draco Nyx
“The Closer” Aaron Berry made a dominant United Pro debut, showcasing a brutal, no-nonsense style against the promising Draco Nyx. Berry’s imposing presence and raw power overwhelmed Nyx, who showed flashes of potential but couldn’t overcome the veteran’s intensity.
Berry sealed the win with his devastating “Spear Symphony,” making a clear statement ahead of the Championship Rumble.
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Match 3: Jon Davis def. Brian Brock
In what many considered a match-of-the-year candidate, “That Dude” Jon Davis squared off with “Buckshot” Brian Brock in a battle of heavy hitters.
The two veterans delivered a physical war, trading blows in a back-and-forth contest that echoed throughout the venue. Despite Brock’s relentless offense, Davis proved why he remains one of United Pro’s most respected competitors, ultimately securing the victory.
Tensions escalated after the match as Lance Alonte, who had been watching from ringside, came face-to-face with Davis. Prior to the beginning of the match Lance ignored Jon walking out by looking at his phone during the entrance. The confrontation turned physical when Davis shoved Alonte to the floor, forcing officials to intervene, intensifying anticipation for their upcoming clash at Championship Rumble.
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Match 4: Flying Fro def. Daniel Starling
“The King of Florida” Daniel Starling entered with supreme confidence, proclaiming himself the best pure professional wrestler and dismissing Flying Fro as a mockery of the sport.
However, the high-energy underdog and current Coastal Empire Champion had other plans.
Despite Starling controlling much of the match, Flying Fro capitalized on a critical opening, catching Starling off guard with a roll-up to score a shocking upset victory. The crowd erupted as Fro celebrated, while a stunned Starling was left in disbelief.
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In-Ring Chaos Erupts
United Pro commentator Karson Kase entered the ring for another Championship Rumble announcement, but was quickly interrupted by “The Beacon of Bravado” Randy Reno, who boldly declared his entry into the Championship Rumble and guaranteed victory.
Moments later, Axe Man, Draco Nyx, joined Randy in announcing their rumble entry, before chaos broke out. A wild brawl erupted, leaving Axe Man standing tall as the crowd was chanting for him, until Randy sprayed air spray in his eyes to throw Axe Man out, This didn’t go unrecognized by John Boy Ink who quickly entered the ring and scooped up Randy to Stand tall as th only one left in the ring, further fueling excitement for the May 31st event.
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Main Event: Bryce Cannon def. Hunter James
The main event featured a high-stakes showdown between “Frat Daddy” Bryce Cannon and “Hollywood” Hunter James, with major implications for the Championship Rumble.
The winner would earn the coveted final entry spot, while the loser would be forced to enter first.
Hunter James, battling through injured ribs from the night before at the Coastal Empire event, showed incredible resilience and heart, channeling the influence of legends like Randy Savage and Shawn Michaels. Cannon, however, relied on cunning tactics and underhanded strategies to stay in control.
In a controversial finish, Cannon took advantage of a distracted official to deliver a low blow, followed by his “Keg Stand” finisher to steal the victory.
With the win, Cannon secures the final entry in the Championship Rumble, giving him a major advantage, while James now faces the daunting task of entering first.
After the match, a fired-up James grabbed the microphone and made a bold promise: despite the odds, he will enter one but will be the only one Standing and still win the United Pro Championship.
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What’s Next
United Pro’s return was nothing short of electric, successfully launching a new chapter filled with fresh faces, returning legends, and renewed rivalries.
All eyes now turn to May 31st, when Championship Rumble will crown the first United Pro Champion of this new era.
If “Showcase” was any indication, the future of United Pro is brighter and more intense than ever.


