ZERO1 Tenka-Ichi Jr. Tournament Schedule Announced!

Courtesy of ZERO1USA.com

The First Entrant of the ZERO1 Tenkaichi Jounior Heavyweight Tournament announced

Courtesy of Puroresu Spirit

ZERO1 News: The 9th Annual Tenkaichi Junior Heavyweight Tournament will be happening in September and one of the first outsider talents has been announced. As Australian wrestler, Robby Heart has been announced as a competitor in the tournament.

The Tenkaichi Junior Tournament will be starting on September 13, with the other two days happening on Sept. 14 and the finals on Sept. 17.

Expect more news and information to be coming on the tournament in the weeks to come.

NWA Heritage Champion represents the NWA in the ZERO1 Fire Festival Tournament

Courtesy of ZEROOneUSA

Inoki Genome Federation wrestler Atsushi Sawada appeared at the ZERO1 Offices in Tokyo today along with a camera crew from Samurai TV. Also in his possession was a letter on official NWA stationary declaring Sawada as the official representative of the NWA for the Fire Festival '11.

ZERO1 Ring announcer Oki was the only person present at the office when Sawada arrived. When Oki said he had received no official information of notice from the NWA he wasn't sure what to make of Sawada's claims.

Sawada flew into a rage and assaulted Oki:

"You dare feign ignorance? Try reading this letter first, my representation of the NWA has been decided! I am the NWA Heritage champion, announce my participation immediately!"

Oki then convened an emergency meeting of the ZERO1 Fire Festival executive committee in the afternoon and contacted the NWA-PPF who confirmed Sawada's claim as their representative. The NWA then sent an identical versions of Sawada's letter to ZERO1 President Shinjiro Otani as proof of their decision.

This fills the final slot of the Fire Festival '11. The separate blocks will be announced following the upcoming Destruction King's 7th Anniversary Mourning Special show tomorrow in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. Also on that show Sawada will once more team with longtime ZERO1 gaijin fighter Steve Corino to again try to seize the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team titles from Kohei Sato & KAMIKAZE.

The Sawada & Corino lost the Kohei & KAMIKAZE back on March 6th at the ZERO1 10th Anniversary at Ryogoku Kokugikan in their 1st challenge for these titles.

NWA ZERO1 announces the participants for the Fire Festival Tournament

Courtesy of Puroresu Spirit

NWA Heritage Champion Atsushi Sawada joins the ZERO1 Roster to compete in the Fire Festival Tournament.

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Talk NWA returns on July 9th 1:30PM Easter, 10:30AM Pacific

Make your plans to join us for The Sixth Episode of Talk NWA, July 9th 1:30PM Eastern, 10:30AM Pacific.

Alliance-Wrestling.com is proud to announce the 6th Episode of Talk NWA. Talk NWA is a 30 minute program that promises to give a voice to the fans of the National Wrestling Alliance, along with providing the latest news and information from across the NWA.

Last week we had from NWA Mountain State “the Maestro of Wrestling”, The Stro join us. We spoke about the Mountain State’s influx of talent, the television program, and what is next for the MSW. We also spoke about the crowning of the new NWA North American Championship. Congrats to Shaun Tempers for winning the title. We all shared our opinions of NWA Hollywood extending an invitation to Locked Out, NFL Players for an opportunity to work for the NWA.

NWA Executive Director Bob Trobich joined the show and discussed how strong he thought the NWA is right now. Mentioned how the match with Sheik and Rai was decided by the Mr. Nakamura and Ohtani in sealing the ZERO1 World’s Title Legacy. We spoke about the contingency plan for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship if Rockwell was successful in his quest for the North American Title Tournament. We also talked about the genesis of a NWA Network, which is in the works that will feature all of the NWA Programming in one all inclusive area. We also talk about what would have happened if the Sheik wasn’t successful in Japan or if Adam Pearce wasn’t cleared to wrestle.

What will be the topic this Saturday? You decided. Saturday July 9th. 1:30PM Eastern, 10:30AM Pacific.

In association with www.alliance-wrestling.com, Talk NWA is a thirty minute live podcast for the fans of the NWA to discuss in real time, their views and opinion on the National Wrestling Alliance. All are welcome to call in and participate in this episode.

Call in Info (646) 478-3019

www.alliance-wrestling.com

www.twitter.com/theallianceblog

www.facebook.com/alliance-wrestling

www.blogtalkradio.com/alliance-wrestling

www.youtube.com/alliancewrestling

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New ZERO1 Heavyweight Champion The Sheik

The Sheik is the new ZERO1 Heavyweight Champion.

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The Countdown is on to NWA Worlds Champion taking on ZERO1 Heavyweight Champion

The first time the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship will be defended in Japan is just a few hours away from becoming a reality. In a year where ZERO1 reached land mark after land mark, presenting their 10th Anniversary Show and now for the first time since TNA Wrestling and the NWA have split ways the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship returns to Japan. The question is, will it come home?

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Surprising Opponents step up to face the NWA Worlds Champion: The Sheik

Once last we had from the Sheik he had turned ZERO1 into his own tortuous asylum. He over ran the dojo with Sheik sympathizers Matt Stone and Mark Hussein, burned the face of poor Kenta Kakinuma and championed misery. Upon his return from Japan, it wasn't long before The Sheik made the trek to Canada to face a kindred spirit in the name of Son of Abdullah. Both men bloodied, but neither could get a decisive victory according to some reports and the match was tossed out. A day later The Sheik was successful in retaining his title in a match with former NWA Worlds Champion, the Raven.

But here is where our story takes an interesting turn. Already matches planed for July 9th in Florida against home grown talent Colby Godwin for NWA Florida, the Sheik also has said to accept a challenge from two very interesting opponents. The first name we heard about at Alliance-Wrestling was in fact Steve Corino. Corino, known for his EXTREME wrestling has had legendary wars in Japan and in the US with the likes of fellow former NWA Worlds Champion Shinya Hashimoto. Corino who works regularly all over the world but most regularly for Ring of Honor, World Wrestling Council, and ZERO1, was able to petition the NWA Board of Directors for a shot at the Sheik.

Another name has emerged to challenge the Sheik. One Ryouiji Sai, ZERO1 Heavyweight Champion has stepped forward to silence the Sheik. (The AWAStars of Wrestling Heavyweight Title is still used to represent the ZERO1 Championship, we explain that here.) Likely fed up with the way The Sheik trashed ZERO1 on his last tour, the Sheik has been invited back where this time, he will be defended the Legendary 10lbs of Gold in the Land of the Rising Son. July 3rd will mark the first time since TNA and the NWA Split that the Worlds Title will be defended in Japan. To Sai's credit, ever since the NWA and ZERO1 re-established their professional relationship, Sai has patiently waited for his opportunity to face off against the NWA Worlds Champion. Ryouiji Sai has been Ranked #4 on PWI's Top Ten for the better part of 11 Weeks. Perhaps his posturing has paid off and his opportunity to showcase to the world that ZERO1's fighters are the toughest is about to pay off.

Or this could be more villainy from the Sheik, looking to expand his golden belt collection even further. Remember Sheik was the first wrestler in the NWA to simultaneously hold The NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, the NWA Midwest Championship, and the NWA North American Championship. His narcisim knows no bounds, perhaps the Sheik is just looking for another reminder to the Japanese wrestling fans that he is really that good. Either way July 3rd 2011 will be a day that changes the NWA and ZERO1 forever.

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Who is Takuya Sugi -- Japan Expo NWA France

NWA France's annual participation to the Japan Expo is usually met with the addition of world class talent to the event.  This year is no different.  As announced in the NWA France: ICWA Returns to Japan Expo article I posted earlier this week, Sugi is the big announced name for this years Catch portion of the Expo.  In previous years the show had Metal Master and WWE's Daniel Bryan.  Now Sugi might be a well known name in the States his International Presence has been well documented.  Sugi has competed in Japan with ZERO1, HUSTLE, Inoki Genome Federation, Michinoku Pro, Big Mouth Loud, and New Japan's Lock Up Brand; The United States with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and recently in Mexico with AAA.

 As The★ZEST he defeated Ozamu Namiguchi for the WWA Jr. Heavyweight Title and later as NOIZ defeated a second The★ZEST.  The WWA Jr. Heavyweight Title was briefly recognized by ZERO1 as the disputed portion of the WWA from Mexico.  Takuya Sugi has competed for several NWA affiliates over the years, but this will mark the first time he will compete in NWA France.  French fans will get one heck of a show with Sugi on the card. 

NWA Pro Wrestling Australia presents: Ground Zero

NWA Pro Wrestling Australia presents it's annual event Ground Zero Saturday Night June 25th. Hartley Jackson will defend the NWA Australian Championship against Robby Heart in a no rules Street Fight, Saturday Night. In this anything goes match, the only way to win is to force your opponent to submit or pin them for the three count.Robby Heart is a former champion, when he defeated the likes of Jayson Cooper and Damian Slater in March 2010.  Heart lost the title to Jackson in November 2010 in Adelaide.  Since then "Jag" Jackson has not only captured the PWA Heavyweight Title, along with the NWA Australia National Championship, but defeated Robby Heart earlier this year to be crowned the NWA ZERO1 United National Champion.  With 2011 being one of the best years in the career of Hartley Jackson, one can only wonder if his time is up and if Robby Heart's time starts Saturday Night.

In addition to the Street Fight for the Gold, a new number one contender will also be crowned Saturday Night.  Fresh off his tour of Japan, "Wreckin' Ball" Wilson will join Greg and Joey Graham, AJ Istria, Damian Slater, and returning from the United States, Jack Bonza and Robbie Eagles for an 8 Man Tournament.  The winner of this tournament will get an opportunity to face the winner of the Street Fight at the next NWA Pro Australia Event. 

All the action takes place at the Cosgrove Hall, in S.A. Australia. Doors open at 6:45 PM this Saturday Night June 25th.


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Is the NWA World Jr. Champion, Craig Classic, a Wanted Man?

Is there a price on the head of Craig Classic?  Is the NWA World Junior Champion becoming a target of Junior Heavyweights around the world?  Craig Classic, since winning the NWA World Jr. Championship has been jet-setting across the globe putting his Jr. Crown on the line.  Coming off a huge victory, Classic has now defeated two former NWA World Jr. Champions.  Classic this past weekend defeated "Mr. 630" Jerrelle Clark at I Believe XXX, Classic defeated.  Classic defeated Tony Kozina earlier this year at a NWA Midwest show.  

However, after the show, was a contract.  A contract to defend the NWA World Jr. Champion against a former World Jr. Champion in a rival organization.  In only a matter of days, Classic will defend his price against 

TJ Mack, the former AWA World Tag Team with brother and friend of the Alliance Kirby Mack.  TJ is also a former AWA World Light Heavyweight Champion.  This match with take place at PWX on June 18th  

When we talked to Craig Classic a few months back for Alliance Radio, Classic made it clear he would answer any challenge.  The past few months, the NWA World Jr. Champion has defeated Lince Dorado (also stole his mask), Nick Impact in and won both the PRWA Puerto Rico Jr. and the IPW/PPW International Jr. Titles in Puerto Rico.  Classic went to New Jersey and defeated Joey Spades and Colby Corino.  It should be noted Classic has a schedule dating out to early 2012.  No doubt about Classic is representing the NWA proudly, but for how much longer?  Tony Kozina has demanded a rematch, Christopher Gray gets a shot at Classic upcoming at the next NWA Florida show, also defenses against Mike Jackson and a return to Japan are not to far away. 

Happy Birthday to Dan "The BEAST" Severn

In 2010, Dan Severn was voted into the NWA Hall of Fame. Severn has the distinction of being a UFC Fighter while wearing the Legendary 10lbs. of Gold. Severn would even enter the WWE as NWA Worlds Champion. Severn is a two time champion, defeating Chris Candido to win his first championship and defeating fellow Hall of Fame member Hashimoto in ZERO1 for his second reign. Severn never lost the Worlds Title as TNA Stripped him of the championship, prior to their PPV debut. Severn would also go on to hold the NWA UK National Championship when he defeated Johnny Moss.

Severn is still very much active and we wish him the best, thanks Beast!

Kenta Kakinuma all fired up in ZERO1, courtesy of NWA Worlds Champion the Sheik

NWA Worlds Champion The Sheik promised to bring his reign of terror to the land of the rising son.  Little did ZERO1 knew what exactly The Middle Eastern Mad Man had in mind.  This picture surfaced on the internet earlier today and the front office of ZERO1 is very displeased.  My understanding is that the Sheik preemptively attacked Kenta Kakinuma who was to team with Masato Tanaka to take on the Sheik who would team with Mark Hussein on May 23rd at Korakuen Hall.  

Suffering from serious burns, there is no indication that Kenta will be healthy enough to compete in this match up.  And with Matt Stone and Mark Hussein by his side, there is no telling the terror the Sheik could bring to the Land of the Rising Son.

New NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion: The Sheik

Fulfilling a promise over two years in the making, the Middle Eastern Madman finally got his opportunity.and cashed in his shot to become NWA Worlds Champion.  

Subtle Hustle, Jacksonville Florida, NWA Florida promised the defenses of three world championships.  Craig Classic successfully defended his NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship against Lince Dorado.  The Dark City Fight Club bested former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions, the Briscoe Brothers. And the NWA crowned a new Worlds Champion.

Colt Cabana who only became champion a mere six weeks ago quietly took the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship to Germany, Austria, and Canada all along making schedule defenses in Hollywood, Alabama, and Georgia.  

The Sheik has made the NWA his own personal playground, acquiring championships nearly at will.  The Sheik was turned away from his initial shot at the Worlds title from Blue Demon.  Sheik would go on to win the NWA Florida Title, later the NWA Midwest title, and hold the NWA North American Championship to prove his worthiness for the NWA Worlds Title.  In the past few months the Sheik retained his title in matches against Savio Vega, Carlito Colon, and Phil Shatter. But all the turmoil, all the villainy, and all the pain the Sheik has caused around the NWA has finally materialized in into the fashion of the NWA Worlds Championship Title, which now rests with the Sheik.  

The Sheik has been stripped of his North American Championship and his handlers have announced that he will bring his brand of suffering to Japan.  The Sheik delivered on his promise and may God have mercy on the National Wrestling Alliance.

New NWA Pan-Pacific Championship

Courtesy of Fred Rubenstein

 In celebration of the ZERO1's 10th Anniversary and their re-affiliation with the National Wrestling Association, the NWA has bestowed on ZERO1 a new title belt. The the title is called the NWA Pan-Pacific Premium Heavyweight title. NWA Referee Fred Rubenstein presented the title to the ZERO1 offices during his trip.

"Congratulation to ZERO1 on their 10th Anniversary. As a special gift the NWA confers the NWA NWA Pan-Pacific Premium Heavyweight title to the care of ZERO1. I expect ZERO1 and the professional wrestling of Japan to play a key role in establishing this title so it can be carried by more NWA members in the future."

ZERO1 will confer with the NWA Australian representatives as to the best way to crown a new champion.

Craig Classic joins Alliance-Radio

Only six months into the NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Champions reign and he has already made defenses all over his home state of Florida, Puerto Rico, and in Japan for ZERO1. The NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Champion puts his tile on the line this Saturday against a man he is all too familiar with Lince Dorado at NWA Florida's Subtle Hustle. Before Classic defends his title, we talk about his return to Japan, his thoughts on the New Japan Super Juniors Tournament, and where he is taking the Clover Leaf Belt this year.

Matches from ZERO1's 10th Anniversary Show March 16th 2011

Courtesy of H781N Youtube Channel

NWA ZERO1 Wrestlers to appear for INOKI GENOME FEDERATION

Since the inception of IGF, the NWA has played a pivotal role with the wrestling promotion, although not officially a member IGF has used many notable names in the NWA and for GENOME 15 at the JCB Hall in Tokyo on April 28th, will be no different.

NWA Heritage Heavyweight Champion, Sawada will be taking on NWA ZERO1 Heavyweight Champion Ryouji Sai. Neither title is on the line, but this match will certainly have World Championship Ranking implications as a loss for Sai should result in Sawada replacing him in the Top Ten. A victory for Sai could catapult him even higher to the NWA Top Ten.

Former ZERO1 Heavyweight Champion Shinjiro Othani will team with the red hot Daichi Hashimoto (son of NWA Hall of Famer Shinya Hashimoto) to take on Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Minoru.

Also on the card is the NWA Korean Heavyweight Champion "The Beast" Bob Sapp taking on Masayoshi Kakuntani in a IGF Kickboxing Rules Match. Plus Tatsumi Fujinami will take on Big Van Vader and so much more.

Complete card below with credit to Puroresu Spirit.


IGF "GENOME15", 4/2...8/2011 (Thur) @ Tokyo Dome City Hall (JCB Hall in Tokyo)

(8) IGF Championship ~ First Round Match: Shinichi Suzukawa vs. Jerome Le Banner
(7) IGF Championship ~ First Round Match: Bobby Lashyey vs. Keith Hansen
(6) IGF x ZERO1: Atsushi Sawada vs. Ryouji Sai
(5) Yoshiaki Fujiwara & Minoru vs. Shinjiro Ohtani & Daichi Hashimoto
(4) IGF Kickboxing Rules Match (3 Mins. x 3 Rounds): "The Beast" Bob Sapp vs. Masayoshi Kakutani
(3) Fujinami 40th Anniversary Special Match ~ DRAGON vs BIGBANG: Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Big Van Vader
(2) Earthquake Disaster Recovery Special Match ~ Mask of Super Stars: The Great Sasuke & Masked Genome Jr vs. The First Tiger Mask & Ultimo Dragon
(1) Taka Kunou & Munenori Sawa vs. Hideki Suzuki & Akira Jo

NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Champion: Has gold, will travel.

NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Champion Craig Classic has been on a tear defending the championship world wide. Classic has defended against some of the best names in the world, defeating Tony Kozina in Illinois, Erik Scorpion in Puerto Rico, and Munenori Sawain Tokyo. 

Classic has defended the title more in the few months he's held the title than the previous champion had in a few years.  But Classic isn't resting on his laurels.  With confirmed dates in May for NWA DAWG, NWA Vintage, and World-1, Classic is also actively seeking future dates in Southern California, returns to Japan and Puerto Rico and taking the title to Chile.  Classic also has a huge match up against Lince Dorado for NWA Florida's Subtle Hustle on April 23rd. 

The young champion has been steadfast in proving that he is the best Junior Heavyweight wrestler in the World and plans to prove it against any wrestler any where.  You can follow the World Jr. Champion on facebook or twitter. for his upcoming dates, booking information, and updates from the Junior Champ

NWA Florida sends two of its finest to ZERO1

NWA Florida’s own Craig Classic, the current reigning and defending NWA World’s Junior Heavyweight Champion boarded a plane this morning to wrestle in Japan. Classic will take on Munenori Sawa on March 6, 2011 in Tokyo, JPN at Zero-1’s 10th Anniversary show at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Gokugikan. We wish Craig Classic the best of luck and a safe return home.

Also in Japan for this spectacular show is another NWA FL homegrown talent in Nick Primo. Primo, who is the son of former WCW Cruiserweight Champion - Prince Iaukea,  is training diligently at the Zero-1 dojo. Reports that have come back state that Primo is doing very well and has turned many heads since his training has started. We expect very big things from Nick Primo in the future and also wish him the best of luck and of course a safe return to the states.