Best of NWA Charlotte - Adam Pearce vs Brent Albright

Alliance Editorial: What's going on in North Carolina?

With in a matter of months Charlotte, North Carolina has become a hot topic in the world of professional wrestling when it comes to the National Wrestling Alliance.   For years Charlotte was known as the home of the 4 Horsemen or Flair Country, but in more recent times has become the physical office of the NWA by way of Bob Trobich, the executive director.  In what once was a hotbed for Jim Crocket Promotions and Mid-Atlantic Wrestling before that made Charlotte a regular stop for the mighty NWA.  And the fans rejoiced with it was announced in 2008 that JD Costello and Jay Joyce would bring live wrestling back to Charlotte.  And after half a dozen shows, a bunch of broken promises, and wrestlers complaining of non-payment NWA Charlotte collapsed on top of itself. 

After months of no NWA action, Greg Price had come to terms with the NWA to launch his new efforts in conjunction with his Legends Festivals, NWA New Beginnings, which announced a monthly show starting on Valentine's day.  Shortly after Price's announcement, Costello start popping off about a return for NWA Charlotte, which would mean that the NWA would have two promotions in Charlotte along with three more promotions promoting the NWA in North Carolina: NWA Carolinas, NWA Mid-Atlantic, and NWA Fusion affiliate: NWA Warzone, for a total of five separate NWA promotions in North Carolina.

The biggest announcement from Costello's group came December 25th when he announced via the NWA Charlotte website (the cached version of NWA Charlotte), said that the first event  of the New Year is scheduled for January 23, 2010 at Metrolina Expo Center, Charlotte.  The site also  announced that Costello  and Joyce were joining a  NWA Superpower with Bill Behrens, Bob Trobich and Slim Baucom.  However  this was all smoke and mirrors, Behrens had mentioned that his words were taken out of context and now the NWA Charlotte site redirects to CWA, a non NWA wrestling promotion.

So what is going on in the NWA, in regards to Charlotte?  Is there a NWA Superpower or is this much ado about nothing?  It is becoming more apparent that NWA Charlotte is even more dead in December of 2009 as it was in July of 2009.  But the good news is the NWA isn't dead in Charlotte.  From all reports I've seen, this deal with Trobich, Behrens, and Baucom is real.  Apparently Trobich will be promoting the events while Behrens will be booking the events.  This will make Bill quite the busy guy, producing for both NWA Anarchy and NWA Main Event.  And if we can believe any of the quotes from NWA Charlotte's page, Bob Trobich is interested in producing a National Television program right from Charlotte, complete with National Titles being represented on its shows. 

NWA New Beginnings will also be producing live events and plan to have the NWA National Champion on their monthly offerings.  There is also talk with Worlds Heavyweight Champion Blue Demon Jr. debuting in Charlotte. And with New Beginnings already announcing talents like Phil Shatter, Chase Stevens, Caprice Coleman, Mr. Mid-Alantic Damien Wayne, Zack Salvation, the "Man Scout" Jake Manning, Caleb Konley, Josh Magnum, and Brad Attitude, NWA New Beginnings will bring the goods.

All the Super Power talk is a much ado about nothing.  Neither promotion has ran a single card yet so any number of things can happen.  The cynic in me knows that wrestling promoters often make huge grandiose promises and rarely deliver.  NWA New Beginnings should benefit for the good will that Greg Price has earned through out the years promoting the NWA Legend Fan Fest.  If the announced roster remains the same when New Beginnings opens its doors, the fans in Charlotte should certainly be there.  NB will be fine.  I'm not entirely convinced that Trobich will be as successful.  Obviously adding Bill Behrens to the mix lends a lot of credibility.  I'm not sure what role, if any Slim Baucom will have.  I would be surprised to see this fledgling promotion instantly get television and be successful.  I do hope the new project will take off and wish the best of luck to this new group and New Beginnings.

NWA Charlotte emerges as a Super Power.

Credit: NWA Charlotte

December 25, 2009 (Charlotte, NC) Charlotte sports businessman and promoter JD Costello announces that he, along with Jay Joyce, have joined forces with the NWA on a national level to create a "Super Power of NWA Professional Wrestling" effective immediately.

This new "NWA dream team" consists of Bob Trobich, Executive Director of the NWA, David “Slim” Baucom, NWA owner of North and South Carolina territories, legendary promoter and NWA owner of the Georgia territory, Bill Behrens, JD Costello and Jay Joyce.

“Merging our brand with the national NWA is a dream come true," said Costello. "We have emerged as a hybrid national and regional super power that spells long-term success for the NWA. And there's not a better place than Charlotte, NC to call home! The fans have shown that they believe again and support our product. We're taking the momentum created by NWA Charlotte and blasting off into a new and exciting future.”

“Everybody knows the challenges that we have faced this year with NWA Charlotte,” says Costello. “Bringing these great professional wrestling minds together under one umbrella lays solid foundation for the return of wrestling to Charlotte."

Wrestling fans in Charlotte will now have the ultimate monthly opportunity to watch the top NWA wrestling talent mixed with the best regional independent wrestlers. “The NWA enjoys our relationship with JD Costello and Jay Joyce,” said NWA Executive Director Bob Trobich. “They revitalized NWA wrestling in Charlotte after 25 years of it being dormant. Our goal was to always have the NWA represented here in Charlotte. Based on their incredible success, we can continue this goal by bringing in the NWA National Champions and having those national belt titles right here in Charlotte! Our plans are to tape for national television right here in Charlotte to spread the NWA brand to a new, emerging audience of professional wrestling fans.”

Monthly shows begin on January 23, 2010 at the Metrolina Expo Center. Further dates will be released right after the holidays.

“The first show on January 23rd is booked and will be a dynamite return of NWA wrestling in Charlotte,” says Costello. “Fans know these names from their exposure through NWA Charlotte and the exciting style of NWA wrestling will pick up and fill the Metrolina Expo once again.”

The NWA shows will be family friendly, fast paced, full of well-known NWA names and talent, and focused on building a long-term presence back in Charlotte.

Ticket prices and first show information for January 23, 2010 will be announced right after the holidays, along with a new website, blog, Facebook and Twitter site so fans all over the region can quickly get up-to-speed with this exciting new NWA initiative.

“I urge all NWA Charlotte fans to embrace our new NWA venture,” said Costello. “It will still be the same NWA wrestling experience that you have come to expect from us here in Charlotte. Nobody can duplicate or replicate this level of wrestling or professional presentation that will launch on January 23, 2010! This is the real deal.”

Is the NWA Returning to Charlotte?

Roughly this time last year, JD Costello and Jay Joyce announced their plans to run with the NWA in Charlotte. Not without controversies, NWA Charlotte was able to put together a series of shows. Featuring the talents of NWA National Champion: Phil Shatter, NWA Anarchy's Mikal Judas and Truitt Fields, NWA Women Champion: MsChif, legends from the Mid-Atlantic, former NWA World Champion: Raven, and an up-incomer in Ryan O'Riley. NWA Charlotte produced a weekly television show that is still available at NWA Unleashed. Unfortunately, the promotion ceased operations on the 4th of July with the following statement.

"We wanted a perfect ending. Now we've learned, the hard way, that some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment, and making the best of it, without knowing why." - JD & Jay

There were several talks of revival, but nothing ever materialized. However a series of messages from long time NWA Legends promoter could mean the return of wrestling in Charlotte.

On November 10th from Greg Price's Twitter

You guys hear that wrestling is coming back to Charlotte on a regular basis? No fruits and fairies this time, though!

And again on the 12th

Wrestling returns to Charlotte! Complete details will be announced by Christmas with monthly Sunday afternoon shows beginning in February!

But the biggest tweet came yesterday and also posted at the NWA Showcase Facebook

Okay, it's official... NWA: New Beginnings! kicks off Sunday afternoon, February 14, 2010 at the Hilton University Place hotel in Charlotte! Like they used to say, the name on the marquee says W-R-E-S-T-L-I-N-G, so expect to see the very best the National Wrestling Alliance and this area has to offer! This is gonna be a LOT of fun, folks!

Apparently the folks of Charlotte have some NWA Wrestling to look forward too. There hasn't been too much information released, but seeminly Greg Price and the NWA are back to their on-again relationship and the folks of Charlotte are the ones who are winning.

Who do you want to see in the new NWA Promotion in Charlotte?

Remembering NWA Charlotte: III vs. the Skull Krushers

NWA Charlotte, calls it quits... AGAIN.

"We wanted a perfect ending. Now we've learned, the hard way, that some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment, and making the best of it, without knowing why." - JD & Jay

I didn't want to quote the entire post NWA Charlotte has posted on their page. You can read it by clicking here. The economy is really tough in the United States and I can't blame them for not throwing more money into a sinking ship. NWA Charlotte was a hell of a concept. But they might have grown way to fast, way too soon. The ambitious project was first threatened when they had to close down their original "Coliseum," due to safety hazards. Costello and Joyce should both be proud of the level of talent they brought into Charlotte and the crowds should be happy to been a part of the NWA in 2009. So as for now the doors in Charlotte will remain closed for business. But never say never.

NWA Unleashed Episode 16

NWA Unleashed Episode 16 from Digital Tuxedo on Vimeo.

On this episode of NWA Unleashed, the new NWA Charlotte Cruiserweight Champion, Josh Magnum makes his first title defense against Malachi in a First Blood Match.

Also, the first NWA Charlotte Women's Champion will be crowned as Amber O'Neal takes on Jamie Jamison and The Sheik makes his NWA Unleashed debut against Iceberg.

NWA Unleashed Episode 15

After their initial confrontation, their scheduled match was postponed several times. Now on this episode of NWA Unleashed, Vordell Walker and the son of the Dragon, Richie Steamboat will finally meet in the squared circle! Will the MMA expert Walker be able to derail the young rookie?

Also, in cruiserweight action, Dylan Kage will face off with Xsiris!

That's all from the new NWA Coliseum at the Metrolina Expo in Charlotte!

NWA Unleashed: The Blueprint of Professional Wrestling!

NWA Charlotte's Summer Vacation

NWA Charlotte is taking June and July off to:

1. Let Developer Brady Parker and his team re-build the newer and better set, stage, and interior for NWA Coliseum. The plans for the new permanent set and stage include more lights, more effects, more depth for the ramp and stage, and larger surface areas for wrestling action.

2. Embark on a 2-month swing through various promotions across the country to search for new talent and faces to mix into the NWA Charlotte roster.

Our first shows back will be Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th! These two shows will be a real wrestling experience, including new professional wrestling superstars, NWA Charlotte superstars, Ring of Honor superstars, TNA superstars, Mid-Atlantic Legends and, as always, some big surprise guests!

We want you to enjoy the summer!. So many of you have indicated that you are taking big trips, building additions to your homes, spending time with your families at the lake, camping, going on Mission trips, and spending time at the pool!

Plus, our new website (finally!) will be completed and posted this summer so you can order your seats online, join Chat Rooms, interact with the NWA Charlotte superstars, and play games!

We look forward to seeing you all back on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th as NWA Charlotte returns from summer vacation bigger, better, brighter, and more tan!
Keep checking back for more information!

This was also confirmed by Tim Dixon, the voice of NWA Charlotte. Dixon confirmed that "there may be a couple of "Best of Unleashed" episodes coming up!" And just in case if Mr. Joyce, Mr. Costello, or anyone involved with finding that fresh new talent for NWA Charlotte, I'd like to suggest Kliff Hanger from NWA Cyberslam, Sean Denny, Chris Escobar, and Damien Wayne from NWA Virgina and perhaps Apolo from NWA On Fire.

NWA Unleashed Episode 13

On this week's episode of NWA Unleashed, the top cruiserweights in the country will clash as we crown our first NWA Charlotte Cruiserweight Champion in a TLC Battle Royal.

Also, NWA Charlotte President J.D. Costello addresses the controversy over the Mid Atlantic Heritage Championship and deals with former champion, Jeff Lewis.

That's all from the NWA Coliseum in Charlotte!

NWA Unleashed: The Blueprint of Professional Wrestling!

NWA Charlotte tryouts May 30th.

NWA TRYOUTS RETURN THIS SATURDAY!

By popular demand, the NWA Try-outs return to the new NWA Coliseum @ Metrolina Expo this Saturday, May 30 from 3-5pm. NWA Try-Outs consist of three main areas: 1) in-ring time to “show us what you got” or beginner instructions on the basics of wrestling, 2) character development and “what to expect” in the professional world of wrestling, and 3) studio time in front of a real TV camera delivering your promos to the audience.
All auditions will be in front of our official NWA judging committee. Try-outs are open for anyone... wrestlers, referees, managers, divas, etc. You can have no experience or have years of experience. You must be at least 16 and all participants must pay a $40 registration fee at the door. We are looking for those that are serious about their wrestling career or wanting to start one. If you’re good enough, we could feature you that night in our show as we did on March 14. Be at the NWA Coliseum at 2:30pm to complete the registration process.

NWA Unleashed Episode 10

NWA Unleashed Episode 10 from Digital Tuxedo on Vimeo.

On this episode of NWA Unleashed, the tournament to crown the first NWA Charlotte United States Champion comes to a conclusion as "Rough House" Ryan O'Reilly takes on Truitt Fields in the finals. Also, Jim Cornette continues to try and gain control of NWA Charlotte and bumps heads with "The Universal Soldier" Phil Shatter. And there will be cruiserweight tag team action as well! All this from the NWA Coliseum in Charlotte, NC!!


NWA Unleashed: The New Gold Standard In Professional Wrestling!

NWA Charlotte's New Coliseum

New NWA Coliseum at Metrolina Expo Center in Charlotte from JD Costello on Vimeo.

J.D. Costello gives the run down of the new home NWA Charlotte's Coliseum. Twice the size, 4 times as many restrooms, air condition, and you can buy bee!!! NWA Charlotte presents Total Compliance May 23rd.

NWA Charlotte presents "Total Compliance"

NWA Charlotte

Is the best show title I've seen in a long time NWA Charlotte is seemingly compliant. And is set to debut even more fresh faces for the Charlotte based promotion. Talent from Fusion Pro Wrestling will be cashing in their partnership with the NWA when The Sheik, Christopher Gray, and Tommy Taylor debut in the Coliseum. The boys at Charlotte are proclaiming this show to be a two day event, in a one night show. The card is said to be featuring TNA and ROH stars. Surprisingly enough, no Reid Flair.

NWA Charlotte... Maybe I spoke too soon!

NO ONE WILL HOLD US BACK!

Much like an inspirational video I watched in health class as a freshman, NWA Charlotte will not let anyone hold them back. In a rapid turn of events, with a lot of emotional out pour from the fans, NWA Charlotte has decided that maybe this isn't the end.

As previously stated the promotion already had poured large amounts of money into a professional building to hold their events. However, it wasn't up to fire-code. Seemingly though, the Charlotte Fire Marshals may give the NWA Charlotte group conditional approval to fire up the Wrestling Factory. The consistent message from both owners of NWA Charlotte, Joyce and Costello, is that the NWA will be back in Charlotte soon than later.

This is great news for the fans in Charlotte, as their branch of the NWA was really putting together some interesting storylines, a great mix of talent, an interesting video webcast, and they even added Chance Prophet into the mix. That makes them a winner in my book and I hope the fans of the NWA continue to make the NWA in Charlotte a destination for wrestling. Good luck to Joyce and Costello!

NWA Charlotte: We hardly knew ye!

NWA Charlotte closes doors.

After the weekend from hell, NWA Charlotte calls it quits. Between NWA in fighting between NWA Charlotte and NWA Mid-Atlantic, Charlotte Police and Fire Dept. shutting down their venue, and "El Hijo de Nature Boy" Reid Flair getting busted for a DUI and possession. The doors are shutting for good. Siting the poor economy, owners Jay Joyce and JD Costello have both posted their good-byes.

I know its easy as an arm-chair "booker" wondering how things could be so bad it can't be saved, it is being reported that it cost $250,000 to secure that building and will cost an additional $200,000 to bring it to code.

NWA Charlotte announces Disorderly Conduct.`

NWA Charlotte Presents "Disorderly Conduct" from Digital Tuxedo on Vimeo.

NWA Charlotte, 2 new champions a big news!

NWA Charlotte in its short tenure has become one of the most popular wrestling promotions in the NWA. Using talent through out the South East, Charlotte currently showcases wrestlers like, NWA National Champion Phil Shatter, Timber the Lumberjack, Mikal Judas, former WWE developmental talent Ryan O'Rilley and has hosted a series of matches with 2nd Generation wrestlers like Brad Anderson, David Flair and recenly debuting Reid Flair.

This weekend was a big weekend for Reid as he was able to capture the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heritage Championship. In a six man tag where apparently the title was on the line. This would mark the first championship for Reid Flair, it would be the only second generation to make a stir that evening. Ricky Steamboat Jr. was also challenged by Vordell Walker.
Later in the evening Truit Fields, who is currently the NWA Anarchy Television Champion, won the NWA Charlotte US Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ryan O'Rilley.
Also according to Larry Goodman the NWA Showcase will becoming to NWA Charlotte. There are also plans to tape matches at "Striking Gold" the big event in Tyler Texas.


Credit Larry Goodman

NWA Week In Review for Mar. 21st

While some sports are marching to some sort of madness the NWA is heading into spring with a bevy of Anniversary Shows. The first being from the Southwest, as Ken Taylor celebrates 11 years Unfortunately things have started off on the wrong foot already as Michael Faith the near 400lbs Texas Champion broke his leg. The main event for the show will be Mike DiBiase putting his North American championship on the line again against Kevin Northcutt. Northcutt a former National Champion and World Tag Champion will be taking a second shot at his nemesis DiBiase. The card will also feature Lance Cade and a crowning of a new Texas Heavyweight Champion.

7 Years ago Bart Kapitzke started the Alternative Wrestling Show. Bart started of using famed talent from the ground breaking indy promotion Revolution Pro and free-lance luchadores from Mexico. In its 7 years Bart has booked some of the most notable names in Indy wrestling, everyone from Super Dragon to American Dragon, Adam Pearce to AJ Styles, Samoa Joe to CM Punk, Christopher Daniels to Adam Pearce. What's really amazing about this story is that AWS was nearly shut down earlier this year. But it seems Bart has got things going in the right direction and will be "Getting Back To It." The spectacular will feature the AWS Tag Team Champions the L.A. F***ers take on former NWA World Tag Team Champions Los Luchas. This will certainly be a fast paced match up. And the team of the Young Bucks and former AWS Champion Scorpio Sky will take on the team of The Ballard Brothers and Heritage Champion Ryan Taylor.

Bart and Ken have done much for their respective scene. However you would be hard press to find a wrestling promoter who has done as much for wrestling in the United States who has done as much as Les Thatcher The Les Thatcher hosted NWA Excellence event has already started last night. First with an open forum Q & A with Thather. Saturday and Sunday will feature in ring training sessions wtih the Top 4 Prospects getting a chance to appear on Anarchy Television.

JD Costello and the NWA Charlotte are showing us all that this is a family business. NWA Charlotte has featured referees of 3 generations of Young Family. They also feature the son of legendary Mid-Atlantic wrestler Gene Anderson, Brad Anderson. Brad will join son of legendary NWA wrestler Ric Flair, as David Flair and Brad Anderson will face off against Jeff Lewis and a Mystery Opponent. Also Abdullah the Butcher will be making an appearance to keep the peace as the quest continues to crown a new US Heavyweight Champion.

On Friday the 13th their was a punch heard around the world. Shane Douglas he has seemingly attempted to apologize to the NWA and specifically Rick O was treated to an old fashioned beat down. Douglas who had just defeated Little Guido apologized for throwing the NWA title to the ground. Was giving praise for his beaten opponent Little Guido. His regret came too little too late for Danny Inferno, Dave Greco, and Don Montoya. Don began by explaining that "Not only did he throw a belt in the garbage but he threw the entire NWA locker room in there also". How by killing the NWA he killed a lot of careers and hard work to make the NWA/ECW relationship work." Shane again tried to say he was sorry when Danny Inferno Said this one is for Coralluzzo and blasted Shane with a right hand that sent the former world champion to the canvas. Greco and Montoya joined in and the beating was on. Former ECW alumnist Danny Doring and Little Guido hit the ring and made the save as the show ended. This war isn't over. In fact it might just be starting.

Lastly we end this Week In Review on a down side. The NWA Showcase has been experiencing some technical difficulties. The next two episodes of the Showcase will be "repeats." If you've missed any of the episodes of the showcase be sure to check out http://NWAWrestling.com or check out past episodes. On the blog we also have links to various NWA members video programs, like NWA Charlotte, IZW's IMPULSE, Anarchy TV, and NWA Cyberslam.

Zero Tolerance