NWA Hall of Fame 2009 Updates

July 16, 2009 (Charlotte, NC) – Over the years, the National Wrestling Alliance® has inducted many of pro wrestling’s greatest personalities into it’s Hall of Fame and the selection for the 2009 class started last year in Atlanta, GA when “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff was announced as this year’s first inductee. Currently, the NWA™ Board of Directors is finalizing the rest of the honorees to be announced later this summer.


NWA Executive Director, Robert K. Trobich stated:


“Although we are rounding out the rest of the 2009 Class of the NWA Hall of Fame, I am pleased to announce that the late Dennis Coralluzzo is second person we are going to honor this year. Dennis was one-of-a-kind. To describe him as colorful just doesn't do him justice. But he was also an excellent promoter, who put together great matches and had an eye for young talent. Most importantly, however, Dennis was an almost indispensable ally in keeping the NWA alive in the 90s. One of my fondest memories was journeying to Atlanta with Dennis to convince WCW that the failure to admit Dennis to the NWA (which they did not want) would result in decades of legal action and fees. Dennis and I were, of course, bluffing, but it worked. Once in, Dennis was instrumental in bringing in new members and raising the NWA profile. From appearing on WWF television, to accompanying Dan "The Beast" Severn to the ring in an early UFC bout, proudly holding the NWA Worlds Championship aloft, Dennis was NWA to the end and has a rightful place in the NWA Hall of Fame.”


The NWA Hall of Fame induction of Dennis will take place at the Dennis Coralluzzo Invitational on Sept. 26th at the Wayne (NJ) PAL promoted by Rick Otazu. Tickets for the event are on sale now by emailing a ticket request to mrjcw@optonline.net. For more information on the card please visit www.nwanj.com or www.nwawrestling.com.

NWA Japan now has 2 promotions?

It gives me great pleasure to announce the return of New Japan Pro Wrestling as a member of the National Wrestling Alliance. New Japan has long been the standard-bearer for excellence in professional wrestling in the Far East. With New Japan's "Return Home," the NWA continues its mission to provide wrestling fan with its finest in professional wrestling from every part of the globe. Along with our recent expansions into Australia, Mexico,and Puerto Rico, and our long members in Canada, United Kingdom, the addition of New Japan to the NWA assures fans that they will see the finest wrestlers in the world competing for the most prestigious championship in the world-the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. I want to thank New Japan's International Coordinator, Tiger Hattori, Chief Financial Officer M. Nishizawa, and President, Naoki Sugabayishi for all their efforts in making this pairing a reality. The NWA-for 60 Years the home of professional wrestling.

--Robert K. Trobich, Executive Director (credit NWAWrestling.com)

Which begs the question. Is NWA sanctioning of New Japan going to interfere with the Cross Promotion of New Japan with Total Non-Stop Action. Does this effectively end the relationship the NWA has held with Inoki Genome Federation. But most importantly, who will be the first Japanese wrestler to receive a shot at the Worlds Champion, Pearce? Could we see Tenzan receive a shot at 'Scrap Iron' Adam Pearce. Maybe Jushin Liger could challenge Mike Quackenbush for the World's Jr. Heavyweight Championship. Maybe the Real American Heroes defend their titles in Tokyo, with their pro-American anti-everyone else campaign. Only time will tell, but this is definitely an exciting time for the NWA.