In professional wrestling, few organizations can match the storied history of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Established in 1948 as a governing body for the world of professional wrestling it oversees a number of regional wrestling promotions – acting as a “stamp of approval” for worthy promotions. Despite the territory system fading away in the 1980s with a handful of promotions signing national television deals, the NWA has persevered and expanded into a global entity.
The most recent promotion to earn co-billing as an NWA brand is Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) in Phoenix, AZ. IZW brings a fun, family-friendly show to its current residence at The Sets, Tempe, AZ, every other Tuesday and with shows across the state in between. This new relationship offers opportunities for the IZW roster to compete for further NWA titles and recognition to a wider fan base.
For the uninitiated, an IZW show at The Sets is like a backyard party with a tougher class of entertainment. The faithful fans are as much a part of the show as the crew of wrestlers. The smaller crowds add a personal touch that is impossible to achieve in other venues. Some may view this as a training ground for bigger and better things – and why not, some notable IZW alums include Mike Knox and current TNA champ Samoa Joe – but the level of quality in many of these performers cannot be denied.
IZW has also had its fare share of big names pass through for special engagements – every other Tuesday night could offer any kind of surprise. Notable performers to hit the Sets include the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, the Honky Tonk Man, A-Train, Val Venis, Eugene, Jimmy Snuka, Rob Van Dam and current TNA wrestler Rellick.
Current IZW stars that make the promotion’s show a consistently enjoyable product include NWA-IZW champion Lawrence Tyler, tag team champions Skull & Bones, “Feature Presentation” Jay Garland, “Hawaiian Lion” John Williams and Antonio Mestre among many other talented characters.
Several of the regular audience members have made the show as much fun as the performers do. Some of the funniest and most inventive crowd chants emanate from the Sets – including an absolute classic that needs to fill every wrestling venue in America. “Wrestling….Hooray!”
As a professional wrestling fan – the glut of what is available on television is often difficult to watch. For fans of pure, professional wrestling, nothing is better than well-defined characters wrestling in exciting matches in a clear and concise storyline.
Whether it is the performers, the audience, the action, or the bar that is five feet from the ring, something about an IZW show is loose and fun. Plus, it is an absolute bargain at a cover of $7. Not to mention, you may rub shoulders with a future wrestling legend.
IZW at The Sets, every other Tuesday night at 7:30 – with additional shows frequently scheduled around Arizona. IZW also sponsors a monthly Lucha Libre Especial featuring masked Mexican wrestlers – notably La Parka. For more information go to www.impactzonewrestling.com or www.myspace.com/izw. Visit the Web site before any shows, IZW in conjunction with Trash City Entertainment often set up “theme” shows for special events.
