Categories: Local

PWO – Pro Wrestling in Ohio!

Professional wrestling, while scowled by many for its “fake” nature, has a long, rich history. For many years professional wrestling existed as a territorial business, with each region having its own big time promotion. In the 1980s, WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Chairman Vince McMahon revolutionized the industry of professional wrestling by acquiring all of the territories’ top talents and turning the WWE into a national product. Since then the WWE has dominated the wrestling industry. However, regional promotions, now more commonly referred to as independent promotions, still remain. One such independent promotion is PWO- Pro Wrestling Ohio.

PWO proves to be the largest independent promotion in Ohio. The company has a weekly television show, Sunday nights from 10:00pm-11:00pm, on Sports Time Ohio (STO); the same station which broadcasts Cleveland’s major league baseball team, the Cleveland Indians, as well as sports coverage of Cleveland’s other major professional sports teams, the Browns (football) and Cavaliers (basketball). Homes with basic cable in all of Ohio and western Pennsylvania have access to STO. Additionally, Direct TV and Dish Network makes Sports
Time Ohio available on the national market.

Young and hungry wrestlers comprise the PWO roster, including Johnny Gargano, M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross, and Jason Bane. Johnny Gargano made his name in PWO with his cocky and antagonist antics. At the end of 2009 Johnny Gargano ascended to the top of the PWO roster, winning the PWO Heavyweight Title. M-Dogg 20 Matt Cross is the most recognizable face on the PWO roster. Cross showcased his high flying wrestling ability on MTV’s short lived “Wrestling Society X” show. Cross also took part on an Australian wrestling tour in 2009, promoted by wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Jason Bane, billed at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing around 300 pounds, has the most intimidating look on the PWO roster.

In addition to its youth, PWO differs from mainstream wrestling in the fact the company has a healthy tag team division. The Clash, the team of Ernie Ballz and Brian Bender, plays a significant role in this division. Ernie Ballz and Brian Bender, who are former PWO Tag Team Champions, have their own interview segment, called “The Rock Show.” The Clash also holds a victory over tag team veterans, Jim “the Anvil” Neidhart and Greg “the Hammer” Valentine.

Whether you are a diehard wrestling fan who can never get enough of in-ring action, or just a guy in Ohio looking for a cheap night out, Pro Wrestling Ohio is for you. General admission tickets to PWO events can be purchased for the low price of $7.00 from PWO’s online store.