KSWA Wrestling Returns To 20th Annual Millvale Days With Free Shows

By Thomas Leturgey

               Even though the legendary Lord Zoltan won his match against Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Champion “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin on August 24, he does not hold the Commonwealth’s Most Important Single’s Title. The KSWA Heavyweight Championship is still around the waist of the North Side VIP, Lou Martin.

               Lord Zoltan, who has been wrestling in and around the Pittsburgh area for decades, has never been the Champion of Pittsburgh’s professional wrestling organization. The devious Lou Martin put his legs on the ropes, and used that leverage to keep Zoltan’s shoulder to the mat and for a three count. At first, referee Shawn Patrick called Martin the winner, but then (with the help of onlookers) was convinced that Martin used shenanigans to record the victory. He reversed the call and Lord Zoltan was officially tapped the winner. As was custom before the match began, Lord Zoltan danced with the frenzied crowd.

               The KSWA Championship match was a highlight of the PA Connecting Communities fundraiser that was held at the Teamster’s Temple in Lawrenceville on August 24. PA Connecting Communities’ Mission Statement, as per its website: “is the empower individuals with disabilities with opportunities to improve their quality of life.” According to organizers, this year’s event was just as success as last year’s wrestling extravaganza.

               Now the KSWA prepares for its annual event in Millvale at “Millvale Days” September 13th and 14th. It’s the 20th annual Millvale Days and the KSWA has been putting on free events for the Community since 2005.

               Back in the first “Millvale Days” show, wrestler Del Douglas won the inaugural “King of Millvale” Battle Royal. He has been donning a crown and cape ever since, declaring himself to be from “A 10 bedroom palatial estate high above Millvale.” Douglas has even adopted a “Jester” and they were KSWA tag team champions until recently. Douglas is ready to return, “with a vengeance” to his hometown.

               The KSWA harkens back to the days of Bruno Sammartino’s “Studio Wrestling” days where good guys battled bad guys in a family-friendly environment. Last year Sammartino was inducted into the KSWA Hall of Fame. That was months before Sammartino was honored by the WWE. The KSWA has also honored other Studio Wrestling icons like Dominic DeNucci, Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt, and Ron Romano, among others. North Hills native Larry Zbyszko and Shane Douglas have also been in the KSWA ring in recent years. Studio Wrestling villain Frank Durso was an “Advisor” to Martin and his cohort Shawn Blanchard until a knee injury sidelined the tough Lawrenceville native. George “The Animal” Steele was recently in town and signed books and autographs for fans at the KSWA Arena.

               Lord Zoltan, who was only a every young photographer when Studio Wrestling went off the air in the early 1970’s, will wrestle Martin once again on Friday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. In the main event that night, the loser of this match will have to wear a Chicken Suit. Martin vows it won’t be him. On Saturday the 14th, Martin and his longtime tag team partner Shawn Blanchard (collectively known as the VIPs) will take on Party Gras (Lord Zoltan and Justin Sane) in tag team competition. Either Martin or Zoltan will be wearing a chicken suit.

The ring will be set up at its former location near Attic Records and Yetter’s Candies. The entire card for both days can be found at the promotion’s website.

               Martin is in the midst of his second “run” as KSWA Champion. Since he’s arrived in the KSWA back in 2009, Lord Zoltan has registered a 13-1 single’s record (including August 24th win). He and Party Gras partner Justin Sane had been tag team champions for 75 weeks.

               In addition to Millvale Days, the KSWA has held events at Plum Community Days. The organization continually holds fundraisers for groups like PACC, the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department and Gilda’s Club. On September 26, 2009 KSWA’s “Dropkick Diabetes” fundraiser at the Ross Township Community Center drew more than 400 fans and raised thousands of dollars for a local man suffering from the disease. Go to www.kswa.net for more information.