Kiwi Pro Wrestling
Encyclopedia
Kiwi Pro Wrestling is a professional wrestling promotion
based in Wellington
, New Zealand
.
, KPW was formed with the express purpose of taking NZ wrestling from club level to professional level and groom local wrestling talent to compete on the world stage. CEO Rip Morgan and commissioner Butch Miller have many years experience as pro wrestlers on the international circuit and have extensive contacts in the international pro wrestling scene. KPW's talent pool includes returning veterans such as Rogue Trooper and Irishman Mike Ryan from 'On the Mat
' days on NZ television, as well as upcoming wrestling talent.
Since its formation, KPW management has gone out of its way to actively involve former wrestlers, recognising that their invaluable experience and knowledge are essential for invigorating NZ pro wrestling. Wrestling legends such as Steve Rickard
, John da Silva
and Robert Bruce
, all former champions, have thrown their support behind the company and contribute to the New Zealand Legends profiles on the Kiwi Pro Wrestling web site. Butch Miller (one half of the world famous Bushwhackers
), arguably the most successful wrestler from New Zealand, acts as KPW commissioner and regularly appears at KPW matches with his 'Bushwhacker Shack'. His partner, Luke Williams, is a wrestling promoter based in Puerto Rico.
KPW's first show, Storm Warning, was held on 23 June 2006.
and Creed, wrestled briefly on Sunday morning children's television show What Now
.
KPW were also on TV ONE's Good Morning show on 6 July 2006, promoting their 7 July Ring Rampage show at the Taita
Community Centre. There were interviews with CEO Rip Morgan and Butch Miller, as well as a tag team match featuring D-Money, Jonnie Juice
, Creed and H-Flame.
KPW broadcast their December 2006 match 'Xmas Kracker' on Triangle TV
during June 2007 and posted the promo on You Tube.
Kiwi Pro Wrestling brought wrestling back into central Wellington in March 2007 with the 'SlamTime City' and 'Kaos Theory' held at Wellington High School in April and July respectively. Like 'Xmas Kracker', these matches were filmed by Ocular Films (Wellington) for future broadcast. The company staged their 'Australian Invasion' match in August 2007, this being their first show, matching local against overseas talent. Four wrestlers from Melbourne appeared: Tank, Iron Horse, Grudge and the Sheik.
In October 2007, KPW staged their Halloween Howl II match in Wellington, continuing in their series of matches staged around various themes. The company also started their "Wild 4 Wrestling" training school in March 2007 for aspiring professional wrestlers and referees.
In February 2008 and again in May 2008, Kiwi Pro Wrestling champion H-Flame and Max (the Axe) Damage represented KPW in Hobart, Tasmania in successful matches against NAW opponents.
On 18 April 2008 Kiwi Pro Wrestling stages the 'Eve of Destruction' show in Wellington, New Zealand.
Several local and national newspapers have published articles about Kiwi Pro Wrestling being: City Life, Wellingtonian, Capital Times, The Dominion, National Business Review, Hutt News and New Zealand Herald. KPW's latest article covering the Hobart matches is in the Australian People magazine 27 February issue.
{
On 31 August 2009, KPW announced that they would air a new half-hour TV show named "Off the Ropes" to be screened on Prime Television. The first episode screened on 15 November 2009
's) announcement on 3 June 2008, of the wrestlers that would take part in the 2008 New Zealand WWE trials in Auckland.
KPW issued a press release to say that all wrestlers from New Zealand promotions (NZWPW, KPW, IPW) and Australia were invited to apply to tryout.
Those named to audition for WWE were (promotion in brackets):
No wrestlers from New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling
or Impact Pro Wrestling were invited to audition. This created a controversy which caused many fans and insiders in New Zealand Professional Wrestling to condemn the actions of KPW. NZPWI editor and NZPWI Invitational Founder Dion McCracken launched a tirade against Rip Morgan and KPW on the NZPWI site.
Prior to attending the WWE Try Outs, Kiwi Pro Wrestling invited New Zealand wrestling legend Steve Rickard to their training facilities to see the standard on offer, which he did and left impressed with the selection and talent.
Following the WWE Try Outs, Kiwi Pro Wrestling continued to successfully promote matches in the lower North Island. 'AfterBlaster' was held in July 2008 in Wellington then 'AfterBlaster 2' in New Plymouth, September 2008. The main match in 'Halloween Howl 3' held in Wellington in October 2008 was dedicated to one of the promotion's strongest supporters, Kiwi wrestling legend Al Hobman
, who had recently died. At the match to acknowledge him were former wrestlers Bruno Bekkar
, Juno Huia, Steve Rickard and Cowboy Billy Wright. At this time, Kiwi Pro Wrestling had also added the Oceania Amateur champion, Shane Whitehead to their roster.
In March 2009, Kiwi Pro Wrestling held the 'River City Showdown' in Wanganui, drawing their biggest crowd yet followed in May by their first Tag Team Tournament, 'Rise of the Champions' in Wellington. 'Night of the Belts' in July 2009 marked a return to Wanganui, and 'Halloween Howl 4' rounded out the year for live KPW shows, being held in Newtown in October 2009.
to be screened weekly on Prime. The show debuted on Sunday 15 November. It is now aired every Sunday at 1.30pm.
Professional wrestling promotion
A professional wrestling promotion is a company or business that regularly performs shows involving professional wrestling. Promotion also describes a role which entails management, advertising and logistics of running a wrestling event...
based in Wellington
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
.
History
Started in May 2006 by veteran New Zealand wrestler Rip MorganRip Morgan
Mike Morgan is a former professional wrestler from New Zealand who competed in the National Wrestling Alliance, World Championship Wrestling and World Class Championship Wrestling best known as Rip Morgan. Best known as one half of the New Zealand Militia in WCW with Jack Victory...
, KPW was formed with the express purpose of taking NZ wrestling from club level to professional level and groom local wrestling talent to compete on the world stage. CEO Rip Morgan and commissioner Butch Miller have many years experience as pro wrestlers on the international circuit and have extensive contacts in the international pro wrestling scene. KPW's talent pool includes returning veterans such as Rogue Trooper and Irishman Mike Ryan from 'On the Mat
On the Mat
On the Mat was a professional wrestling television program for the National Wrestling Alliance-affiliated All Star Pro-Wrestling , or simply NWA New Zealand, that aired on Television New Zealand's TV2 from 1975 to 1984...
' days on NZ television, as well as upcoming wrestling talent.
Since its formation, KPW management has gone out of its way to actively involve former wrestlers, recognising that their invaluable experience and knowledge are essential for invigorating NZ pro wrestling. Wrestling legends such as Steve Rickard
Steve Rickard
Sydney Mervin "Merv" Batt , best known by his ring name Steve Rickard, is a retired New Zealand professional wrestler, trainer and promoter...
, John da Silva
John da Silva
John da Silva or John Silva is a former New Zealand wrestler and boxer. He represented New Zealand in wrestling at the 1956 Olympics and at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games...
and Robert Bruce
Robert Bruce (wrestler)
Robert Bruce , born John Charles Young, was a Scottish-born professional wrestler and talent agent in Auckland, New Zealand.-Biography:...
, all former champions, have thrown their support behind the company and contribute to the New Zealand Legends profiles on the Kiwi Pro Wrestling web site. Butch Miller (one half of the world famous Bushwhackers
The Bushwhackers
The Bushwhackers were a professional wrestling tag team that also competed as The Sheepherders during their long career. They wrestled in the World Wrestling Federation and Jim Crockett Promotions as well as a nearly 40 year run on the independent wrestling circuit...
), arguably the most successful wrestler from New Zealand, acts as KPW commissioner and regularly appears at KPW matches with his 'Bushwhacker Shack'. His partner, Luke Williams, is a wrestling promoter based in Puerto Rico.
KPW's first show, Storm Warning, was held on 23 June 2006.
Media appearances
Two of KPW's wrestlers, Jonnie JuiceJonnie Juice
Jonnie Juice is a New Zealand professional wrestler. He is currently contracted to the Wellington based promotion Kiwi Pro Wrestling.-New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling:...
and Creed, wrestled briefly on Sunday morning children's television show What Now
What Now
What Now is a long running New Zealand children's television program that premiered in 1981. It is filmed before a live studio audience at Whitebait Productions in Christchurch....
.
KPW were also on TV ONE's Good Morning show on 6 July 2006, promoting their 7 July Ring Rampage show at the Taita
Taita, New Zealand
Taitā is one of the easternmost suburbs of Lower Hutt City in New Zealand, situated toward the northern end of the city...
Community Centre. There were interviews with CEO Rip Morgan and Butch Miller, as well as a tag team match featuring D-Money, Jonnie Juice
Jonnie Juice
Jonnie Juice is a New Zealand professional wrestler. He is currently contracted to the Wellington based promotion Kiwi Pro Wrestling.-New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling:...
, Creed and H-Flame.
KPW broadcast their December 2006 match 'Xmas Kracker' on Triangle TV
Triangle TV
Triangle Television and Stratos Television are public service television stations based in Auckland, New Zealand. Triangle broadcasts across Auckland on analogue UHF, while Stratos broadcasts around New Zealand on the Freeview, Sky TV and TelstraClear cable digital platforms...
during June 2007 and posted the promo on You Tube.
Kiwi Pro Wrestling brought wrestling back into central Wellington in March 2007 with the 'SlamTime City' and 'Kaos Theory' held at Wellington High School in April and July respectively. Like 'Xmas Kracker', these matches were filmed by Ocular Films (Wellington) for future broadcast. The company staged their 'Australian Invasion' match in August 2007, this being their first show, matching local against overseas talent. Four wrestlers from Melbourne appeared: Tank, Iron Horse, Grudge and the Sheik.
In October 2007, KPW staged their Halloween Howl II match in Wellington, continuing in their series of matches staged around various themes. The company also started their "Wild 4 Wrestling" training school in March 2007 for aspiring professional wrestlers and referees.
In February 2008 and again in May 2008, Kiwi Pro Wrestling champion H-Flame and Max (the Axe) Damage represented KPW in Hobart, Tasmania in successful matches against NAW opponents.
On 18 April 2008 Kiwi Pro Wrestling stages the 'Eve of Destruction' show in Wellington, New Zealand.
Several local and national newspapers have published articles about Kiwi Pro Wrestling being: City Life, Wellingtonian, Capital Times, The Dominion, National Business Review, Hutt News and New Zealand Herald. KPW's latest article covering the Hobart matches is in the Australian People magazine 27 February issue.
{
On 31 August 2009, KPW announced that they would air a new half-hour TV show named "Off the Ropes" to be screened on Prime Television. The first episode screened on 15 November 2009
WWE Trials
There was a significant amount of controversy following KPW's, (more specifically, Rip MorganRip Morgan
Mike Morgan is a former professional wrestler from New Zealand who competed in the National Wrestling Alliance, World Championship Wrestling and World Class Championship Wrestling best known as Rip Morgan. Best known as one half of the New Zealand Militia in WCW with Jack Victory...
's) announcement on 3 June 2008, of the wrestlers that would take part in the 2008 New Zealand WWE trials in Auckland.
KPW issued a press release to say that all wrestlers from New Zealand promotions (NZWPW, KPW, IPW) and Australia were invited to apply to tryout.
Those named to audition for WWE were (promotion in brackets):
- The Ram (KPW)
- Hollie (KPW)
- Powerhouse Jade Diamond (KPW)
- H-Flame (KPW Champion)
- X-Rated (KPW)
- Tank (NAW, Australia)
- Terry The Golden Greek (KPW)
- Jason Steele (WWP, South Africa)
- Max (the Axe) Damage (KPW)Max DamageSlade Mercer is a professional wrestler, otherwise known as Max Damage or Max "The Axe" Damage. He currently wrestles for the Brisbane based promotions PWA Queensland and PROWL Wrestling...
No wrestlers from New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling
New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling
New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling is a professional wrestling promotion based in Wellington, New Zealand.-Formation:WPW started in October 2003 by martial arts trainer, Martin Stirling...
or Impact Pro Wrestling were invited to audition. This created a controversy which caused many fans and insiders in New Zealand Professional Wrestling to condemn the actions of KPW. NZPWI editor and NZPWI Invitational Founder Dion McCracken launched a tirade against Rip Morgan and KPW on the NZPWI site.
Prior to attending the WWE Try Outs, Kiwi Pro Wrestling invited New Zealand wrestling legend Steve Rickard to their training facilities to see the standard on offer, which he did and left impressed with the selection and talent.
Following the WWE Try Outs, Kiwi Pro Wrestling continued to successfully promote matches in the lower North Island. 'AfterBlaster' was held in July 2008 in Wellington then 'AfterBlaster 2' in New Plymouth, September 2008. The main match in 'Halloween Howl 3' held in Wellington in October 2008 was dedicated to one of the promotion's strongest supporters, Kiwi wrestling legend Al Hobman
Al Hobman
Allan "Al" Hobman was a New Zealand professional wrestler, trainer and promoter. Hobman was one of the first homegrown stars to emerge from the Dominion Wrestling Union, and later Steve Rickard's All Star-Pro Wrestling, during the 1960s and 70s such as Tony Garea, Peter Maivia and The Sheepherders...
, who had recently died. At the match to acknowledge him were former wrestlers Bruno Bekkar
Bruno Bekkar
Brian Ashby is a retired New Zealand professional wrestler and trainer, known by his ring name Bruno Bekkar, who competed for Steve Rickard's All Star-Pro Wrestling and for other promoters in New Zealand and Australia from the early 1960s until his retirement in 1992...
, Juno Huia, Steve Rickard and Cowboy Billy Wright. At this time, Kiwi Pro Wrestling had also added the Oceania Amateur champion, Shane Whitehead to their roster.
In March 2009, Kiwi Pro Wrestling held the 'River City Showdown' in Wanganui, drawing their biggest crowd yet followed in May by their first Tag Team Tournament, 'Rise of the Champions' in Wellington. 'Night of the Belts' in July 2009 marked a return to Wanganui, and 'Halloween Howl 4' rounded out the year for live KPW shows, being held in Newtown in October 2009.
Television
On 31 August 2009, KPW announced that they would air a new half-hour TV show named Off the RopesOff The Ropes
Off the Ropes is a professional wrestling television program for Kiwi Pro Wrestling . The show debuted on Prime TV in New Zealand on 15 November 2009.-Show history:...
to be screened weekly on Prime. The show debuted on Sunday 15 November. It is now aired every Sunday at 1.30pm.
Heavyweight Title History
| Wrestler: | Defeated: | Date: | Place: | Event: | Notes: |
| H-Flame | Jonnie Juice Jonnie Juice Jonnie Juice is a New Zealand professional wrestler. He is currently contracted to the Wellington based promotion Kiwi Pro Wrestling.-New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling:... |
21 July 2006 | Taita Taita, New Zealand Taitā is one of the easternmost suburbs of Lower Hutt City in New Zealand, situated toward the northern end of the city... , Lower Hutt Lower Hutt Lower Hutt is a city in the Wellington region of New Zealand. Its council has adopted the name Hutt City Council, but neither the New Zealand Geographic Board nor the Local Government Act recognise the name Hutt City. This alternative name can lead to confusion, as there are two cities in the... |
Eruption | Tournament final for the vacant championship |
| Inferno | H-Flame | 13 December 2009 | Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... , NZ |
Off The Ropes Off The Ropes Off the Ropes is a professional wrestling television program for Kiwi Pro Wrestling . The show debuted on Prime TV in New Zealand on 15 November 2009.-Show history:... |
Episode broadcast 13 December 2009 |
| Max Damage Max Damage Slade Mercer is a professional wrestler, otherwise known as Max Damage or Max "The Axe" Damage. He currently wrestles for the Brisbane based promotions PWA Queensland and PROWL Wrestling... |
Inferno | 31 January 2010 | Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... , NZ |
Off The Ropes Off The Ropes Off the Ropes is a professional wrestling television program for Kiwi Pro Wrestling . The show debuted on Prime TV in New Zealand on 15 November 2009.-Show history:... |
Episode broadcast 31 January 2010 |
| Shane Whitehead | Max Damage Max Damage Slade Mercer is a professional wrestler, otherwise known as Max Damage or Max "The Axe" Damage. He currently wrestles for the Brisbane based promotions PWA Queensland and PROWL Wrestling... |
16 July 2010 | Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... , NZ |
Make or Break |
Tag Team Title History
| Team: | Defeated: | Date: | Place: | Event: | Notes: |
| The Renegades (The Technician and Kade Morgan) | Jade Diamond and Whetu | 8 May 2009 | Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... , NZ |
Rise of the Champions | Tournament final for the vacant championship |
| H-Flame and Lazarus Volt | The Renegades (The Technician and Kade Morgan) | 22 July 2011 | Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... , NZ |
True Mana |
Wrestlers
- The Technician (Current KPW Heavyweight Champion)
- H-Flame
- Max "The Axe" DamageMax DamageSlade Mercer is a professional wrestler, otherwise known as Max Damage or Max "The Axe" Damage. He currently wrestles for the Brisbane based promotions PWA Queensland and PROWL Wrestling...
- "The X-Factor" Mark Freemantle
- Mister Samoa
- Dr Diablo
- Inferno
- El Condor
- Jonnie Juice & Team PrettyJonnie JuiceJonnie Juice is a New Zealand professional wrestler. He is currently contracted to the Wellington based promotion Kiwi Pro Wrestling.-New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling:...
- Irishman Mike Ryan
- Shane O'Rourke
- The Brute
- "Powerhouse" Jade Diamond
- Kade Morgan "3G"
- Lazarus Volt
- Whetu the Maori Warrior
- "The Fixation" Jimmy Fox
- El Ninja
- "Handsome" Johnny Falcon
- "The Young Lion" Dane King
- "Wonderful" Wilba Force
Valets and Managers
- Terry the 'Golden Greek' (General Manager)
- Queen Hollie (Team Pretty, formerly managing Jonnie Juice)
- Charlie Roberts (ex-manager of Inferno, now freelance)
- Trinket the Clown (accompanying Lazarus Volt)
- Mr Juno Huia (technical advisor to Whetu)
- Intern Suki Gogo (ex-dogsbody for Team Pretty)
- Nurse Payne (accompanying The Brute)
Officials
- "Bushwhacker" Butch MillerButch Miller (wrestler)Butch Miller is a retired professional wrestler best known as one half of the tag team known as "The Sheepherders" on the independent scene and in the National Wrestling Alliance and as one half of The Bushwhackers in the WWF.-Career:Butch Miller started wrestling for NWA New Zealand in 1964 where...
(Commissioner) - Rip MorganRip MorganMike Morgan is a former professional wrestler from New Zealand who competed in the National Wrestling Alliance, World Championship Wrestling and World Class Championship Wrestling best known as Rip Morgan. Best known as one half of the New Zealand Militia in WCW with Jack Victory...
(CEO) - Mr Rumble ("chief whip")
- Terry the Golden Greek (General Manager)
Referees
- Blair "The Flair" (reserved for special matches)
- Daniel Martins (Senior Referee)
- Rob Wilkenstein
Commentators
- Blair "The Flair"
- Alex "Danger" Donahue
- Ilex Bell (host of the "Backstage Pass" segment on "Off The Ropes")