REVIEW: Central States Wrestling - We're Not in Kansas Anymore (2024)

A Live professional Wrestling event from CSW

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of attending Central States Wrestling – We’re not in Kansas Anymore, a fittingly named event as the company was compelled to relocate across the state line due to issues with armory rentals in Kansas. This is a recurring issue I’ve discussed in previous reviews, plaguing numerous wrestling shows in this area – the challenge of dealing with Athletic Commission fees in Missouri versus armory problems in Kansas. Fortunately, they managed to secure a solid venue, allowing everything to proceed smoothly. While there were some notable absences at this show, including some I’ll touch upon shortly, the influx of newer talent and individuals from other parts of the state added an exciting dynamic to the event.

One of the main highlights of this show was the ongoing Central States Wrestling Tag Team Championship Tournament, which has encountered several setbacks due to interference by one team – The Premier. Their blatant disregard for other teams in the company has led to them dominating tournament matches and facing repercussions (a beatdown) at the last show. This event showcased a rematch of one of the most compelling feuds of 2022, a dream match that had fans buzzing with excitement. Additionally, a grueling three-way dance for the CSW Championship added another layer of excitement to the already stacked card.

Without further ado, here’s what happened at the show!

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The Card:

CSW No One Rides for Free – Feb 17th, 2024 – Lenexa Kansas @ The National Guard Armory

Anaya Howlett defeated Austin Lee
The Grindhouse (Mat Fitchett and Davey Vega) defeated The Hate Keepers (Shain Boucher and Jay Marston) in a CSW Tag Team championship tournament Quarterfinal match. This was a rematch from the previous show.
“2nd to None” Kenny Alfonso Defeated “The Killing Machine” Luke Langley – match one of a “best of three” series.
“The Head Cat” Gary Jay Defeated “The Connoisseur” Niles Plonk
The Premier (SK Bishop and Campbell Myers) Defeated The Tribe (Hoodie Howlett and Anaya Howlett w/ Coach Frass Azab) in a CSW Tag Team championship tournament semifinal match. – After the match Anaya laid Hoodie out with a steel chair in front of a shocked crowd.
Dred Roberts Defeated “Handsome” Scott Hansen
Colton Theron Vaught Defeated “The Giant Killer” Scott Tyler
“Magnum” Dak Draper Defeated “The Monarch” Jeremy Wyatt and Gil Rogers for the CSW Championship in a three way match – Dak turned on the crowd and issued an open challenge after the match.
Moonshine Mantell Defeated “Magnum” Dak Draper for the CSW Championship.

DISCLAIMER:

I try to go through most, if not all, of the matches and report on what happened and if the match had any significance to any ongoing feuds. You might think some of my opinions are dumb, or the way I review things is dumb, and that’s OK! We can all like different things, that’s what makes something like wrestling so great! I honestly try to stay positive because there is too much negativity in the overall wrestling community (in my opinion) and we can all do better. That isn’t to say I won’t offer opinions or criticisms, but that will apply when warranted. Remember, cut the B.S. and as the old saying goes, “Just enjoy Wrestling!”

My Thoughts:

CSW We’re not in Kansas Anymore started off much like No One Rides for Free, with a dark match featuring one of the KC Wrestling Academy trainees, Austin Lee, squaring off against one of his trainers, Anaya Howlett. However, there was something different about Anaya this time around – he seemed more relaxed, almost as if he wasn’t taking the match too seriously and was taking liberties with Lee, which is somewhat uncharacteristic of him. This demeanor was quite surprising considering the significance of his later match – a semi-final bout alongside his brother in The Tribe, Hoodie Howlett, for the chance to win the upcoming CSW Tag Team Championships. Having two matches on such a big night didn’t seem like the wisest decision for someone aiming to claim gold. However, Anaya has proven time and time again that he possesses the fortitude to make miracles happen when the odds are stacked against him.

Despite, and perhaps thanks to, Anaya’s seemingly nonchalant attitude, Austin Lee put on an impressive showing. Fans found themselves torn between cheering for the obvious underdog and supporting the hometown hero. In the end, however, Anaya’s wealth of experience and ring savvy proved too much for Mr. Lee to overcome. Anaya secured the victory with the coveted 1-2-3 count. Looking ahead, I’m hoping that we’ll see more of Austin Lee in the coming months. CSW has been in need of some fresh talent, and this new crop of up-and-coming stars, of which Lee is a part, has been quite intriguing thus far. Here’s to better luck next time for Austin Lee!

Heading into the next match, a quarter-final rematch between The Hate Keepers and The Grindhouse, one can’t help but recall what happened at No One Rides for Free. The Hate Keepers had their shot at CSW gold cruelly snatched away by The Premier, who seemed intent on asserting dominance over the tournament during almost every tournament bout. This interference, while not the only one during the event, was certainly the most disruptive and brought Block B to a grinding halt (Block A had already progressed to the semi-finals). Although they weren’t obligated to do so, credit must be given to Mat Fitchett and Davey Vega for attempting to ensure that Shain Boucher and Jay Marston received a fair opportunity to compete. It’s instances like these that truly test the integrity of wrestlers and their commitment to sportsmanship amidst the chaos of competition.

Out of the two matches, this one was clearly the standout, with both teams performing at the peak of their abilities. The arsenal of impressive tag team moves and innovative offense prompted the crowd to chant “This is Awesome!” at several points, and it truly lived up to the hype. CSW fans have witnessed various iterations of The Hate Keepers since their debut last year, but this outing was undoubtedly their best yet. Shain Boucher’s penchant for high-risk, high-flying maneuvers, combined with Martson’s solid ground game, made for a formidable combination that would have overwhelmed a lesser team. However, The Grindhouse is far from your typical midwest professional wrestling team.

With over a decade worth of experience under their belts (albeit under different names), they demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with. Despite Fitchett returning from a lengthy absence due to injury, they showed no signs of rust and proved that they are a team on the rise. As for their semi-final opponents, the final two teams in Group B have yet to be fully revealed, leaving The Grindhouse in a state of uncertainty. Nonetheless, this hiatus could provide them with much-needed rest and an opportunity to recalibrate their strategy. Perhaps it will also serve as a chance to knock The Premier off their pedestal and level the playing field as well as exacting revenge. Only time will tell what awaits The Grindhouse in the next stage of the tournament.

Kenny Alfonso and Luke Langley are consistently at the forefront of the pecking order in CSW, consistently vying for top positions. I’m particularly hopeful that this best-of-three series between the two men will culminate in one of them earning a well-deserved title shot. Alfonso had a shot last year at a show I couldn’t attend live, but unfortunately fell short against “The Monarch” Jeremy Wyatt. On the other hand, Langley, now dubbed “the Killing Machine,” encountered a few setbacks in his pursuit of gold, handing the win Gil Rogers needed to move up the card, resulting in a short championship run for Rogers. Despite amassing numerous wins last year, his own arrogance led to some missed opportunities, causing him to slide down the ladder somewhat. With both men eager to solidify their positions at the pinnacle of CSW, this series is bound to be nothing short of intense.

For the first match, victory was within reach for either competitor, but Kenny Alfonso once again showed the fans all over Kansas City, Missouri why he’s named “2nd to None”. Despite enduring a brainbuster and an attempted figure-four leg lock (which Langley claims to have invented), Kenny’s resilience remained unmatched as he repeatedly kicked out of pin attempts. Langley’s frustration and tendency to toy with his “prey”, akin to a cat toying with a mouse, ultimately played into Kenny’s hands. Seizing the opportunity, Kenny capitalized on Langley’s lapses and secured a hard-fought victory. With one win under his belt, Kenny now looks ahead to the next two matches with determination.

The newly dubbed “Head Cat” Gary Jay was up next, facing off against the returning “Connoisseur” Niles Plonk (pronounced Plonk-ay for all the plebs out there) in a refreshing match-up. Personally, I’d never seen these two competitors go at it before, and with recent tournament matches having some off the wall match-ups is always a plus. Despite his insufferable, arrogant, and pretentious demeanor (not to mention being a grade-A jerk), it was good to see Niles back in Kansas City after being absent for the better part of a full year. He brings an old-school wrestling style to the ring that you don’t see much anymore, and I really appreciate that.

Gary Jay, true to form, unleashed his signature craziness, including chopping the living hell out of The Connoisseur every chance he got. It was a clash of styles and personalities, making for an intriguing and entertaining match-up. Overall, The Robo-Ginger got one over on ol’ Mr. Plonk and sent him back to his wine cellar to cry over a fine glass of embarrassment with notes of medium body, fine-grained, and very silky sadness mixed in.

This match marked the unfortunate end of an era. The Tribe, consisting of Anaya Howlett, Hoodie Howlett, Coach Frass Azab, and sometimes Adam Azab, has left an indelible mark on the history of Kansas City professional wrestling. In just a few short years, they’ve become the undisputed crowd favorites at every CSW show, reaching a level where they are the sole act the crowd rises for when they make their entrance. Chants of “TRIBE TRIBE TRIBE!” echo through every armory they perform in, and their merchandise is ubiquitous among fans. That’s why the events of March 30, 2024, will forever be remembered as the day it all came crashing down – the night The Tribe died.

The Tribe versus The Premier isn’t anything new – it was easily the highlight of Kansas City wrestling in all of 2022, filling an armory in KCK to the rafters (complete with Hoodie Howlett jumping from them!) to witness the thrilling conclusion to the year-long feud. So, to see the tournament bracket line up in such a way that fans were treated to a rematch here was supposed to be something special, especially with Hoodie Howlett rested and recuperated from an injury he suffered last year.

However, from the outset, it was clear that The Howletts were on the back foot, with The Premier taking advantage of any ring rust and other factors that started to worry the crowd. As I stated before, something was off with Anaya – he seemed ….weird. Then it happened – The Premier managed to secure a clean win over The Tribe, advancing in the tournament. As KC’s favorite bad boys prepared to lick their wounds, Anaya Howlett, that dirty snake in the grass, delivered a vicious blow to Hoodie’s head with a steel chair! There was an audible gasp in the arena when it happened. It took a while for what happened to sink in before the boos starting filling the air, and Anaya walked out, unbothered by his own actions. The fans demand answers Anaya! Why did you do it!?

One of the earliest matches in the CSW Tag Team Tournament pitted Dred Roberts and “Handsome” Scott Hansen against The Tribe. Following a significant defeat, Roberts seemed to place the sole blame on “The Handsome One” for their loss, setting the stage for this showdown. Unlike previous encounters, Hansen appeared more focused and determined, taking the match far more seriously. He’s generally a bit more silly, bickering with the crowd and trying to get a rise out of his opponents, but this time he seemed keen on preserving his career with somebody who has the medical training to likely inflict some serious damage if he wanted to.

Fueled perhaps by pure rage or a newfound determination, “The Dred Nurse” Roberts gained the upper hand over Hansen. Despite being an imposing figure, Roberts has struggled to maintain a consistent winning streak since his debut for CSW in December 2022. Yet, tonight marked a significant turning point for him. Could this be the beginning of a Luke Langley style record reversal for DNR? Only time will tell.

Colton Theron Vaught, also known as “Must CTV,” is a familiar face in southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas, primarily in Mid States Wrestling. Therefore, his appearance here was a rare treat for fans in attendance. Vaught, however, seemed keen on attacking the audience and their support of “The Giant Killer” Scott Tyler – constantly asking “IS THIS YOUR BOY” while laying his offense down on the much smaller Tyler. The thing is, despite Tyler’s size, he has consistently dominated in every match leading up to this point in CSW. With his manager Roscoe Leech by his side, he has appeared almost invincible.

Unfortunately, Roscoe Leech was not available for the show due to having suffered a serious injury while preparing a sandwich a few days prior, and fans have not heard any updates from him since. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we hope he’s okay and that we’d love to see him back soon. Because of this, Tyler seemed somewhat lost, and sadly took his first singles loss in Central States Wrestling history. Get well soon Roscoe, and hopefully Tyler can get his momentum back. That’s a pretty big win for “Must CTV,” so hopefully this wasn’t just a one-off appearance!

The final match of the evening was a three-way showdown for the CSW Title, featuring the reigning champion “The Monarch” Jeremy Wyatt, Gil Rogers, and “Magnum” Dak Draper. As you may recall, Gil Rogers lost the championship in a rather unfortunate manner at the last show, falling victim to a belt shot from Draper intended for Jeremy Wyatt. Understandably, Rogers was furious about what had transpired and was even less thrilled that Draper had seemingly cashed in his number one contendership to turn the rematch into a three-way dance.

Throughout the match, Draper and Rogers took turns targeting Wyatt as he managed to incapacitate each of them in turn, showcasing Wyatt’s undeniable prowess as a force to be reckoned with in the ring. His mastery of ring awareness allowed him to maintain control and keep the odds in his favor. Fortunately, the match followed similar rules to a WWE three-way match, meaning there were no countouts, because Draper found himself spending a considerable amount of time on the outside after being attacked near the guardrails.

At one point, the unexpected occurred – three masked individuals clad in black stormed the ring while the referee was incapacitated, targeting, attacking, and ultimately removing Wyatt from the equation. With the match now reduced to two competitors and Gil holding the CSW championship, he faced a pivotal decision – whether to resort to cheating by braining Dak with the belt, solidifying himself as the true champion CSW needs and deserves, or to strive for victory through fair means. Amidst chants of “No!” and “Yes!”, the torn crowd was freaking out at the prospect of Rogers breaking his moral code.

Before Rogers could make a decision, Draper shocked everyone by delivering a low blow to Rogers and seizing victory, thus becoming the new CSW Champion. The crowd immediately turned on Draper as he cut a promo laced with barbs talking about how Kansas City treated him badly and how he resents the fans and Rogers as champion. He said he would face anyone in the back……then…

A returning Moonshine Mantell came out and destroyed the beat-down Draper in a matter of seconds. The last time we saw Moonshine, he was suspended from active competition by Michael Strider after a bloody brawl that resulted in Strider himself being attacked by the other members of Miracle Violence Reborn. With that team evidentially disbanded, Mantell seems poised to rule CSW as the new champion. What a crazy match and insane way to end a show!

Conclusion:

Central States Wrestling – We’re not in Kansas Anymore served as a solid introduction to a new venue in an entirely different state and provided a fitting conclusion to many prolonged storylines that had been ongoing since last year. The show left audiences with a TON of unanswered questions, which ought to make the next show very exciting. Is Roscoe okay? Who were those mysterious ninjas? What motivated Dak AND Anaya to take the actions they did? And who are the enigmatic mystery tag teams? With any luck, these mysteries will be unraveled and more at the next show, which is apparently still to be determined date-wise. I know they said May 18th, but with that very soon, it seems like something has happened. Despite the lingering uncertainties, the show delivered plenty of surprises, leaving audiences buzzing with excitement as the doors opened up for us to leave.