REVIEW: Show-Me State Wrestling - Eyes on the Frontier (2024)

A live professional wrestling show

It’s not often that I get to experience brand-new wrestling promotions these days, especially after expanding my coverage range significantly in 2024. However, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity and privilege to attend a Show-Me State Wrestling (SSW) event in Marshall, Missouri. While I usually stick to the Kansas City Metro Area for coverage, Marshall is close enough to make it a manageable drive for my son and me, so I couldn’t pass it up. Show-Me State Wrestling, based out of Jefferson City, Missouri, launched earlier this year and has quickly made waves in the local Indy scene. I’ve been following them through their YouTube channel and the Roku channel True TV Plus (which has a wrestling channel), but nothing compares to the energy of a live show! SSW brings together some of the top wrestling talent from across Missouri, so fans of promotions like KCXW, Trailblazer, New Breed, and Tri-States Wrestling would likely recognize many familiar faces on their roster.

The event was held at the Martin Community Center in Marshall, Missouri a great venue located right next to an airport that also houses an aviation museum I didn’t know existed until this trip. As longtime readers of this blog know, I’m a museum enthusiast (and a historian in training) who loves exploring new spots, so discovering this was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, the museum was closed by the time we arrived, but I’m already planning a return trip, weather permitting, for a proper write-up. Supporting the local economy is something I’m always passionate about when attending wrestling events, and visiting a museum is a fantastic way to contribute. Stay tuned for updates on that!

As for the venue itself, it was excellent and seemed like a perfect fit for wrestling. I believe it’s usually used as a church, but its spacious layout offers plenty of room for future expansion if the company aims to draw even bigger crowds. I’ll be keeping a close eye on SSW’s 2025 schedule, as this show was proof that Marshall, Missouri, has some serious wrestling potential. Who knew this town could be such a hidden gem for fans?

For More about Show-Me State Wrestling, check out their Facebook Page HERE, their Instagram page HERE, their TikTok HERE, or YouTube HERE. For a list of my wrestling coverage in general, HERE, local and national, but usually local nowadays. Don’t forget to also check SSW out on Cagematch, HERE. If you are a fan, make sure to drop likes, and reviews, or join their social media pages!

The Card:

Show Me State Wrestling 11-23-24

Martin Community Center, Marshall, MO

“Frontier Showdown” – a Tag Team fatal 4-way match – the winning tag team will go on to face each other as opponents later in the night for the brand new Frontier Championship – teams were drawn at random from a lottery spinner.
- The team of Tobias Storm and Ace Hawkins Defeated the team of Tommy 2 Good and Sykawtic, the team of FTG – Frodo the Ghost and The Iceman and The Team of “The Outlaw King” Bennett James and “Wrestling’s Finest” Blaire Dior
Singles Match – “The Iron Pitbull” Kenny Kingston defeated Trey Lind
The Iceman and FTG – Frodo the Ghost went to a no contest due to a double count-out
Singles match for the SSW Heavyweight Championship – “Astonishing” Austin Mulitalo (C) defeated “The Natural” Atlas Armstrong by technical submission to retain the championship.
The Main Attraction (“The Realist” Calvin Aldridge and “The Aerial Attraction” James Moore) Defeated The Wranglers (Bobby Joe Black and Johnnie Jo Black) by pinfall – Aldrige was injured and this was more-or-less a 2 on 1 match.
“The Aztec Demon from the Year 3000” El Diablo defeated El Toro by Pinfall
Tobias Sorm Defeated Ace Hawkins by pinfall becoming the first ever SSW Frontier Champion

DISCLAIMER:

I make it a point to cover most, if not all, of the matches and provide reports on what happened, along with any significance they may have to ongoing feuds. You might think some of my opinions are dumb, or the way I review things is dumb, and that’s OK! Diversity in preferences is what makes wrestling so great. I strive to maintain a positive outlook because there’s already enough negativity in the wrestling community (in my view), and we can all contribute to making it better. However, it doesn’t mean I won’t offer opinions or criticisms when warranted. Let’s cut the B.S. and, as the old saying goes, “Just enjoy Wrestling!”

My Thoughts:

The first match of the night was the highly anticipated “Frontier Showdown,” a Tag Team Fatal 4-Way match with an interesting stipulation. Fans learned that the winning tag team would later face off against each other as opponents to determine the first-ever SSW Frontier Champion. Adding an extra layer of unpredictability, the teams were drawn at random using a lottery spinner (or BINGO spinner? I have no idea what that thing is called but I’m sure you know what I’m talking about!), ensuring no one knew what to expect. The randomly paired teams included Tobias Storm and Ace Hawkins, Tommy 2 Good and Sykawtic, FTG aka Frodo the Ghost and The Iceman and, rounding out the field, “The Outlaw King” Bennett James teaming with “Wrestling’s Finest” Blaire Dior. Each duo brought a unique dynamic to the match, and let’s face it, none of the pairings were ideal for the participants, but some made it work. Others……not so much.

Before the bell even rang, the “Frontier Showdown” match nearly devolved into a full-on street fight. All eight men erupted into chaos, with brutal exchanges spilling outside the ring. The match’s first major highlight came when Blaire Dior executed an absolutely amazing dive to the outside, taking down nearly everyone else in a daring high-risk maneuver.

However, teamwork, or the lack thereof, became the match’s defining theme. “The Outlaw King” Bennett James left Blaire Dior stranded early on, refusing to tag in and jumping off the apron to the floor, effectively abandoning his partner. Similarly, The Iceman and FTG proved incapable of coexisting, their verbal sparring escalating into an all-out brawl that took both men out of the match entirely. Their fight spilled into the backstage area, leaving the rest of the competitors to wonder why the entire town of Marshall, Missouri, was suddenly caught in their feud.

Of all the teams, Tommy 2 Good and Sykawtic showed the best cohesion, tagging in and out effectively and working as a unit. Unfortunately, even their teamwork wasn’t enough to clinch the victory. That honor went to the unlikely pairing of Tobias Storm and Ace Hawkins. Despite frequent bickering and moments of miscommunication, their raw power and energy ultimately secured them the win. The two would now face each other later in the evening to determine the first-ever Frontier Champion.

After the match, Ace Hawkins shared a harrowing story with the fans. On his way to Marshall, a reckless driver made an illegal U-turn on the highway, causing a crash that wrecked his car. Miraculously, Ace and his family walked away unscathed. Though no one would have blamed him for bowing out of the match, Ace’s competitive edge drove him to compete, earning the heartfelt appreciation of the crowd. Meanwhile, The Iceman and FTG briefly resumed their brawl post-match, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the contest had ended, before disappearing backstage once more.

Next up was a clash between two rising stars in the Kansas City wrestling scene: “The Iron Pitbull” Kenny Kingston and Trey Lind. Trey, a recent graduate of the Xtreme Wrestling Center, has shown remarkable progress since I first saw him in what I believe was one of his earliest matches, a dark match at KCXW Destiny 2024. Meanwhile, Kingston has been making a name for himself across the Midwest, recently holding tag team gold in New Breed Wrestling.

This match showcased a astounding contrast of styles. Trey Lind, sporting a fresh, confident attitude, didn’t shy away from the daunting task of facing Kingston, a near 350-pound powerhouse who towers over most of the locker room. Rather than adopting a cautious approach, Lind went full throttle, relying on his agility and creativity. He used leveraged rope attacks, high-flying maneuvers, and top-rope offense to chip away at the seemingly immovable “Iron Pitbull.” Lind is no small man himself, likely standing roughly my own height, but he went at it like he was channeling his inner Luchador. This match was a true display of heart versus strength, with Lind proving he could hang with one of the Midwest’s most imposing wrestlers.

Unfortunately for Trey Lind, the raw, unstoppable power of Kenny Kingston proved too much to overcome. The match reached its climax with Lind falling victim to a devastating splash from the second rope, no small feat, considering Kingston’s near 350-pound frame crashing down from six feet in the air. The impact left the crowd in stunned silence, and if Lind managed to walk away without internal injuries, it would be nothing short of a miracle. Kingston’s brutal style was on full display, making it clear why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Despite the chorus of boos raining down from the crowd, “The Iron Pitbull” remained unfazed. He’s laser-focused on one thing: bulldozing through his opponents and climbing the ranks of the Missouri wrestling scene.

This next match, if one can call it that, was a continuation of the earlier chaos between The Iceman and FTG. The Iceman’s entrance music played, but he failed to appear at first, nearly earning a count-out loss before finally making his way to the ring. He was visibly disheveled, bearing the marks of a long night of fighting. FTG, likewise initially ignored his musical cue. Instead of a standard entrance, he snuck in through a side door, reigniting their earlier brawl on sight. What followed was less of a match and more of an all-out fight, with both men ignoring the referee’s repeated attempts to restore order. Their battle spilled outside the ring, resulting in a double count-out.

The chaos didn’t end there. Later in the evening, the two reappeared, bursting back into the venue from outside the Community Center. By that point, the event organizers had reached their limit, and law enforcement had to step in to defuse the escalating situation. I’m nearly certain this is far from over. If anything, it seems likely that FTG will rally his Syndicate stablemates to escalate matters even further. Why The Iceman has become the focal point of FTG’s wrath remains unclear, but this situation has all the makings of a feud that needs resolution—and fast—before it spirals completely out of control.

The next match was one of the evening’s most anticipated showdowns: reigning and defending Show-Me State Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, “Astonishing” Austin Mulitalo, versus one of Midwest wrestling’s fastest-rising stars, “The Natural” Atlas Armstrong. What began as a playful exchange of words in the lead-up to their match quickly escalated into a full-blown feud. Tensions boiled over when Mulitalo ambushed Atlas in the parking lot following a recent show, catching him off guard as he attempted to leave. Not one to let such an affront slide, Atlas retaliated in dramatic fashion at another event, dragging Austin into the grass and declaring his intent to win the championship. At this point, I have to wonder if wrestling parking lots are a safe place to be!

From the opening bell, Austin Mulitalo launched an assault on Atlas Armstrong that looked like he owed him money. His relentless, one-sided attack had the crowd fearing the match would be over in record time. Atlas sporting one of Austin’s shirts to the ring in an attempt at mind games may not have helped matters – it seemed to fuel the champion’s fury even more. However, Atlas Armstrong proved his resilience, mounting an impressive comeback. A well-executed DDT and a flurry of corner punches began to shift the momentum, even if they weren’t enough to fully halt Mulitalo’s onslaught.

Armstrong eventually hit his signature blockbuster maneuver, a near-guarantee of victory in most cases when followed up with his cutter. Unfortunately, Austin had one more trick up his sleeve, reversing the cutter attempt when it finally came and locked in a Steiner Recliner. Adding insult to injury, Mulitalo illegally used his wrist tape to choke Atlas out, leaving him unresponsive and unable to answer the referee’s three-count. The match ended with Mulitalo retaining his title via technical submission. Though it’s a tough loss for Atlas, who deserved better than to be cheated, it’s clear this rising star has more big opportunities on the horizon.

Next was a big showdown between The Wranglers, who are brothers Bobby Joe Black and Johnnie Jo Black, and The Main Attraction, featuring “The Realist” Calvin Aldridge and “The Aerial Attraction” James Moore. The match took a shocking turn before it even began, as The Wranglers ambushed The Main Attraction, seemingly injuring Aldridge in the process. This left the audience wondering: would the match end right there, or would Moore soldier on alone? As Aldridge was helped backstage clutching his shoulder, Moore made the gutsy decision to continue the fight solo.

Moore initially faced off against Johnnie Jo in a spirited exchange. After gaining the upper hand, Moore managed to deal a significant blow that left Johnnie clutching his knee and temporarily out of action. The match then shifted to an intense one-on-one between Moore and Bobby Joe, with the latter seizing every opportunity to exploit the situation. As a longtime viewer of The Wranglers, I was appalled by their actions throughout the match – this wasn’t the heartwarming team known to Kansas City fans. It seems the further they stray from their farm, the nastier they become.

Despite the odds, Moore put on an awe-inspiring performance, even managing to reverse a double suplex attempt from The Wranglers, a pivotal moment that galvanized the crowd behind Moore. Moore’s resilience carried him through, as he improbably held his own against two opponents. Just when it seemed Bobby Joe was about to seal the victory with Moore in a fireman’s carry after Johnnie interrupted a top rope move, Calvin Aldridge snuck out, still clutching his injured shoulder. His timely intervention turned the tide, allowing Moore to secure a hard-fought and truly surprising victory. Against all odds, James Moore pulled off the unthinkable, cementing his performance as one of the night’s most inspiring competitors.

So far, Eyes on the Frontier had delivered everything from brutal grudge matches to wild brawls and jaw-dropping high-flying stunts. Amid this chaos, it was almost refreshing to see a friendly exhibition match featuring none other than “The Aztec Demon from the Year 3000” El Diablo and his young protégé, El Toro. As El Diablo’s mentee, El Toro has been making strides in the ring, and this match showcased solid back-and-forth action. At moments, it even looked like El Toro might pull off an upset. However, El Diablo’s experience and status as a decorated champion across Missouri and Kansas ultimately gave him the edge. He scored the pinfall victory, and both men displayed genuine sportsmanship in the aftermath. Until…

“Astonishing” Austin Mulitalo stormed the ring, blindsiding El Diablo. Not content with just ruining Atlas Armstrong’s night, or the entire crowd’s, for that matter, Mulitalo seemed determined to reopen old wounds with his former rival. Their animosity, dating back to their intense summer feud over the championship, was far from resolved. Mulitalo’s actions left tension in the air and plenty of speculation about what’s to come at the next Show-Me State Wrestling event. This rivalry clearly isn’t over, and the road ahead just got a lot more heated.

It was finally time for the main event: the two men who emerged victorious from the Frontier Showdown earlier in the night were set to clash for the honor of becoming the inaugural SSW Frontier Champion – “Unstoppable” Ace Hawkins and Tobias Storm. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd eagerly awaited the match, firmly behind Ace Hawkins, who was clearly the fan favorite despite Tobias Storm hailing from Marshall, Missouri.

Storm’s antics throughout the night, whether it was spraying kids with a water bottle or his over-the-top arrogance, had thoroughly alienated the local audience. The fans wanted nothing to do with Tobias as champion, booing him almost relentlessly. Both men are marquee stars for Show-Me State Wrestling, and a showdown between them was destined to be great. Many in attendance were especially excited to see Hawkins finally get another shot at championship gold, after his dreams of becoming the first SSW Heavyweight Champion were sabotaged over the summer by Superstar Steve and his cadre of masked goons. This was Hawkins’ shot at redemption, and the crowd was ready.

Despite literally surviving a car crash earlier in the evening, Ace Hawkins was absolutely on fire in this match, showcasing a mix of solid high-flying maneuvers and impressive technical wrestling. Hawkins’ performance was a reminder of why he was once voted Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year around the same time I would often see him in World League Wrestling. If anything, he’s only grown sharper and more dangerous in the years since. That’s not to discount Tobias Storm, whose reputation as “pound for pound the strongest wrestler in the Midwest” is well-earned. Storm has been racking up championships across numerous promotions, and his physical prowess was on full display here. For much of the match, the two were evenly matched, though Hawkins appeared to have the upper hand, keeping the crowd firmly on his side. Eventually, Hawkins managed to pin Storm for what seemed like the decisive 1-2-3.

However, the victory was short-lived. Referee Cornelius J. Poppington missed that Tobias had his foot on the ropes during the pin, and in a move that exemplified Hawkins’ sportsmanship, he insisted the match be restarted rather than accept a tainted win. The crowd’s mood quickly soured when this gesture of fairness was not returned in kind. Moments later, Storm secured his own pinfall with Hawkins’ foot on the ropes, also going unnoticed by the referee. The crowd erupted in outrage as Tobias Storm was declared the inaugural SSW Frontier Champion, a controversial conclusion that all but guarantees Storm’s cockiness will reach new heights.

Conclusion:

While I wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with SSW thanks to their television show, this was my first time attending a live event, and it made a fantastic first impression. Like every promotion I cover, Show-Me State Wrestling has its own unique vibe and energy, which I truly appreciate. The show delivered from start to finish, and it was great to see some of my favorite wrestlers, even in roles I wouldn’t normally associate with them. If you ever have the chance and live near one of SSW’s events, I highly recommend checking them out. This show demonstrated serious momentum heading into 2025, and I’m excited to see what’s next for them. Hopefully, I can also manage a visit to that museum next time – I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated!