Pro Wrestling: Former WWE stars Gunn, Holly at POWW

Updated: August 21, 2012 6:17AM

Southlanders who enjoy what Purely Obsessed Wrestling World has to offer often have a long drive to go to one of the promotion’s shows.

But that’s not the case for POWW’s July 21 show, which will take place in Tinley Park with former WWE stars Billy Gunn and Bob “Hardcore” Holly.

“The Tinley Park Convention Center is an untapped market in the Chicagoland area,” POWW owner Jimmy Blaze said.

“Mitch Blake, Brawn the Lumberjack and Sweet Cheeks are from Oak Forest and Tinley, respectively. They threw the idea out there and ran with it. The building is gorgeous and has tons of potential.”

The Southland show marks a welcome return for Gunn.

“Billy Gunn is an awesome person No. 1, and No. 2 he draws money for POWW,” Blaze said. “The fans love him and remember him from WWE as part of the New Age Outlaws and DX. He always brings it in the ring also.”

Gunn will be taking on Holly in the ring.

“Hardcore Holly was an easy pick. He was brought to my attention by a friend in the business,” Blaze said. “Holly hasn’t done any appearances or indy shows in Illinois or ever from what I am told. He had seen POWW before and liked the product.

“When I told him he would be wrestling Billy Gunn, he said yes as these two have never met one-on-one before. This will be a huge match on the card but finally a first for POWW on bringing in a name that hasn’t been seen here yet.”

Some of the proceeds from the July 21 show will be donated to a nonprofit.

“The idea of the American Cancer Society was brought up by our merch girl, Katie, awhile back,” Blaze said. “Mitch and Cheeks went and talked to them, and we have done it since January this year. We also did a Relay for Life for 16 hours on June 2 of this year at Tinley Park High School.

“Almost everyone in America has been hit somehow by cancer themselves or through loved ones. Our Warden Ortiz’s wife was diagnosed with cancer. My mom is a survivor. Cheeks’ dad and my dad died from it. It hits home, so why not help a good cause?”

The Southland connections don’t stop there as Billy Whack will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 21.

“Billy Whack was a genius 19 years ago by starting the now defunct Lunatic Wrestling Federation and creating such stars as the current WWE champ, CM Punk,” Blaze said. “Whack deserves the honor and is a native of the Tinley Park area. Who knows who might show up for this induction?”

Blaze said there are several reasons why pro wrestling fans should head to this event.

“Besides the big match with two former WWE stars colliding and a big induction, several wrestlers from the South Side will be colliding with the North Siders of POWW,” he said.

“Brawn will face Julian the Warlock in a hardcore match, and Ivan Manson will be reffing. Former LWF star Grin will take on POWW TV champ GQ. That match could steal the show, or it could be the tag team of Nightbreed reuniting to face POWW tag champs Psychotic Rage.

“There will also be a woman’s match with two very well-known indy women. Melanie Cruise faces Queen Nikki St. John. Former LWF star Machine faces David Hokinson. The POWW world title is on the line also as champ Ruff Crossing defends against Rex Hart.

“There are also a few other matches and a surprise superstar, formerly of the WWE, will be in attendance. Who is it? Buy a ticket and find out.”

Keep an eye out for Pro Wrestling Extra topics on Elaborating on Entertainment, blogs.southtownstar.com/entertainment.

Upcoming articles include a preview of AAW’s Scars and Stripes with WWE's Fit Finlay on July 21 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park.

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