MY THOUGHTS ON IWA MID SOUTH
- 08/27/2009 (11:38:04 am)
- William Hatfield
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I'm a big fan of Jim Cornette and while I know that Mr. Cornette absolutely hated IWA MS and some of the things that went on, I have no doubt that Ian Rotten and his wife and the roster of IWA Mid South were very passionate about the kind of wrestling that they performed.
For 13 years, IWA MS attempted to bring what they thought was the best form of wrestling entertainment they could provide to their audience and in that degree they succeeded. Me personally, I was not a diehard fan per se of their in ring product, BUT I have always supported them, I own several IWA MS Army shirts and hoodies and it's always a conversation piece, even among non wrestling peoples. To me, it's always sad when a wrestling group that combines established stars and up and coming talent has to fold.
Was IWA MS the greatest indie promotion in the world? Some fans would say yes, although most would say not, I however say, that wasn't the point. IWA MS grew out of a desire to present their kind of wrestling and make a living doing it. If we were to look back at the history of this unique promotion and see all the troubles and tribulations they've been through and to know that they survived this long, well, it's truly a testament to the IWA MS family and their will.
IWA MS was bloody and violent and that's what most fans will know about them, but they did have some amazing wrestling matches there as well. Perhaps, they were overshadowed by incidents (which I won't go into) or maybe they ran in the wrong part of the country for their particular style.
One thing cannot be denied and that's the passion and the will to go on and continue until they absolutely could not continue anymore. When Ian had a problem with the gym floors at one building, they sent out an email asking for help, not for handouts, but for people to check out their DVDs and merch and I picked up a couple of things. In all the different purchases and interviews and what have you since I've been involved in wrestling, Ian Rotten was the first person to ever write me a personal thank you note and send it to me through the mail. He didn't have to, I didn't expect, but I did appreciate it. That just showed me right then and there that not only did this guy love wrestling, IWA MS, but he loved the supporters of their company.
IWA MS might be a small chapter in the history of wrestling, but nonetheless, it is a chapter. And that chapter is coming to an end. I would encourage anyone who is able to attend their final show to do so, for as much complaining as there is about mainstream wrestling, there are literally hundreds of indie promotions that not only want your support, but they need your support to survive. Unfortunately, IWA Mid South will not survive, but you can show your support by checking out their final show and see the valiant efforts of these men and women as they bring their particular style of wrestling and will probably have the greatest show they've ever done. It will be violent, it will be intense, it will be emotional, but most of all, it will be the final appearance of IWA Mid South.
Independent wrestling IS PRO WRESTLING, the other guys are sports entertainment, if you don't attend indie wrestling at least every now and then, then you are really missing out on some of the greatest experiences as a wrestling fan you can have.
So to IWA Mid South and there fans, you get a standing ovation from me, you did it your way and did it for as long as you possibly could. You should be nothing but proud of yourself. For any fans on the bench about going to the show, give them the proper sendoff, give them a packed house of screaming rabid IWA MS fans!
William Hatfield
Host of the Wrestling Hotseat on
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