Author: DJ Jarka

This is the fourth part of the series on the history of ESW with Empire State Wrestling Part IV. As we continue to look at the history of Empire State Wrestling, the year is 2014. As 2014 began, so did a new era for Empire State Wrestling (ESW). Following up upon the first-ever Ilio DiPaolo Cup match at the previous year’s WrestleBash event, ESW events began to transition more toward a style of wrestling that was utilized by many of the major stars on the independent scene and less emphasizing of the heavy character/story-based product that ESW traditionally exhibited. Empire…

This is the third installment of a four-part series on The History of Empire State Wrestling. Here is Empire State Wrestling Part III. Mid-way through 2009 proved to be another watershed mark in Empire State Wrestling’s history. This is where we begin Empire State Wrestling Part III. After terminating their relationship with Next Era Wrestling, Mednik and Puma were able to reincarnate the name that they and the rest of the ESW core kept alive in spirit over these last several years: Empire State Wrestling officially returned. Empire State Wrestling Part III – The Brand is Back Although the Empire…

This is the second of a three-part series on “A Brief History of Empire State Wrestling”. Part one of a brief history of Empire State Wrestling could be read here. Here is Empire State Wrestling Part II. Through the first several years since its inception, Empire State Wrestling (ESW) exhibited substantial growth among its fan base. However, whatever progress the relatively young promotion incurred did not prove to be enough for its owner, Ray Erway, to remain involved with ESW. This is Empire State Wrestling Part II. During the beginning months of 2006, Erway disassociated himself with ESW. Although the…

This is the first of a four-part series on “A Brief History of Empire State Wrestling Part 1. Since 2002, Empire State Wrestling (ESW) began carving out a niche of its own in the Western New York independent wrestling scene. Over the last several years, it blossomed into the premier wrestling promotion in the region and also started garnering international attention. However, ESW’s ascension is one that did not occur overnight and with its story being born about 17 years ago. The promotion also went through several phases that helped shape ESW into its current being. These phases can be…

Empire State Wrestling makes a star-studded return to Niagara Falls on Saturday in an event that will feature two major returns to its ring. All-Elite Wrestling’s Danhausen and TNA Wrestling star “Speedball” Mike Bailey come back to ESW for Evil Empire at the Frontier Fire Hall for the promotion’s first event of the fall. Danhausen will team with ESW Women’s Champion “Courageous” Christina Marie as a tag team called “Courageoushausen”. The duo will face The Production (Katie Arquette and Derek Dillinger). The match came about after Marie was jumped from behind by The Production in Erie, Penn. Watch the clip…

A new chapter will open within the Erie independent wrestling scene on Saturday when the first-ever Empire State Wrestling Keystone event occurs at the Saga Club, as ESW Keystone Presents New Again. The first announcement of New Again came at Changing The Game in June, the final Pro Wrestling Rampage event. After making a surprise appearance and defeating Price Purgold, ESW stalwart Vince Valor revealed to the crowd the official rebranding that would occur. ESW Keystone Presents New Again “A name change was something I considered for some time after I bought PWR,” said ESW promoter Brett Stymus. “Eventually, I…

A groundbreaking event for Empire State Wrestling will occur this Saturday when it holds Everything To Gaine at Buffalo RiverWorks. Everything To Gaine is a tribute to former ESW Interstate Champion “None of a Kind” Anthony Gaines, who tragically passed away earlier this year. As a way to honor his memory, ESW will hold the Everything To Gaine Rumble at the event – a 25-person over-the-top rumble with individual entrances. The winner will become the No. 1 contender to the ESW Heavyweight Championship. Although ESW held battle royals over the years, most notably the Last Chance Battle Royal to earn…

After its return show under new management in March, the revived Pro Wrestling Rampage will hold its next event this Saturday, Changing the Game. Changing the Game will take place at PWR’s traditional home venue, the Saga Club, in Erie, Pennsylvania. The event will feature many familiar faces and new faces to its audience. Changing The Game Presented by Pro Wrestling Rampage After a several-year absence, Zoey Skye will return to PWR’s ring. PWR was one of Skye’s regular promotions, and she worked for it when establishing herself in the pro wrestling industry. She even held the PWR Women’s Championship.…

Hello, everybody and check out my exploration of the night I refereed for Buffalo Championship Wrestling’s WrestleSunday II! It’s been a while, but I’m back with another entry regarding my referee journey. I worked on several events over the last few months, and I am doing my best to catch up. Between taking on more office responsibilities with Empire State Wrestling and being super active as a dad with my kids’ activities, I did not have time to sit down and pound out these entries. I just upgraded my laptop to something that runs much faster. Hopefully, that will allow…

The biggest pro wrestling event in the Queen City of the season is set to occur this Saturday when Empire State Wrestling returns to its familiar stomping crowds.  ESW will return to Buffalo RiverWorks for Brawlfest 2024. As one of ESW’s marquee events, Brawlfest will feature a star-studded lineup that will include a former World Wrestling Entertainment star plus a litany of top independent wrestling talent from North America and the local scene. “I’m really excited for what this year’s Brawlfest lineup is going to offer,” said ESW promoter Brett Stymus. “When it comes to wrestling in the City of…