It has been well over a year since the last time Central Empire Wrestling was home in Oskaloosa, Iowa. That all changes this Saturday during Central Empire Wrestling Presents Homecoming. But, before we get into what’s to come, we need to look at what’s happened since CEW was last in Oskaloosa.
Back in March of 2020, CEW held their 11-Year Anniversary show. Off the heels of Bridge City Slam 2, CEW was red hot and the card that night was even hotter. Every championship was on the line and two changed hands.
First off, CEW Women’s Champion Valentina Loca successfully defended her championship defeating Branae. This was not only Loca’s first and only title defense so far (due to COVID). It was also one of Branae’s final independent matches before signing with NXT. Then there was the crowning of new Tag Team Champions. Rory Fox and “Tenacious” Tim Rhodes pulled off a shocker, unseating The Snake Pit for the straps.
The shocking victory elicited a joyous ovation from the CEW faithful in attendance. Little did they know, by night’s end, one of these heroes would break their hearts
In the main event, JT Energy defeated Donnie Peppercricket to become new CEW Heavyweight Champion. The victory wasn’t without controversy, because Tim Rhodes shockingly cost his former tag team partner the championship.
His actions left not only his new championship partner Rory Fox confused, but all the fans in attendance.
PowerSlam Era
After the show, CEW, much like most wrestling promotions, went into hibernation. The COVID pandemic disrupting any plans for future shows. Months went by as the usual slew of CEW summertime fair shows were absent. The future of the promotion was in doubt as this state of limbo weighed heavily on those involved with the company.
But then in the fall of 2020 CEW PowerSlam was born. PowerSlam came to fans online through CEW’s Facebook and Youtube pages. The first season centered around the CEW Tag Team Championships. On the premiere episode, new “Best Friends” JT Energy and Tim Rhodes bragged about their friendship and Energy becoming the new CEW Champion.
This didn’t sit well with Rory Fox, still confused on why Rhodes would align with someone like JT Energy. This tension led to Fox bringing in Jared Thumb and by the season one finale the match was set. Rory Fox and Jared Thumb versus Tim Rhodes and JT Energy. The winning team would be the CEW Tag Team Champions.
After a back and forth contest, Fox and Thumb emerged victorious. Rhodes attempt at using the title as a weapon backfired and he hit his best friend with the championship. As the season finale went off the air, the new champs, joined by the PowerSlam crew, celebrated in the ring. This sight did not sit well with JT Energy.
Watch the PowerSlam Season One Finale below:
PowerSlam Season 2
By the start of 2021 not much had changed with the COVID pandemic. Seizing the opportunity, CEW presented fans with PowerSlam season two. A different approach was taken for this season. The first three episodes focused on giving fans the opportunity to learn more about certain CEW stars. Episode one featured an interview with current Tag Team Champion Rory Fox.
During his interview he talked about his career in pro wrestling. Fox also participated in a watch long to one of his earlier matches against the Barbarian from CEW Mancountry Mania. Fans got to see how much Fox had matured since his days as #NotMyChampion Rory Fox.
Central Empire Wrestling Presents Homecoming
Episode two, was a sit-down interview with CEW Heavyweight Champion JT Energy. The champ held nothing back when showing his disdain for interviewer Jeff Alexander and the CEW fans. His watch along centered on a match with Trevor Murdoch. To say the tension was high during this episode is an understatement. Bringing us to episode three, featuring Jared Thumb.
As a cancer survivor, Thumb gave an emotionally stirring interview about his battle with the disease. But, before he could join in for a match watch along, he was viciously attacked by JT Energy. This heinous attack caused CEW officials to schedule match for the PowerSlam season two finale.
Watch Thumb’s interview and Energy’s vicious attack below.
Photo @TagTeamPhotographyDYEThe match was going to be a triple threat for the CEW Heavyweight Championship. JT Energy had to defend his title against the CEW Tag Team Champions, Rory Fox and Jared Thumb. It needs to be noted that during each episode of PowerSlam season two, cryptic symbols had continuously flashed on the screen during different segments. That ended up coming into play with the finish of the triple threat match.
With Rory Fox on the verge of winning the CEW Title, emerging from the shadows was Damien Saint. A mysterious figure, Saint attacked Fox causing for a disqualification, meaning JT Energy was still CEW Champion. As PowerSlam season two faded to black, the final image was Saint sitting in the ring, menacingly staring at Rory Fox.
Watch the end of the CEW PowerSlam Season Two Finale below:
Homecoming
As the world began to find a bit of normalcy this year, wrestling promotions began welcoming fans back. Central Empire Wrestling did the same, hosting their first show in over a year. It was during the Clinton, Iowa 4th of July celebration. That day JT Energy successfully, albeit kind of fluky, defended his CEW Championship against Curt Gannon.
Rory Fox and Jared Thumb fended off Damien Saint and CEW newcomer Mason Reaper in a wild tag team brawl. Plus, Valentina Loca made her return to CEW, putting Big Bad Wallace in his place. Bringing us to this Saturday.
Central Empire Wrestling Presents Homecoming
CEW Heavyweight Championship Match
“Booty King” JT Energy © vs “Pop Icon” Donnie Peppercricket
This was originally slated as a rematch between Energy and Gannon for the CEW Title. Unfortunately, an injury is keeping Gannon out of the show. Instead CEW fans get the highly anticipated rematch from the 11-Year Anniversary Show. JT Energy will not be a happy camper. Having to adjust his game plan for what will be a determined “Pop Icon” will not sit well with the Booty King.
While Energy was running roughshod over CEW during the PowerSlam era, Donnie Peppercricket was staying busy. Competing for multiple promotions across the midwest, Peppercricket comes into this match seeking revenge. And without Tim Rhodes in Energy’s corner, he might just get it.
Central Empire Wrestling Presents Homecoming
CEW Tag Team Championship Match
Rory Fox & Jared Thumb © vs Damien Saint & Mason Reaper
Clinton, Iowa fans got to see an out of control brawl the first time these teams met. The animosity between Damien Saint and Fox was palpable during their attempted singles match that day. When the monster, Mason Reaper made his shocking debut assisting Saint, all hell broke loose. Now these two teams will do it again this Saturday. Oskaloosa fans can expect another wild match when they cross paths again. It will be interesting to see if the dark duo can wrangle the straps from the champs this time.
Central Empire Wrestling Presents Homecoming
CEW Women’s Championship Match
Valentina Loca © vs Kelsey Magnolia
Valentina Loca began her reign as CEW Women’s Champion at Bridge City Slam 2. It was the start of what she thought was going to be an action-packed reign. The COVID pandemic changed those plans. She returns to Saturday night to defend her title for the second time. Her opponent is a relative unknown within CEW, making her debut, Kelsey Magnolia. She was trained by Dr. Tom Pritchard and Kane. Fighting out of Des Moines, Magnolia is looking to make an early impact with CEW.
Central Empire Wrestling: Homecoming
Corn Boi vs Ript Studwell
These two Black and Brave trained up and comers make their CEW debuts Saturday night. Corn Boi brings an action packed, high octane offense to the ring while Studwell is more of a cerebral technician. One things for sure, the CEW fans are in for a treat when these two face off Saturday night. This could be the first of many big things to come for both of these wrestlers in CEW.
Central Empire Wrestling Presents Homecoming
The Blue Rocket vs Big Bad Wallace w/ Axel Greece
Flawless Wallace is no more. Coming out of the pandemic Big Bad Wallace had emerged. The new look and new attitude were displayed during the CEW 4th of July show. Now Wallace wants to continue his quest for a CEW Championship. By his side Saturday will be CEW Hall of Famer and the “Manager Supreme” Axel Greece.
After years of sporadic appearances, the Blue Rocket has recently competed more increasingly. Finding his footing in other promotions, he now returns to Oskaloosa. These two wrestled in Clinton during the CEW 4th of July show and now they meet again. Wallace earned the victory that day so the Blue Rocket will be determined to even the score.
It all goes down Saturday night in Oskaloosa. The final stop before CEW returns to the Bridgeview Center in Ottumwa, Iowa for Bridge City Slam 3.
