The Carver of Cutters Alley, also known as Mallaki Matthews in his earlier career, is a unique and chilling figure in the independent wrestling circuit.
Hailing from Davenport, Iowa, The Carver began his wrestling journey in 2012 after training with Matt Cage and Brian Ash.
Initially wrestling under his real name, Matthews built a reputation in Midwest promotions like Scott County Wrestling, AAW, and DREAMWAVE, before expanding to notable promotions such as IWA Mid-South and Freelance Wrestling.
In 2020, Matthews underwent a dramatic character transformation, rebranding himself as The Carver of Cutters Alley.
Inspired by horror tropes, he adopted a persona reminiscent of slasher villains like Leatherface, complete with a skin-mask aesthetic and a violent, unhinged in-ring style.
His matches became a blend of wrestling and horror storytelling, prioritizing brutal spectacle over traditional victory
Notable moments in his career include winning the 2021 Prince of the Deathmatches Tournament at IWA Mid-South, where he defeated opponents like Remington Rohr and Jack Griffin.
He has also clashed with notable names such as Rickey Shane Page, Effy, Mickie Knuckles, and Gangrel. His work in promotions like ICW No Holds Barred, Timebomb Pro, and Pro Wrestling Trainwreck solidified his reputation as a fearsome competitor
The Carver of Cutter’s Alley
The Carver’s persona draws heavily from horror film villains, blending psychological menace with physical dominance, and this unique character has made him a standout in the indie scene.
His ability to blend storytelling, violence, and character work continues to draw attention from fans and wrestlers alike.
The Carver of Cutters Alley has engaged in a number of brutal and memorable feuds that define his unique niche in independent wrestling.
His most notable rivalries often involve hardcore and deathmatch elements, which align with his horror-inspired persona.
Remington Rohr: A key rivalry occurred during the 2021 IWA Mid-South Prince of the Deathmatches tournament.
The Carver defeated Rohr in a brutal “Fans Bring the Weapons” match, advancing toward the tournament victory. Their clashes showcased his sadistic style and Rohr’s resilience, embodying the raw violence of deathmatch wrestling
Rickey Shane Page: This feud stood out as a clash of characters. Rickey Shane Page, a prominent figure in hardcore wrestling, brought an intense and violent dynamic that complemented The Carver’s unhinged horror aesthetic. Their encounters further solidified The Carver’s reputation as a relentless force in the hardcore scene
Gangrel: In a rare matchup blending two horror-inspired personas, The Carver faced former WWE star Gangrel. This feud highlighted the theatrical and eerie elements of wrestling, pitting Gangrel’s vampire persona against The Carver’s slasher villain style. It became a showcase of psychological warfare as much as physical combat
Effy: Known for blending flamboyance with toughness, Effy provided a stark contrast to The Carver’s dark and brooding character. Their matches were intense, with Effy’s charisma clashing against The Carver’s eerie silence and brutality
These feuds not only highlight The Carver’s ability to adapt to a range of opponents but also his focus on leaving lasting impressions, whether through storytelling, violence, or both. His feuds consistently push the boundaries of independent wrestling, resonating with fans of the hardcore genre.
Effy and The Carver have made few direct comments about their rivalry, but their interactions suggest a professional respect and understanding of the impact their matches have on fans.
Effy, known for his colorful and boundary-pushing persona, has often emphasized the importance of storytelling and believability in professional wrestling.
While he didn’t explicitly address The Carver, Effy has cited inspirations like Terry Funk and Cactus Jack for their raw and unpolished match structures, suggesting he appreciates rivalries that feel intense and real  .
On the other hand, The Carver tends to stay in character, maintaining his mystique. His silence regarding rivalries like the one with Effy adds to his enigmatic and fearsome persona.
This commitment to his horror-themed character complements the stark contrast between their wrestling styles, making their feud stand out as a clash of personas in the independent wrestling scene.
Their matches are less about direct commentary and more about the visceral storytelling told through their contrasting characters and in-ring styles.
Ricky Shane Page has frequently expressed his commitment to crafting compelling storylines and developing his character in ways that connect with fans.
During his independent circuit tenure, he emphasized his love for creating layered, narrative-driven rivalries. This approach likely influenced his feud with The Carver, which blended psychological intensity with brutal, hardcore wrestling elements.
RSP has also been candid about his disdain for overly flashy, “GIF-driven” wrestling, favoring emotionally resonant stories and psychology, elements that align well with The Carver’s haunting, cinematic presentation
The Carver, in turn, has built his reputation around his mysterious and horror-inspired persona, making his feuds less about spoken words and more about unsettling actions and atmosphere.
While he has not commented directly on his rivalry with RSP, his style of storytelling is highly visual and symbolic, often rooted in fear and intimidation.
Their rivalry stands out as a clash of two distinct but complementary wrestling philosophies: Page’s grounded, storytelling focus versus The Carver’s theatrical horror influence.
Together, they crafted a feud that engaged hardcore wrestling fans and horror enthusiasts alike, resonating deeply with the audience despite limited direct commentary.
As of September 14th, 2023, The Carver of Cutter’s Alley announced he was stepping away from wrestling. In stating this, it was due to the countless injuries competing for over a decade in the industry.
But with a gimmick that was comparable to Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Carver could have been quite a spectacle if things had turned out differently.
