2018 was a big year for Nick Nelson as he defeated Jacob Savage to become the AWF Heavyweight Champion in May, then defended the Title for most of the year before losing it to JDX in December. Nelson primarily competes in AWF but if branches out could be a great competitor with a bright future across the Twin Cities.
(Photo: Wayne McCarty)
The fourth member of The Firm, Valentin Bravo is currently scouting additional talent in Chile, blissfully unaware of the internal struggles within the group back here in Minnesota. Bravo spent most of the first half of 2018 here, working primarily in Pro Wrestling Battleground and Showtime Championship Wrestling, though also battled his fellow Firm member Rylie Jackson in MIW. Bravo brings an impressive technical style with a unique South American flare to the ring and we hope he’ll make a stop back here in the state sometime soon.
(Photo: Effie Stop)
Whether it was hunting werewolves, fending off invaders from far off lands, or just generally protecting the realm, King Leonidas ruled in 2018. A feature in MWE, WGW, and Heavy On Wrestling, the year saw epic battles that raged across the state. With highlights including a victory in the King’s Court 5-on-5 match that features some of the best big men in Minnesota to defending Heavy On Wrestling from the oncoming storm of Settle for Nothing at November’s Black Sunday, Leonidas and his Legionnaires stood tall.
(Photo: Effie Stop)
Although the body fat percentage may still be called into doubt by fans, no one can doubt Rob James’ commitment to adapting and evolving. Whether it be through a changing scene or injury, 6% always has something up his… well, he doesn’t ever wear sleeves, but you get the picture. This year he evolved once again to join Chadwick Wentworth III and Brick McCarthy as the third member of 3 Under Par in MIW. They just tee’d off together in the fall so we’ll see how the trio fare in 2019.
(Photo: Effie Stop)
An incredible athlete, Jacob Savage was involved in some of the most incredible spots of the entire year. His performance in a ladder match against Orin Veidt at MAW’s Grand Slam 2018 and the death-defying leap off the balcony that he made onto Veidt at Crushed Pro Wrestling 4 are etched into the minds of fans who were in attendance. He remains a semi-regular fixture in AWF, but Savage would almost certainly be higher on the list this year if he were as active as he was last year.
(Photo: Indulging Disorderly)
WRESTLING 