International stars in Steeltown pro wrestling

They’re recognized around the world as the best at their craft.  These men travel all year long from state to state, province to province, country to country wrestling in every corner of the globe doing what they love.  Over the last two years SPW has had the privilege to play host to some of these individuals, men regarded as the best and most recognizable wrestlers in the word.

August 2008: 2-time ROH World Champion Austin Aries debuts

SPW was gearing up for its third ever live event in August 2008 but no one knew the surprise they had in store.  With a last minute press release Steeltown Pro confirmed that ROH star Austin Aries would be making his debut at the Red River Rumble.  That night Aries teamed up with Jon Cutler, fresh off an appearance on WWE RAW, in Cutler’s last SPW appearance before debuting for the WWE’s Florida Championship Wrestling.

October 2008: Short Sleeve Sampson, Vance Nevada and Mentallo debut

Short Sleeve Sampson is one of the most recognized midget wrestlers of his era although you may not have noticed.  Over the course of his career Sampson has made countless appearances for the WWE as Little Kurt Angle, Little Undertaker and as a member of the Little Spirit Squad.  He was also a member of the short lived WWE Junior’s Division where he wrestled Pittbull Patterson on an episode of Smackdown! 

Vance Nevada is an award winning author having been recognized by the Cauliflower Alley Club for his book “Wrestling in the Canadian West”.  Since his pro debut in the early 90’s no one has travelled more miles on the Canadian independent wrestling scene than Vance Nevada.

Trained by Vance Nevada, Mentallo is a man with unlimited potential and skill.  In the last few years he has wrestled countless top stars including Ultimo Dragon, Bryan Danielson, Tyler Black, Austin Aries and Tajiri just to name a few.  He’s wrestled for the world’s oldest wrestling promotion CMLL in Mexico and has recently begun competing for SMASH, a wrestling promotion in Japan that is run by former ECW/WWE Star Tajiri.  While he’s been wrestling for more than 10 years now, Mentallo’s journey in wrestling has only just begun!

June 2009: Claudio Castagnoli and Rick Martel debut

SPW was excited when they were able to confirm Rick “the Model” Martel for two shows on June 5th and 6th.  A true legend of the sport of wrestling Martel was quite familiar with Manitoba as a former AWA World Champion and a regular competitor for Tony Condello in the mid 90’s.  Martel debuted for SPW in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes and returned the next night for a show in Selkirk.  It was clear that he was fondly remembered by the fans as he received standing ovations on both nights.

Much like Austin Aries, Claudio Castagnoli was a surprise addition to the June 6th card in Selkirk, Manitoba.  A former ROH World Tag Team Champion, Claudio brought a very European flavour to SPW as he competed in a 6-Way Steeltown Showdown.  Castagnoli is a regular for Ring of Honor and for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan.

March 2010: Cody Deaner debuts

Fresh off a nearly year long run on TNA Impact, Cody Deaner debuted for SPW in Beausejour taking on WWE prospect Zack Mercury.  Deaner was known to fans as the ‘king of the knockouts” in reference to his partnership with TNA Knockouts Champion ODB but that night he and Mercury tore the house down as Deaner.  SPW officials were impressed with Deaner’s drive and you can expect to see him back in SPW in the future.

April 2010: Raven makes his debut

He’s been everywhere (NWA, WCW, WWF, ECW, RoH, TNA) and he’s done everything (WCW US Champion, WCW World Tag Team Champion, ECW World Tag Team Champion, WWF Hardcore Champion, ECW & NWA World Champion).  Raven, simply put, is a legend of wrestling.  He debuted for SPW at the 2nd Anniversary Show teaming with “Canadian Wrestling Legend” Chi Chi Cruz.  Fans were treated to a non-stop, wild brawl around the Selkirk Memorial Hall as Cruz and Raven lived up to their legendary monikers.

Who’s Next?

SPW are always looking to bring their fans the best possible wrestlers and this worlds is filled with exceptional talent!  You never know who might be next.  Who will be the next to debut?  Who will be the first to return?  Keep your eyes and ears open because you never know when SPW will confirm the next big name to debut in SPW.