2008 Woodie Awards
Amateur wrestling shut down by state
Steven Kessler
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Opinion
All Iowa Wrestling (AIW), a pro wrestling company based out of Iowa City, started in June of 1999. Although this wrestling company is close to Cedar Rapids, many people don't know about it. Or maybe I should say didn't know about it since the AIW was closed down by the state of Iowa for being unsafe. The last show was on September 14, 2004.
Though I worked for the AIW and I agree with the state, I think they acted too quickly. They only gave the AIW three weeks to fix the problems that made the ring unsafe. This time frame would be fine except the AIW didn't have the money to fix the ring. They needed to put on shows to raise the money. Many of the other wrestlers I worked with were even willing to work for free to help keep their jobs alive.
Most of the former AIW superstars, including myself, liked working for the company and want to restart it. However the states ruling makes this impossible for one year.
After the year is up the AIW owner, Matt Burmen, will be allowed to restart the company. The question is will he?
"I am unhappy with how the state acted but I understand why they did what they did. I personally don't think the AIW will ever reform. I am planing on moving to Texas and starting a new company." Matt told me. I think Matt is making a big mistake. I feel he could be successful with AIW again.
All the former AIW superstars had real jobs. They will not be in need of money but they will miss what they do.
Pro wrestling is a performance. It is like a soap opera. We are all actors given a part to act out. The ring is our stage and the screaming fans are our audience. It is a job I will miss doing.
At the final show the AIW World Champion, Nick More, gave a speech where he said, "I have had a great time entertaining you fans. I will miss you and am proud to be the last AIW World Champion."
I myself beat Zion, a fellow wrestler and good friend, for the AIW United States Championship and I am also proud to be the final man to ever hold that title.
In the end the state did what they thought was right. Matt will do what he thinks is best and the rest of us will have our memories.
Though I worked for the AIW and I agree with the state, I think they acted too quickly. They only gave the AIW three weeks to fix the problems that made the ring unsafe. This time frame would be fine except the AIW didn't have the money to fix the ring. They needed to put on shows to raise the money. Many of the other wrestlers I worked with were even willing to work for free to help keep their jobs alive.
Most of the former AIW superstars, including myself, liked working for the company and want to restart it. However the states ruling makes this impossible for one year.
After the year is up the AIW owner, Matt Burmen, will be allowed to restart the company. The question is will he?
"I am unhappy with how the state acted but I understand why they did what they did. I personally don't think the AIW will ever reform. I am planing on moving to Texas and starting a new company." Matt told me. I think Matt is making a big mistake. I feel he could be successful with AIW again.
All the former AIW superstars had real jobs. They will not be in need of money but they will miss what they do.
Pro wrestling is a performance. It is like a soap opera. We are all actors given a part to act out. The ring is our stage and the screaming fans are our audience. It is a job I will miss doing.
At the final show the AIW World Champion, Nick More, gave a speech where he said, "I have had a great time entertaining you fans. I will miss you and am proud to be the last AIW World Champion."
I myself beat Zion, a fellow wrestler and good friend, for the AIW United States Championship and I am also proud to be the final man to ever hold that title.
In the end the state did what they thought was right. Matt will do what he thinks is best and the rest of us will have our memories.