RECORD ATTENDENCEThe UAW Hall in Fairfield Ohio hosted the Northern Wrestling Federation's 13th annual Fan Fest event on August 17th, 2019, a date which will go down in history for many reasons. Not the least of which was the largest attendance ever for the venue. The crowd was packed all around the ring for the outside event. As more and more chairs were brought out the staff was having difficulty placing them all while still permitting sufficient room for the wrestlers to make their way to the ring. As space began to run out, new chairs had to be added to the INSIDE of the building so that fans could watch the event through the window. It was almost like having a sell out venue and then packing even more people into a nearby venue to watch on closed circuit TV. This record breaking attendance was made even more impressive by a rainstorm that could have potentially ruined the event. While no rain was predicted until 11:30 that night, a storm did come through not long after the event began. The doors opened to VIP ticket holders a half hour early to be treated to their promised two bonus matches featuring the Future Stars of the NWF. The matches went off without a hitch as the young up and comers - some making their debut on that night - wowed the crowd and proved that they have the tools to become stars for years to come. Still, the dark clouds above were a big concern. Almost immediately after the second bonus match was completed the rain began to fall. The staff quickly covered the ring, we brought in the sound equipment and the crowd was brought inside. Moments later the thunder clapped and a huge downpour ensued. This was right at the time that general admission to the days festivities were to be admitted so, it could have really put a damper (no pun intended) event which could have vastly effected ticket sales since no one knew how long the rain was going to last. As it turns out, we were actually quite fortunate. The rain - although not predicted until later - held off until after the bonus matches were complete and despite the severity of the storm it passed quickly and the days festivities were soon underway with plenty of sunshine and smiling faces as the fans partook in the fun and games with the wrestlers such as the annual dunking both where the fans can duck their most hated (or even most loved) NWF personalities. At 5:00 it was time for the wrestling to begin. It was a stacked card with twelve matches in cluding a Tables Match, a 4-Way Dance, a match with the control of the company hanging in the balance and four championships on the line including the crowning of the first ever Women's Revolution Champion in the Ultimate Ladder Match. After the singing of America the Beautiful I began introducing the competitors. Match after match the wrestlers outdid themselves, keeping the very vocal crowd on the edge of their seats anxiously awaiting what was about to come next. Each time you thought these athletes had pushed the envelope as far as possible, the bar was raised even higher as the wrestlers showed no fear, accepted every challenge and overcame every obstacle bringing their own performances to levels that they themselves did not know they were capable of reaching. This is what NWF Fan Fest is all about and why it's considered THE biggest annual event in the Mid West area. In addition to the action fans were treated to the returns of many favorite superstars, some scheduled and some by total surprise. While former NWF favorites "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater, Sean "Virus" Harddrive and "The One Man Wrecking Crew" T-Money were scheduled to compete that night fans also saw the surprise returns of Samson and "Country Wild" Matt Stevens. Big name legends were also aplenty as 7 Time former NWA World Tag Team Champion "Wildcat" Chris Harris was ringside for the Tables Match pitting former Crimson Mafia members (of which Harris was a part) "The Genuine Superstar" Anthony Bryant and "The Bare Knuckled Berserker" Lord Crewe against one another. The Wildcat had no issues with getting involved in the action to get his own revenge on his former teammates. Another surprise return was non other than former NWA World Champion The Monster Abyss was reviled to be the mystery opponent for the 7'1" giant Big Cuz. Fans also witnessed several title changes on this evening probably none as important as when Austin Tyler Morris defeated Jay Donaldson which - as per prearranged stipulations - resulted in control of the NWF to be restored to Roger Ruffen in what kicked off a devastating night for Nate Pelly's Protected Ones. The Bronze Swingers defeated the team of The Protected Ones and the Nati Boys in a Triple Threat Tag Team match to become the new NWF Tag Team Champions. We also saw "Hollywood" Adam Swayze defeat The Star Rider to regain the Tri-State Championship. Of all the championships on the line that night there was probably none so anxiously anticipated as the crowning of the first ever NWF Women's Revolution champion. The Women's division in the Northern Wrestling Federation is now hotter than it has ever been and spots for this Ultimate Ladder Match were filling up quickly as Women from all around the Mid West wanted the honor of being the first ever NWF Women's Revolution Champion with newcommer Kayla Kassidy claiming the final spot not long before the event took place. Longtime NWF mainstay Big Mama was considered by many to be the favorite to win this match. This did not sit well with Ella and Selena Dean who viciously attacked the veteran, injuring her knee and taking her out of the competition. Even without the experience of Big Mama however, the ladies proved that they were fully capable of competing at the same level as the men of the NWF. One of those men - The Shadow - attempted to interfere in the match only to be taken out by NWF Hall of Famer Miss Callie as Nikki Victory ascended the later and retrieved the strap to become the first ever NWF Women's Revolution Champion. This match without a doubt will be remembered for many years to come and the image of Nikki Victory diving 20 feet in the air from the top of the ladder to the outside will be, at least in this author's opinion, the symbol of how high the bar has now been set for others to attempt to attain. The Main Event saw the unprecedented four time NWF Heavywieght Champion, "The Greatest Villain of All Time" Ryan Stone defend his championship against not one but TWO challengers; Josh Adams and "Legendary" Larry D in a Triple Threat Match. Three contrasting styles all competing for the biggest prize in the Northern Wrestling Federation. Having lost control of the company back to Ruffen earlier in the night, Pelly no longer had the authority to change the rules as needed to protect his champion. Therefore all three men had to bring their top game if they hoped to be successful on this night and they did not disappoint. There were no friendships and there was no fear. Everything from fisticuffs to high risk maneuvers were used to best their opponents and walk away with the gold. In the end we saw the crowning of a new NWF Heavyweight Champion followed by a great betrayal and then the crowning of ANOTHER new NWF Heavyweight champion all in the span of a few minutes. Just as the crowd was celebrating the crowning of "Legendary" Larry D their cheers were replaced by shrieks of horror as Josh Adams did the unthinkable, hitting the unsuspecting new champion with a chair before cashing in his Golden Ticket, making the pin and now Josh Adams is the new NWF Heavyweight Champion. There is so much more to this developing story, so keep watching NWF Bustin Loose at the Northern Wrestling Federation's official Facebook page. 'Till Next Time My Friends
-- The Boss
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Sean Bossman: Author Throughout my 22 years experience I have had the privilege of contributing on several different levels. From hosting my own wrestling hotline, to column writer, to interviewer, to commentator, to ring announcer, to referee, to wrestler. I've always striven to put forth the best effort that I can in order to help augment the show in any way that I can. Archives
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