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{{about|the American professional wrestling promotion run by [[Killer Kowalski]]|the international governing body for amateur wrestling|United World Wrestling}}
{{Short description|American professional wrestling promotion}}
{{About|the American professional wrestling promotion run by [[Killer Kowalski]]|the international governing body for amateur wrestling|United World Wrestling}}
{{Infobox Wrestling promotion
{{Infobox Wrestling promotion
|name=International Wrestling Federation
|name=International Wrestling Federation
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|location=[[Reading, Massachusetts]]<br/>[[Burlington, Vermont]]<ref name="NEI"/>
|location=[[Reading, Massachusetts]]<br/>[[Burlington, Vermont]]<ref name="NEI"/>
|founder=[[Killer Kowalski]]<ref name="NEI"/>
|founder=[[Killer Kowalski]]<ref name="NEI"/>
|owner=Killer Kowalski (1979-1996)
|owner=Killer Kowalski (1979–1996)
|parent=
|parent=
}}
}}
The '''International Wrestling Federation''' ('''IWF''', also known as '''Killer Kowalski's All-Stars''') was a [[professional wrestling]] [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] that held events in the [[Northeastern United States]] from 1979 to 1996, when it was run by [[Killer Kowalski]].<ref name="Kaelberer">{{cite book |last=Kaelberer |first=Angie Peterson |date=2010 |title=Edge Books: Triple H |url= |location= |publisher=Capstone |page=12 |isbn=1429639482 |access-date= }}</ref><ref name="BDPW">{{cite book |last=Lentz III |first=Harris M. |date=2003 |title=Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling |edition=2 |location= |publisher=McFarland |page= |isbn=0786417544 |access-date= }}</ref> The promotion was based in [[Reading, Massachusetts]], with offices in [[Burlington, Vermont]].<ref name="NEI">{{cite web |url=http://www.metrocast.net/~jjakan/features-graveyard.html#International%20Wrestling%20Federation |title=The New England Indy Graveyard: International Wrestling Federation |author= |date=2003 |website=The New England Independent |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> It operated in conjunction with Kowalski's famed wrestling school in [[Malden, Massachusetts]].<ref name="Heos">{{cite book |last=Heos |first=Bridget |date=2011 |title=Triple H: No Mercy |url=https://archive.org/details/triplehnomercy0000heos |location= |publisher=Rosen Publishing Group |page= |isbn=144885539X |access-date= }}</ref>
The '''International Wrestling Federation''' ('''IWF''', also known as '''Killer Kowalski's All-Stars''') was a [[professional wrestling]] [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] that held events in the [[New England]] area of the [[United States]] from 1979 to 1996, when it was run by [[Killer Kowalski]].<ref name="Kaelberer">{{cite book |last=Kaelberer |first=Angie Peterson |date=2010 |title=Edge Books: Triple H |publisher=Capstone |page=12 |isbn=978-1429639484 }}</ref><ref name="BDPW">{{cite book |last=Lentz III |first=Harris M. |date=2003 |title=Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling |edition=2 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=0786417544 }}</ref> The promotion was based in [[Reading, Massachusetts]], with offices in [[Burlington, Vermont]].<ref name="NEI">{{cite web |url=http://www.metrocast.net/~jjakan/features-graveyard.html#International%20Wrestling%20Federation |title=The New England Indy Graveyard: International Wrestling Federation |date=2003 |website=The New England Independent }}</ref> It operated in conjunction with Kowalski's wrestling school in [[Malden, Massachusetts]].<ref name="Heos">{{cite book |last=Heos |first=Bridget |date=2011 |title=Triple H: No Mercy |url=https://archive.org/details/triplehnomercy0000heos |publisher=Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-1448855391 }}</ref>


==History and overview==
==History and overview==
===Formation===
===Formation===
The International Wrestling Federation was formed in 1979 by [[Killer Kowalski]] two years after starting his wrestling school, the Killer Kowalski Institute for Professional Wrestling, in [[Malden, Massachusetts]]. According to former student [[John Callahan (wrestler)|John Callahan]], Kowalski decided to form his own group after an argument with [[Angelo Savoldi]] at the [[Boston Garden]].<ref name="Callahan">{{cite web |url=http://www.infinitecore.ca/superstar/index.php?a=prnt&code=02&f=46&t=8801&page=0 |title=Killer Kowalski Trained |author=[[John Callahan (wrestler)|Callahan, John]] |date=October 10, 2006 |website=KayfabeMemories.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> The first championship titles were introduced in 1982 with Kowalski and [[The Executioners (professional wrestling)|The Executioners]] being billed as the first IWF Heavyweight and Tag Team Champions respectively. That same year, the IWF began airing a Sunday morning show, ''Bedlam from Boston'', on the [[WFXT|WXNE-TV]].<ref name="NEI"/><ref name="SLAM-Kowalski">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kowalski.html |title=Killer Kowalski |author= |date=January 12, 2008 |website=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]] |publisher=SLAM! Sports |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> During this period, Kowalski partnered with [[Dominic DeNucci]] and [[Bruno Sammartino]]'s "International Wrestling" group based in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]].<ref name="Callahan"/><ref name="Callahan2">{{cite web |url=http://www.infinitecore.ca/superstar/index.php?a=prnt&code=00&f=41&t=12939 |title=Bedlam From Boston |author=Callahan, John |date=August 17, 2009 |website=KayfabeMemories.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref>
The International Wrestling Federation was formed in 1979 by [[Killer Kowalski]] two years after starting his wrestling school, the Killer Kowalski Institute for Professional Wrestling, in [[Malden, Massachusetts]]. According to former student [[John Callahan (wrestler)|John Callahan]], Kowalski decided to form his own group after an argument with [[Angelo Savoldi]] at the [[Boston Garden]].<ref name="Callahan">{{cite web |url=http://www.infinitecore.ca/superstar/index.php?a=prnt&code=02&f=46&t=8801&page=0 |title=Killer Kowalski Trained |author=Callahan, John |author-link=John Callahan (wrestler) |date=October 10, 2006 |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref> The first championship titles were introduced in the early 1980s with Kowalski and [[The Executioners (professional wrestling)|The Executioners]] being billed as the first IWF Heavyweight and Tag Team Champions respectively. That same year, the IWF began airing a Sunday morning show, ''Bedlam from Boston'', on the [[WFXT|WXNE-TV]].<ref name="NEI"/><ref name="SLAM-Kowalski">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kowalski.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928135107/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kowalski.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 28, 2015 |title=Killer Kowalski |date=January 12, 2008 |website=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]] |publisher=SLAM! Sports }}</ref> During this period, Kowalski partnered with [[Dominic DeNucci]] and [[Bruno Sammartino]]'s "International Wrestling" group based in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]].<ref name="Callahan"/><ref name="Callahan2">{{cite web |url=http://www.infinitecore.ca/superstar/index.php?a=prnt&code=00&f=41&t=12939 |title=Bedlam From Boston |author=Callahan, John |date=August 17, 2009 |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>


===Territorial reach===
===Territorial reach===
Kowalski initially promoted shows in the [[Greater Boston Area]] but eventually toured throughout the Northeastern United States.<ref name="Kaelberer"/><ref name="SLAM-Kowalski"/> IWF event tours also included high school gyms and fairs in cities throughout [[New England]].<ref name="RSPW-FAQ">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/dkev1oLYVns |title=RSPW Frequently Asked Questions|editor=Macika, Dominic|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=May 26, 1996|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref> Some of the promotion's regular towns included [[Andover, Massachusetts|Andover]], [[Bellingham, Massachusetts|Bellingham]], [[Billerica, Massachusetts|Billerica]], [[Grafton, Massachusetts|Grafton]], [[Middleboro, Massachusetts|Middleboro]], [[Norwood, Massachusetts|Norwood]], [[Waltham, Massachusetts|Waltham]], and [[Westford, Massachusetts]]. Kowalsi was able to promote IWF shows via his weekly column, "Killer's Corner", for the ''[[Boston Herald|Boston Sunday Herald]]''.<ref name="RSPW-APR1995">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/0PFVdxgyPXI|title=Killer Kowalski's IWF notes|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=April 2, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/zP01_FNcZ4M|title=Notes from Killer Kowalski's IWF|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=May 16, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref> The IWF relocated to [[Burlington, Vermont]] in the early-1990s<ref name="NEI"/> but returned to the Boston area by November 2001.<ref name="411mania">{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411-tuesday-indy-report-results-iwf-maple-leaf-comeback/ |title=411 Tuesday Indy Report: Results, IWF, Maple Leaf Comeback |author=Nason, Josh |date=November 20, 2001 |website=411mania.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref name="BDS">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=November 29, 2003 |title=Wrestling champion locates to paper city |url=http://www.berlindailysun.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32404:wrestling-champion-locates-to-paper-city&catid=107&Itemid=446 |work=[[The Berlin Daily Sun]] |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>
Kowalski initially promoted shows in the [[Greater Boston Area]] but eventually toured throughout the Northeastern United States.<ref name="Kaelberer"/><ref name="SLAM-Kowalski"/> IWF event tours also included high school gyms and fairs in cities throughout [[New England]].<ref name="RSPW-FAQ">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/dkev1oLYVns |title=RSPW Frequently Asked Questions|editor=Macika, Dominic|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=May 26, 1996|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref> Some of the promotion's regular towns included [[Andover, Massachusetts|Andover]], [[Bellingham, Massachusetts|Bellingham]], [[Billerica, Massachusetts|Billerica]], [[Grafton, Massachusetts|Grafton]], [[Middleboro, Massachusetts|Middleboro]], [[Norwood, Massachusetts|Norwood]], [[Waltham, Massachusetts|Waltham]], and [[Westford, Massachusetts]]. Kowalsi was able to promote IWF shows via his weekly column, "Killer's Corner", for the ''[[Boston Herald|Boston Sunday Herald]]''.<ref name="RSPW-APR1995">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/0PFVdxgyPXI|title=Killer Kowalski's IWF notes|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=April 2, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/zP01_FNcZ4M|title=Notes from Killer Kowalski's IWF|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=May 16, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref> The IWF relocated to [[Burlington, Vermont]] in the early-1990s<ref name="NEI"/> but returned to the Boston area by November 2001.<ref name="411mania">{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411-tuesday-indy-report-results-iwf-maple-leaf-comeback/ |title=411 Tuesday Indy Report: Results, IWF, Maple Leaf Comeback |author=Nason, Josh |date=November 20, 2001 |website=411mania.com }}</ref><ref name="BDS">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=November 29, 2003 |title=Wrestling champion locates to paper city |url=https://www.conwaydailysun.com/berlin_sun/sports/wrestling-champion-locates-to-paper-city/article_979a19d0-1dd2-5005-b982-2609809823e0.html |work=[[The Berlin Daily Sun]] }}</ref>


===Notable talent===
===Notable talent===
The IWF featured many former [[World Wide Wrestling Federation]] stars during its early years including, most notably, [[Dominic DeNucci]], [[Larry Zbyszko]], [[The Haiti Kid]] and [[The Valiant Brothers]] ([[Jerry Valiant]] and [[Johnny Valiant]]). [[Bull Curry]] was the main "[[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]" [[professional wrestling manager|wrestling manager]] before his death.<ref name="SLAM-Kowalski"/> Zbyszko's infamous WWWF feud with [[Bruno Sammartino]] spilled over into the IWF as he battled his former mentor's real-life son [[David Sammartino|Bruno Sammartino Jr.]] in late 1982. Kowalski continued bringing in talent from the World Wrestling Federation when [[Vince McMahon|Vince McMahon Jr.]] took over his father's promotion in the 1980s.
The IWF featured many former [[World Wide Wrestling Federation]] stars during its early years including, most notably, [[Dominic DeNucci]], [[Larry Zbyszko]], [[The Haiti Kid]] and [[The Valiant Brothers]] ([[Jerry Valiant]] and [[Johnny Valiant]]). [[Bull Curry]] was the main "[[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]" [[professional wrestling manager|wrestling manager]] before his death.<ref name="SLAM-Kowalski"/> Zbyszko's infamous WWWF feud with [[Bruno Sammartino]] spilled over into the IWF as he battled his former mentor's real-life son [[David Sammartino|Bruno Sammartino Jr.]] in late 1982. Kowalski continued bringing in talent from the World Wrestling Federation when [[Vince McMahon|Vince McMahon Jr.]] took over his father's promotion in the 1980s.


The promotion showcased a number of wrestlers who were regulars in the northeast wrestling scene and was the birthplace of [[Triple H|Paul Levesque]] (then known as Terra Ryzing),<ref name="Heos"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2009/10/26/1101886/triple-h-some-people-think-were |title=Triple H: "Some people think we're scheming all the time to improve our own situations. But the more people we make stars, the more money we all make, and everyone's happy." |author=Bixenspan, David |date=October 26, 2009 |website=Cagesideseats.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> [[Perry Saturn]]<ref name="Picarello">{{cite book |last=Picarello |first=Robert |date=2002 |title=Monsters of the Mat |url=https://archive.org/details/monstersofmat0000pica |url-access=registration |location=New York |publisher=Berkley Boulevard Books |page=[https://archive.org/details/monstersofmat0000pica/page/118 118] |isbn=042518594X |access-date= }}</ref> and [[Chyna]].<ref name="Cox">{{cite news |last=Cox |first=Christopher |date=August 30, 1999 |title=Killer Career Moves |url= |work=[[Boston Herald]] |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref> Levesque, who had graduated from Kowalski's school at the top of his class,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/hunterhelmsley2.html |title=Hunter Hearst Helmsley (HHH) |author=Taub, David |date= |website=WrestlingMuseum.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> made his IWF debut in March 1992 defeating Tony Roy. Two months later, he won the organization's heavyweight title from Mad Dog Richard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/helmsley.html |title=Hunter Hearst Helmsley |author1=Milner, John |author2=Jason Clevett |author3=Richard Kamchen |date= |website=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]] |publisher=SLAM! Sports |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legacyofwrestling.com/TripleH.html |title=Triple H Wrestling History |author=Hornbaker, Tim |date= |website=Legacyofwrestling.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> Saturn, billed as "The Iron Horseman",<ref name="Picarello"/> won the IWF North American and Light Heavyweight Championship during the early 1990s. He also won the IWF Tag Team Championship with Levesque.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wrestlingredux.blogspot.com/2007/04/wcw-perry-saturn-part-1.html |title=WCW: Perry Saturn, part 1 |author= |date=April 4, 2007 |website=Wrestling Redux |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> Saturn met his future tag team partner [[John Kronus]] while working for the IWF and helped enroll him in Kowalski's wrestling school.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lchr.org/a/45/75/Bio2.html |title=Biography |author= |date=1999 |website=Rings of Saturn |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> Brittany Brown was the longest reigning Women’s Champion (12 years), then Chyna (Joanie Lee) won the IWF Ladies Championship from Violet Flame in the very late 1990s.<ref name="BDPW"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glorywrestling.com/gg/VioletFlame/VF.asp |title=Violet Flame |author= |date=February 10, 2008 |website=Glorywrestling.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> [[Ron Reis|"Giant" Ron Reis]]<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/> and [[The Renegade (wrestler)|The Renegade]], as "Rio, Lord of the Jungle", found success in [[World Championship Wrestling]].<ref name="NEI"/>
The promotion showcased a number of wrestlers who were regulars in the northeast wrestling scene and was the birthplace of [[Triple H|Paul Levesque]] (then known as Terra Ryzing),<ref name="Heos"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2009/10/26/1101886/triple-h-some-people-think-were |title=Triple H: "Some people think we're scheming all the time to improve our own situations. But the more people we make stars, the more money we all make, and everyone's happy." |author=Bixenspan, David |date=October 26, 2009 |website=Cagesideseats.com }}</ref> [[Perry Saturn]]<ref name="Picarello">{{cite book |last=Picarello |first=Robert |date=2002 |title=Monsters of the Mat |url=https://archive.org/details/monstersofmat0000pica |url-access=registration |location=New York |publisher=Berkley Boulevard Books |page=[https://archive.org/details/monstersofmat0000pica/page/118 118] |isbn=042518594X }}</ref> and [[Chyna]].<ref name="Cox">{{cite news |last=Cox |first=Christopher |date=August 30, 1999 |title=Killer Career Moves |work=[[Boston Herald]] }}</ref> Levesque, who had graduated from Kowalski's school at the top of his class,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/hunterhelmsley2.html |title=Hunter Hearst Helmsley (HHH) |author=Taub, David |website=WrestlingMuseum.com }}</ref> made his IWF debut in March 1992 defeating Tony Roy. Two months later, he won the organization's heavyweight title from Mad Dog Richard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/helmsley.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429201914/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/helmsley.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 29, 2015 |title=Hunter Hearst Helmsley |author1=Milner, John |author2=Jason Clevett |author3=Richard Kamchen |website=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]] |publisher=SLAM! Sports }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legacyofwrestling.com/TripleH.html |title=Triple H Wrestling History |author=Hornbaker, Tim |website=Legacyofwrestling.com }}</ref> Saturn, billed as "The Iron Horseman",<ref name="Picarello"/> won the IWF North American and Light Heavyweight Championship during the early 1990s. He also won the IWF Tag Team Championship with Levesque.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wrestlingredux.blogspot.com/2007/04/wcw-perry-saturn-part-1.html |title=WCW: Perry Saturn, part 1 |date=April 4, 2007 |website=Wrestling Redux }}</ref> Saturn met his future tag team partner [[John Kronus]] while working for the IWF and helped enroll him in Kowalski's wrestling school.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lchr.org/a/45/75/Bio2.html |title=Biography |date=1999 |website=Rings of Saturn }}</ref> Brittany Brown was the longest reigning Women's Champion (12 years), then Chyna (Joanie Lee) won the IWF Ladies Championship from Violet Flame in the very late 1990s.<ref name="BDPW"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glorywrestling.com/gg/VioletFlame/VF.asp |title=Violet Flame |date=February 10, 2008 |website=Glorywrestling.com }}</ref> [[Ron Reis|"Giant" Ron Reis]]<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/> and [[The Renegade (wrestler)|The Renegade]], as "Rio, Lord of the Jungle", found success in [[World Championship Wrestling]].<ref name="NEI"/>


===World Wrestling Federation===
===World Wrestling Federation===
Kowalski had a strong relationship with both [[Vince McMahon Sr.]] and his son [[Vince McMahon|Vince McMahon Jr.]]. His students (many of whom IWF stars) regularly appeared on World Wrestling Federation television as preliminary wrestlers during the 1980s and 90s.<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="OWW-Duffy">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/c/chris-duffy/ |title=Chris Duffy |author= |date= |website=OnlineWorldofWrestling.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> His best known students - [[Triple H]], [[Chyna]] and [[Perry Saturn]] - had prominent roles in the company during the [[Attitude Era]].<ref name="NEI"/><ref name="BDPW"/><ref name="Cox"/>
Kowalski had a strong relationship with both [[Vince McMahon Sr.]] and his son [[Vince McMahon|Vince McMahon Jr.]] His students (many of whom IWF stars) regularly appeared on World Wrestling Federation television as preliminary wrestlers during the 1980s and 90s.<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="OWW-Duffy">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/c/chris-duffy/ |title=Chris Duffy |website=OnlineWorldofWrestling.com }}</ref> His best known students - [[Triple H]], [[Chyna]] and [[Perry Saturn]] - had prominent roles in the company during the [[Attitude Era]].<ref name="NEI"/><ref name="BDPW"/><ref name="Cox"/>


The IWF later featured former WWF stars [[Demolition Ax]], [[King Kong Bundy]], [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules]], [[The Honky Tonk Man]], [[Jacques Rougeau|The Mountie]], [[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]], [[Jimmy Snuka]], and [[Nikolai Volkoff]].<ref name="NEI"/> In December 1992, following his controversial departure from the WWF, [[The Ultimate Warrior]] (appearing under his old "Dingo Warrior" ring name) wrestled Hercules at an IWF show in Billerica, Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-piledriver-report-04-12-14-goodbye-warrior/ |title=The Piledriver Report 04.12.14: Goodbye Warrior |author=Sarnecky, Ronny |date=April 12, 2014 |website=411mania.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gerweck.net/2014/04/15/wrestling-by-the-numbers-james-the-ultimate-warrior/ |title=Wrestling By The Numbers: James ‘The Ultimate’ Warrior |author= |date=April 15, 2014 |website=Gerweck.net |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> Then current WWF stars, such as [[Bryan Clark|Adam Bomb]], [[Bob Backlund]], [[Doink the Clown]], [[King Kong Bundy]] and [[Hakushi]], occasionally appeared at IWF events in the mid-1990s.<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/m_Tac-BbWpo|title=IWF March into Destruction Tour|author=Doucet, Ken|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=March 26, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/dhAXwVn2DSA|title=Notes from Killer Kowalski's IWF|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=April 25, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/eiGe_abX5O8|title=(IWF) Bellingham, MA 3/22|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=March 26, 1996|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref>
The IWF later featured former WWF stars [[Demolition Ax]], [[King Kong Bundy]], [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules]], [[The Honky Tonk Man]], [[Jacques Rougeau|The Mountie]], [[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]], [[Jimmy Snuka]], and [[Nikolai Volkoff]].<ref name="NEI"/> In December 1992, following his controversial departure from the WWF, [[The Ultimate Warrior]] (appearing under his old "Dingo Warrior" ring name) wrestled Hercules at an IWF show in Billerica, Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-piledriver-report-04-12-14-goodbye-warrior/ |title=The Piledriver Report 04.12.14: Goodbye Warrior |author=Sarnecky, Ronny |date=April 12, 2014 |website=411mania.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gerweck.net/2014/04/15/wrestling-by-the-numbers-james-the-ultimate-warrior/ |title=Wrestling By The Numbers: James 'The Ultimate' Warrior |date=April 15, 2014 |website=Gerweck.net }}</ref> Then current WWF stars, such as [[Bryan Clark|Adam Bomb]], [[Bob Backlund]], [[Doink the Clown]], [[King Kong Bundy]] and [[Hakushi]], occasionally appeared at IWF events in the mid-1990s.<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/m_Tac-BbWpo|title=IWF March into Destruction Tour|author=Doucet, Ken|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=March 26, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/dhAXwVn2DSA|title=Notes from Killer Kowalski's IWF|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=April 25, 1995|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996">{{cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/eiGe_abX5O8|title=(IWF) Bellingham, MA 3/22|author=Crockett, Michael D.|publisher=[[Usenet|rec.sport.pro-wrestling]]|date=March 26, 1996|accessdate=April 29, 2016}}</ref>


===Demise===
===Demise===
The IWF stopped holding regular shows after 1996 though Kowalski continued promoting under the "Killer Kowalski's All-Stars" banner for a few more years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glorywrestling.com/WomensWrestlingNews/20040815_0948.asp |title=Interview with Eve |author= |date=August 15, 2004 |website=Glorywrestling.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref> In November 2001, the IWF took part in "Headlocks for Humanity", an [[American Red Cross]] benefit show for victims of the [[September 11th attacks]], with [[Slyk Wagner Brown]] (managed by [[April Hunter]]) and CueBall representing the promotion.<ref name="411mania"/> One of the IWF's last shows was held in [[Sutton, New Hampshire]] on November 2, 2002.<ref name="OWW-NOV2002">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-11.html |title=Independent Wrestling Results - November 2002 |author= |date=November 2002 |website=OnlineWorldofWrestling.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref name="BDS"/> Finally in 2003, health issues forced Kowalski to withdraw from both promoting and the wrestling school. Following his death in 2008, the Kowalski estate auctioned off IWF correspondence and other wrestling memorabilia from his career.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=August 9, 2011 |title=Killer Kowalski estate auction in Saugus |url=http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20110809/News/308099854/?Start=2 |work=Wickedlocal.com |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>
The IWF stopped holding regular shows after 1996 though Kowalski continued promoting under the "Killer Kowalski's All-Stars" banner for a few more years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glorywrestling.com/WomensWrestlingNews/20040815_0948.asp |title=Interview with Eve |date=August 15, 2004 |website=Glorywrestling.com }}</ref> In November 2001, the IWF took part in "Headlocks for Humanity", an [[American Red Cross]] benefit show for victims of the [[September 11th attacks]], with [[Slyk Wagner Brown]] (managed by [[April Hunter]]) and CueBall representing the promotion.<ref name="411mania"/> One of the IWF's last shows was held in [[Sutton, New Hampshire]] on November 2, 2002.<ref name="OWW-NOV2002">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-11.html |title=Independent Wrestling Results - November 2002 |date=November 2002 |website=OnlineWorldofWrestling.com }}</ref> Finally in 2003, health issues forced Kowalski to withdraw from both promoting and the wrestling school. Following his death in 2008, the Kowalski estate auctioned off IWF correspondence and other wrestling memorabilia from his career.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 9, 2011 |title=Killer Kowalski estate auction in Saugus |url=http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20110809/News/308099854/?Start=2 |work=Wickedlocal.com }}</ref>


==Alumni==
==Alumni==
;Male wrestlers
;Male wrestlers
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|-
|Michael Davis
|{{sort|Alexander, Terry|Terry Alexander}}
|Mike Davis
|Mike Davis
|sort|1994
|sort|1994
Line 78: Line 79:
|
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Beauchamo, Richard|Richard Beauchamp}}
|{{sort|Beauchamo, Richard|Richard Beauchamp}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Mad Dog Richards
|Mad Dog Richard
|sort|1990–1995
|sort|1990–1995
|
|-
|[[Matt Bloom]]
|The Mongolian
| sort |1998
|
|
|-
|-
Line 99: Line 105:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Byrne, Richard|Richard Byrne}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Byrne, Richard|Richard Byrne}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Richard Byrne
|"Superstar" Richard Byrne / The Russian Mauler
|sort|1982<br>1993<br>1995
|sort|1982<br>1993<br>1995
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Cahill, David|David Cahill}}
|{{sort|Cahill, David|David Cahill}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|D.C. Dillinger
|D.C. Dillinger
|sort|2002
|sort|2002
Line 109: Line 115:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Caiazzo, George|[[John Kronus|George Caiazzo]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Caiazzo, George|[[John Kronus|George Caiazzo]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|John Kronus
|The Eliminator / John Kronus
|sort|1994–1995
|sort|1994–1995
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
Line 147: Line 153:
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|
|
|-
|Jeremy Cotter
|The Outpatient
| sort |1994–1996
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995" /><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995" />
|-
|-
|{{sort|Creasia, Richard|Richard Creasia}}
|{{sort|Creasia, Richard|Richard Creasia}}
Line 162: Line 173:
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|-
|Darren DiCenso
|Snooky Fink / Rain Drop
| sort |1993–1996
|<ref name="Laible" /><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995" /><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996" />
|-
|-
|{{sort|DiMaria, Ron|[[Ronnie D. Lishus|Ron DiMaria]]}}
|{{sort|DiMaria, Ron|[[Ronnie D. Lishus|Ron DiMaria]]}}
Line 171: Line 187:
|Kenn Phoenix
|Kenn Phoenix
|sort|
|sort|
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwfnortheast.tripod.com/phoenix.html |title="Broadway" Kenn Phoenix |author= |date=2004 |website=PWFnortheast.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwfnortheast.tripod.com/phoenix.html |title="Broadway" Kenn Phoenix |date=2004 |website=PWFnortheast.com }}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Duffy, Christopher|Christopher Duffy}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Duffy, Christopher|Christopher Duffy}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Chris Duffy
|Chris Duffy
|sort|1988<br/>1990<br/>1992–1996
|sort|1988-<br/>1996
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="OWW-Duffy"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="OWW-Duffy"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|-
Line 181: Line 197:
|Jim Duggan
|Jim Duggan
|sort|1994
|sort|1994
|
|-
|{{sort|Kevin Smyth
|Irish Kevin Shaughnessy
|sort|1979–1982
|
|
|-
|-
Line 218: Line 239:
|
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Ferris, Wayne|[[The Honky Tonk Man|Wayne Ferris]]}}
|[[The Honky Tonk Man|Wayne Farris]]
|The Honky Tonk Man
|The Honky Tonk Man
|sort|1993
|sort|1993
Line 249: Line 270:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Higbee, Derek|Derek Higbee}}
|{{sort|Higbee, Derek|Derek Higbee}}
|The Bulldozer
|The Bulldozer / Bull Dozer
|sort|1993–1996
|sort|1993–1996
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
Line 257: Line 278:
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|
|
|-
|Michael Hollow
|"All-American" Mike Hollow / Mike Harlow
| sort |1994–1998
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995" /><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b" /><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996" />
|-
|-
|{{sort|Hughes, Curtis|[[Curtis Hughes]]}}
|{{sort|Hughes, Curtis|[[Curtis Hughes]]}}
Line 264: Line 290:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Jacobs, Glenn|[[Kane (wrestler)|Glenn Jacobs]]}}
|{{sort|Jacobs, Glenn|[[Kane (wrestler)|Glenn Jacobs]]}}
|Isaac Yankem
|Isaac Yankem, D.D.S.
|sort|1996{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|sort|1996{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
Line 283: Line 309:
|
|
|-
|-
|Steven King
|{{sort|Kissell, John|John Kisselll}}
|Steve King / Phoenix King / Steve Hart / Stephan Roy / Arctic Angel
|The Outpatient
|1993–1999
|sort|1994–1996
|
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Kowalski, Walter|[[Killer Kowalski|Walter Kowalski]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Kowalski, Walter|[[Killer Kowalski|Walter Kowalski]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
Line 307: Line 333:
|sort|1995–1996{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|sort|1995–1996{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|James McCarthy
|James Cody / Jim Cote / Kid Delicious
| sort |1995-1999
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996" />
|-
|-
|{{sort|McNeany, Timothy|Timothy McNeany}}
|{{sort|McNeany, Timothy|Timothy McNeany}}
|Tim McNeany
|Tim McNeany / Doink the Clown
|sort|1993–1996
|sort|1993–1996
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
Line 318: Line 349:
|
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Miller, Robert|[[Butch Miller (wrestler)|Robert Miller]]}}
|{{sort|Miller, Robert|[[Butch Miller (wrestler)|Robert Miller]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Bushwhacker Butch
|Bushwhacker Butch
|sort|1995
|sort|1995
Line 338: Line 369:
|
|
|-
|-
|Tom O'Sullivan
|{{sort|Pallies, Christopher|[[King Kong Bundy|Christoper Pallies]]}}
|Tom O'Sullivan
|
|
|-
|Dan Ouellete
|Freight Train Dan / Freightrain
| sort |1995–2002
|<ref name="OWW-NOV2002" />
|-
|{{sort|Pallies, Christopher|[[King Kong Bundy|Christoper Pallies]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|King Kong Bundy
|King Kong Bundy
|sort|1995{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|sort|1995{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Peruzovic, Josip|[[Nikolai Volkoff|Josip Peruzovic]]}}
|{{sort|Peruzovic, Josip|[[Nikolai Volkoff|Josip Peruzovic]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Nikolai Volkoff
|Nikolai Volkoff
|sort|1994{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
|sort|1994{{ref|WWF|WWF}}
Line 358: Line 399:
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Poffo, Lanny|[[Lanny Poffo]]}}
|{{sort|Poffo, Lanny|[[Lanny Poffo]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Lanny Poffo
|Lanny Poffo
|sort|1994
|sort|1994
Line 374: Line 415:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Reis, Ron|[[Ron Reis]]}}
|{{sort|Reis, Ron|[[Ron Reis]]}}
|Ron Reis
|"Giant" Ron Reis
|sort|1994
|sort|1994
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
Line 382: Line 423:
|sort|1993
|sort|1993
|
|
|-
|Raymond Roy
|The Stormtrooper
| sort |1994–1995
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995" />
|-
|-
|{{sort|Roy, Tony|Tony Roy}}
|{{sort|Roy, Tony|Tony Roy}}
Line 429: Line 475:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Shoup, Robert|[[The Pink Assassin|Robert Shoup]]}}
|{{sort|Shoup, Robert|[[The Pink Assassin|Robert Shoup]]}}
|Rob Van Winkle
|Rob Van Winkle / Mark Lombardi
|sort|1985<br/>1988
|sort|1985<br/>1988
1992
|
|
|-
|-
Line 455: Line 502:
|{{sort|Vinal, Dan|Dan Vinal}}
|{{sort|Vinal, Dan|Dan Vinal}}
|Big Dan Vinal
|Big Dan Vinal
|sort|1992<br>2002
|sort|1985-2002
|<ref name="BDS"/>
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Wacholz, Kevin|[[Kevin Wacholz]]}}
|{{sort|Wacholz, Kevin|[[Kevin Wacholz]]}}
Line 496: Line 543:
|Bill Wilcox
|Bill Wilcox
|sort|1991
|sort|1991
|
|-
|Unknown
|Brian Bugle
|
|
|
|-
|-
Line 523: Line 575:
|
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Unknown
|Freight Train Dan
|Freight Train Fulton
|1992
|sort|2002
|
|<ref name="OWW-NOV2002"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
Line 547: Line 599:
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|
|
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|James Cody / Kid Delicious
|sort|1996
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
Line 557: Line 604:
|sort|2002
|sort|2002
|<ref name="OWW-NOV2002"/>
|<ref name="OWW-NOV2002"/>
|-
|Unknown
|Jed Skreem
|1994
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cagematch.net |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=74608}}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
Line 569: Line 621:
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|John Bonello
|[[John Bonello (referee)|John Bonello]]
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|
|
Line 582: Line 634:
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|
|
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Mike Hollow
|sort|1994–1996
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
Line 592: Line 639:
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Dangerous Dave Star
|sort|1984-1989
|
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Mike "Jethro" Chambers
|Mike "Jethro" Chambers
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|<ref name="Callahan"/>
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|The Mongolian
|sort|1982
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
Line 610: Line 658:
|Richie Rich
|Richie Rich
|sort|
|sort|
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spwri.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/milfords-best-kept-secret/ |title=Milfords Best Kept Secret |author= |date=July 21, 2015 |website=SPWri.com |publisher= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spwri.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/milfords-best-kept-secret/ |title=Milfords Best Kept Secret |date=July 21, 2015 |website=SPWri.com }}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
Line 623: Line 671:
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|The Smooth Operator / Tre, The Smooth Operating Gangsta
|Russian Mauler
|sort|1994<br/>1996
|sort|1993–1996<br>2002
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Ultimate Hater
|Snooky Fink
|sort|1994–1996
|sort|2002
|<ref name="Laible"/><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="OWW-NOV2002"/>
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Steve Hart
|sort|1995
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/>
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Steve King / The Arctic Angel
|sort|1994–1995
|<ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/>
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|The Stormtrooper
|sort|1994–1995
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/>
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Tre the Smooth Operator
|sort|1993–1996<br>2002
|<ref name="RSPW-FAQ"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|Bruce Serafin
|Bruce Battalia/The Designated Hitter
|
|
|}
|}


;Female wrestlers
;Female wrestlers
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|-
|{{sort|Best, Theresa|Theresa Best}}
|{{sort|Best, Theresa|Theresa Best}}
|Violet Flame
|Violet Flame / Rita Book
|sort|1995
|sort|1995
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/>
Line 683: Line 707:
|Linda Dallas
|Linda Dallas
|sort|1988
|sort|1988
|
|-
|[[Malia Hosaka]]
|Malia Hosaka
|sort|1995
|
|
|-
|-
Line 693: Line 722:
|Ramblin' Rose
|Ramblin' Rose
|sort|1990–1995
|sort|1990–1995
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wrobel |first=Darryl |date=June 1999 |title=Wrestling's Dark Secret - 21 Deaths In Five Years |url=http://www.wrestlingclassics.com/wawli/Nos.524-535.htm |magazine=[[National Enquirer]] |location= |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/><ref name="RSPW-MAY1995"/><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wrobel |first=Darryl |date=June 1999 |title=Wrestling's Dark Secret - 21 Deaths In Five Years |url=http://www.wrestlingclassics.com/wawli/Nos.524-535.htm |magazine=[[National Enquirer]] }}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Raczynski, Nicole|[[Nicole Raczynski]]}}
|{{sort|Raczynski, Nicole|[[Nicole Raczynski]]}}
Line 711: Line 740:
|-
|-
|{{sort|Whitney, Alexandra|Alexandra Whitney}}
|{{sort|Whitney, Alexandra|Alexandra Whitney}}
|Amanda Storm
|Amanda Storm<br>Blackwidow
|sort|
|sort|2000–2001
|
|
|-
|-
Line 722: Line 751:
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|[[Brittany Brown]]
|[[Brittany Brown]]
|sort|1990<br/>1992–1999
|sort|1990-2003
|
|
|-
|-
Line 741: Line 770:
|-
|-
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Tammy West
|Rain Drop <!-- Snooky Fink -->
|sort|1996
|sort|1994
|
|<ref name="Laible"/>
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|Lady Liberty aka Nikki Moccia
|sort|2009
|<ref name="RSPW-MAR1995"/>
|}
|}


;Midget wrestlers
;Midget wrestlers
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|-
|{{sort|Kessler, Raymond|[[The Haiti Kid|Raymond Kessler]]}}
|{{sort|Kessler, Raymond|[[The Haiti Kid|Raymond Kessler]]}}
|The Haiti Kid
|The Haiti Kid
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|
|-
|{{sort|Ludy, Jeffrey|Jeffrey Ludy}}
|Irish Leprechaun
|sort|1988<br>1996<br>1999
|
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Magazu, Dana|Dana Magazu}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Magazu, Dana|Dana Magazu}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Dana Carpenter
|Dana Carpenter
|sort|1985<br>1998
|sort|1985<br>1988
|
|
|-
|-
Line 778: Line 808:
|
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Waterhouse, Louis Jr.|Louis Waterhouse Jr.}}
|Louis Waterhouse
|Little Louie
|Little Louie
|sort|1985<br>1994–1998
|sort|1985<br>1994–1998
|
|-
|{{sort|Ludy, Jeffrey}}
|Irish Leprechaun
|sort|1988<br>1999
|
|
|-
|-
Line 801: Line 826:
;Stables and tag teams
;Stables and tag teams
{|style="font-size: 85%; text-align: left;" class="wikitable"
{|style="font-size: 85%; text-align: left;" class="wikitable"
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3;" width="25%"|'''[[Tag team]]/[[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|Stable(s)]]'''
! width="25%"|[[Tag team]]/[[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|Stable(s)]]
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3;" width="50%"|'''Members'''
! width="50%"|Members
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3;" width="25%"|'''Tenure(s)'''
! width="25%"|Tenure(s)
|-
|The Arc Angels
|Phoenix King and Damon D'Arcangelo
|1998
|-
|-
|The Bushwhackers
|The Bushwhackers
Line 831: Line 860:


;Managers and valets
;Managers and valets
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|Barry Atwood
|The Court Jester
|1992
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Giroux, Claude|[[Claude Giroux (wrestler)|Claude Giroux]]}}
|{{sort|Giroux, Claude|[[Claude Giroux (wrestler)|Claude Giroux]]}}
Line 843: Line 877:
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995b"/>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Koury, Fred|[[Bull Curry|Fred Koury Sr.]]}}
|{{sort|Koury, Fred|[[Bull Curry|Fred Koury Sr.]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|Bull Curry
|Bull Curry
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
Line 852: Line 886:
|sort|1994<br/>1996
|sort|1994<br/>1996
|<ref name="Laible"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="Laible"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|{{sort|Smyth, Kevin|Kevin Smyth}}
|Mr. Ego-Trip Ian Foxx
|sort|1990<br/>1993
|
|-
|-
|{{sort|Minton, John|[[Big John Studd|John Minton]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Minton, John|[[Big John Studd|John Minton]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
Line 860: Line 899:
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|{{sort|0|Unknown}}
|John Rodeo
|John Rodeo
|sort|1995–1996
|sort|1993–1998
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|<ref name="RSPW-APR1995"/><ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/>
|-
|-
Line 875: Line 914:


;Commentators and interviewers
;Commentators and interviewers
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|-
|{{sort|Claussen, Chris|Chris Claussen}}
|{{sort|Claussen, Chris|Chris Claussen}}
Line 890: Line 929:
|Stephen Driscoll
|Stephen Driscoll
|sort|1982
|sort|1982
|Ring announcer<br/>''Bedlam from Boston'' on-air talent<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.umass.edu/theater/stagesfeb2013.php |title=Wrestling: a different kind of performance |author= |date=February 2013 |website=UMass.edu |publisher=[[UMass Amherst]] |archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate=}}</ref>
|Ring announcer<br/>''Bedlam from Boston'' on-air talent<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.umass.edu/theater/stagesfeb2013.php |title=Wrestling: a different kind of performance |date=February 2013 |website=UMass.edu |publisher=[[UMass Amherst]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{sort|Simons, Mel|Mel Simons}}
|{{sort|Simons, Mel|Mel Simons}}
|Mel Simons
|Mel Simons
|sort|1982–1999
|sort|1982–1999
|Ring announcer<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/><br/>''Bedlam from Boston'' on-air talent<ref>{{cite news |last=Symkus |first=Ed |date=June 2, 2011 |title=Mel Simons Just Keeps on Entertaining... |url=http://patch.com/massachusetts/westroxbury/mel-simons-just-keeps-on-entertaining |work=West Roxbury Patch |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>
|Ring announcer<ref name="RSPW-MAR1996"/><br/>''Bedlam from Boston'' on-air talent<ref>{{cite news |last=Symkus |first=Ed |date=June 2, 2011 |title=Mel Simons Just Keeps on Entertaining... |url=http://patch.com/massachusetts/westroxbury/mel-simons-just-keeps-on-entertaining |work=West Roxbury Patch }}</ref>
|}
|}


;Referees
;Referees
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|-
|{{sort|Cail, Matt|Matt Cail}}
|{{sort|Cail, Matt|Matt Cail}}
|Matt Cail
|Matt Cail
|sort|
|sort|
|
|-
|Richard Lannon
|Richard Lannon
|
|
|
|-
|-
Line 923: Line 967:


;Other personnel
;Other personnel
{| class="pretty sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center; width:70%;"
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Birth name:
!Birth name:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|[[Ring name]](s):
![[Ring name]](s):
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Tenure:
!Tenure:
!Notes
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Notes
|-
|-
|{{sort|Kowalski, Walter|[[Killer Kowalski|Walter Kowalski]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
|{{sort|Kowalski, Walter|[[Killer Kowalski|Walter Kowalski]]}}{{ref|Deceased|†}}
Line 938: Line 982:
|Don Liable
|Don Liable
|sort|
|sort|
|Head of publicity<br/>Official photographer<ref name="Laible">{{cite news |last=Laible |first=Don |date=April 22, 2016 |title=Chyna’s Wrestling Early Days |url=http://www.uticaod.com/blogs/20160422/chynas-wrestling-early-days |work=[[Observer-Dispatch]] |location= |publisher= |accessdate= }}</ref>
|Head of publicity<br/>Official photographer<ref name="Laible">{{cite news |last=Laible |first=Don |date=April 22, 2016 |title=Chyna's Wrestling Early Days |url=http://www.uticaod.com/blogs/20160422/chynas-wrestling-early-days |work=[[Observer-Dispatch]] }}</ref>
|}
|}


Line 944: Line 988:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;" colspan="2"|Company name to Year
!style="background: #e3e3e3;" colspan="2"|Company name to Year
|-
|-
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Company name:
!Company name:
!Years:
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Years:
|-
|-
|International Wrestling Federation
|International Wrestling Federation
Line 1,069: Line 1,113:
|-
|-
!6
!6
|{{sort|Richards|Mad Dog Richards}}
|{{sort|Richard|Mad Dog Richard}}
|1
|1
|{{sort|{{dts|1991|6|1}}|June, 1991 (n)}}
|{{sort|{{dts|1991|6|1}}|June, 1991 (n)}}
Line 1,081: Line 1,125:
|{{sort|Ryzing|[[Triple H|Terra Ryzing]]}}
|{{sort|Ryzing|[[Triple H|Terra Ryzing]]}}
|1
|1
|{{dts|1992|7}}
|{{dts|1993|3|27}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|[[Middleboro, Massachusetts]]
|Unknown
|[[House show|Live event]]
|[[House show|Live event]]
|align=left|&nbsp;
|align=left|&nbsp;
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR0r7LHBPNA |title=Terra Ryzing AKA Triple H wins first pro wrestling title - Killer Kowalski's IWF - March 27, 1993 |author=Classic New England Independent Wrestling |date=May 7, 2021 |work=Wrestling Podcast About Nothing |publisher=YouTube.com |access-date=December 8, 2020 |quote=}}</ref>
|&nbsp;
|-style="background-color:#e3e3e3"
|-style="background-color:#e3e3e3"
|{{sort|05.5|—}}
|{{sort|05.5|—}}
Line 1,095: Line 1,139:
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|align=left|Championship vacated for unknown reasons
|align=left|Championship vacated upon signing a contract with [[World Championship Wrestling]]
|<ref>{{cite news |last=Kowalski |first=Walter |author-link=Killer Kowalski |date=January 1, 1995 |title=KILLER'S CORNER: Fans in this Corner cast votes for '94 best, worst |page=B35 |work=[[Boston Herald]] |location= |quote=At this time, I will briefly review the wrestling scene of 1994 as viewed from this column. [...] Terra Ryzing relinquished the IWF heavyweight belt undefeated, and signed with WCW, now wrestling under his own name: Jean-Paul Levesque.}}</ref>
|&nbsp;
|-
|-
!8
!8
Line 1,144: Line 1,188:
|''{{sort|Executioners|[[The Executioners (professional wrestling)|The Executioners]]}}''<br>(Executioner #1 and Executioner #2)
|''{{sort|Executioners|[[The Executioners (professional wrestling)|The Executioners]]}}''<br>(Executioner #1 and Executioner #2)
|1
|1
|{{sort|{{dts|1982|1|1}}|1982 (n)}}
|{{sort|{{dts|1981|1|1}}|1981 (n)}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|Unknown
|Unknown
Line 1,152: Line 1,196:
|-
|-
!2
!2
|Richard Byrne and Dan Petty
|David Byrne and Danny Pettiglio
|1
|1
|{{sort|{{dts|1982|3|1}}|March, 1981 (n)}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|Unknown
|[[House show|Live event]]
|align=left|&nbsp;
|<ref name="GNW-IndyMAR1981">{{cite magazine |last=Burke |first=Tom |date=March 1981 |title=A Look At The Independents |issue=1 |pages=1–3 |magazine=Global Wrestling Presents ... The Independents |location=Springfield, Massachusetts |publisher=Global Wrestling News Service |quote=Some of the present talent in the IWF stable are: David Byrne and Danny Pettiglio (IWF Tag Chps}}</ref>
|-
!3
|''{{sort|Executioners|[[The Executioners (professional wrestling)|The Executioners]]}}''<br>(Executioner #1 and Executioner #2)
|2
|{{sort|{{dts|1982|1|1}}|1982 (n)}}
|{{sort|{{dts|1982|1|1}}|1982 (n)}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
Line 1,161: Line 1,215:
|
|
|-
|-
!3
!4
|Richard Byrne and Dan Petty
|2
|{{sort|{{dts|1982|1|1}}|1982 (n)}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|Unknown
|[[House show|Live event]]
|align=left|&nbsp;
|
|-
!5
|[[Killer Kowalski|Executioner #1]] and [[Johnny Valiant]]
|[[Killer Kowalski|Executioner #1]] and [[Johnny Valiant]]
|1
|1
Line 1,285: Line 1,349:
|[[House show|Live event]]
|[[House show|Live event]]
|align=left|&nbsp;
|align=left|&nbsp;
|
|}

===IWF Northeast Heavyweight Championship===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" width=100%
!width=0 data-sort-type="number"|No.
!width=32%|Champion
!width=0 |Reign
!width=12%|Date
!width=0 data-sort-type="number"|Days held
!width=13%|Location
!width=15%|Event
!width=60% class="unsortable"|Notes
!width=0 class="unsortable"|Ref.
|-
!1
|{{sort|Smyth|Kevin Shaughnessy (Kevin Smyth)}}
|1
|{{sort|{{dts|1984|3|1}}|June, 1984 (n)}}
|{{sort|—|Retired Title 1985}}
|Holyoke, Massachusetts
|[[House show|Live event]]
|align=left|&nbsp;
|
|-
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|{{sort|01.5|&nbsp;}}
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|-
|
|
|}
|}
Line 1,311: Line 1,410:
|-
|-
!1
!1
|{{sort| |Nikki Moccia aka Lady Liberty}}
|{{sort|Ryan|Nickie Ryan}}
|1
|1
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
Line 1,357: Line 1,456:
|N/A
|N/A
|Live event
|Live event
|also holds NWA US Women's title
|Also holds the [[NWA United States Women's Championship]]
!
!
|-
|-
!6
!6
|Babyface Nellie
|1
|December 17, 1991
|N/A
|N/A
|Live event
!
!
|-
!7
|{{sort|Brown|[[Brittany Brown]]}}
|{{sort|Brown|[[Brittany Brown]]}}
|1
|1
Line 1,370: Line 1,479:
|
|
|-
|-
!7
!8
|{{sort|Violet|Violet Flame}}
|{{sort|Violet|Violet Flame}}
|1
|1
Line 1,380: Line 1,489:
|
|
|-
|-
!8
!9
|{{sort|Lee|[[Chyna|Joanie Lee]]}}
|{{sort|Lee|[[Chyna|Joanie Lee]]}}
|1
|1
Line 1,389: Line 1,498:
| align="left" |&nbsp;
| align="left" |&nbsp;
|
|
|-
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|{{sort|01.5|&nbsp;}}
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|style="background: #aaaaaa;"|&nbsp;
|-
!10
|{{sort|Blakwidow|[[Amanda Storm|Blakwidow]]}}
|1
|{{sort|{{dts|2001|6|9}}|June, 2001 (n)}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|{{sort|—|N/A}}
|[[House show|Live event]]
| align="left" |&nbsp;
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blakwidow.com:80/schedule.htm |title=Amanda Storm's Travel and Match Schedule |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2001 |website=BlakWidow.com |publisher= |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010609042210/http://www.blakwidow.com:80/schedule.htm |archive-date=June 9, 2001 |quote=}}</ref>
|}
|}


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}
{{Reflist|group=Note}}


==References==
==References==
Line 1,398: Line 1,527:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*{{cite book |author=[[Harvey Wippleman|Lauer, Bruno]] |date=2011 |title=Wrestling with the Truth |url=http://www.crowbarpress.com/cbp-books/06-db.html |location=Gallatin, Tennessee |publisher=Crowbar Press |page= |isbn=978-0-9745545-7-0 |author-link= }}
*{{cite book |author=Lauer, Bruno |author-link=Harvey Wippleman |date=2011 |title=Wrestling with the Truth |url=http://www.crowbarpress.com/cbp-books/06-db.html |location=Gallatin, Tennessee |publisher=Crowbar Press |isbn=978-0-9745545-7-0 }}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 1,406: Line 1,535:
{{Professional wrestling in the United States}}
{{Professional wrestling in the United States}}


[[Category:Independent professional wrestling promotions based in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies established in 1979]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies established in 1979]]
[[Category:Companies disestablished in 1996]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies disestablished in 1996]]
[[Category:1979 establishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Independent professional wrestling promotions based in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:1996 disestablishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1979]]
[[Category:Sports in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Sports organizations disestablished in 1996]]

Latest revision as of 17:46, 7 October 2024

This article is about the American professional wrestling promotion run by Killer Kowalski. For the international governing body for amateur wrestling, see United World Wrestling.
International Wrestling Federation
AcronymIWF
Founded1979[1]
Defunct1996
HeadquartersReading, Massachusetts
Burlington, Vermont[1]
Founder(s)Killer Kowalski[1]
Owner(s)Killer Kowalski (1979–1996)

The International Wrestling Federation (IWF, also known as Killer Kowalski's All-Stars) was a professional wrestling promotion that held events in the New England area of the United States from 1979 to 1996, when it was run by Killer Kowalski.[2][3] The promotion was based in Reading, Massachusetts, with offices in Burlington, Vermont.[1] It operated in conjunction with Kowalski's wrestling school in Malden, Massachusetts.[4]

History and overview

[edit]

Formation

[edit]

The International Wrestling Federation was formed in 1979 by Killer Kowalski two years after starting his wrestling school, the Killer Kowalski Institute for Professional Wrestling, in Malden, Massachusetts. According to former student John Callahan, Kowalski decided to form his own group after an argument with Angelo Savoldi at the Boston Garden.[5] The first championship titles were introduced in the early 1980s with Kowalski and The Executioners being billed as the first IWF Heavyweight and Tag Team Champions respectively. That same year, the IWF began airing a Sunday morning show, Bedlam from Boston, on the WXNE-TV.[1][6] During this period, Kowalski partnered with Dominic DeNucci and Bruno Sammartino's "International Wrestling" group based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[5][7]

Territorial reach

[edit]

Kowalski initially promoted shows in the Greater Boston Area but eventually toured throughout the Northeastern United States.[2][6] IWF event tours also included high school gyms and fairs in cities throughout New England.[8] Some of the promotion's regular towns included Andover, Bellingham, Billerica, Grafton, Middleboro, Norwood, Waltham, and Westford, Massachusetts. Kowalsi was able to promote IWF shows via his weekly column, "Killer's Corner", for the Boston Sunday Herald.[9][10] The IWF relocated to Burlington, Vermont in the early-1990s[1] but returned to the Boston area by November 2001.[11][12]

Notable talent

[edit]

The IWF featured many former World Wide Wrestling Federation stars during its early years including, most notably, Dominic DeNucci, Larry Zbyszko, The Haiti Kid and The Valiant Brothers (Jerry Valiant and Johnny Valiant). Bull Curry was the main "heel" wrestling manager before his death.[6] Zbyszko's infamous WWWF feud with Bruno Sammartino spilled over into the IWF as he battled his former mentor's real-life son Bruno Sammartino Jr. in late 1982. Kowalski continued bringing in talent from the World Wrestling Federation when Vince McMahon Jr. took over his father's promotion in the 1980s.

The promotion showcased a number of wrestlers who were regulars in the northeast wrestling scene and was the birthplace of Paul Levesque (then known as Terra Ryzing),[4][13] Perry Saturn[14] and Chyna.[15] Levesque, who had graduated from Kowalski's school at the top of his class,[16] made his IWF debut in March 1992 defeating Tony Roy. Two months later, he won the organization's heavyweight title from Mad Dog Richard.[17][18] Saturn, billed as "The Iron Horseman",[14] won the IWF North American and Light Heavyweight Championship during the early 1990s. He also won the IWF Tag Team Championship with Levesque.[19] Saturn met his future tag team partner John Kronus while working for the IWF and helped enroll him in Kowalski's wrestling school.[20] Brittany Brown was the longest reigning Women's Champion (12 years), then Chyna (Joanie Lee) won the IWF Ladies Championship from Violet Flame in the very late 1990s.[3][21] "Giant" Ron Reis[9] and The Renegade, as "Rio, Lord of the Jungle", found success in World Championship Wrestling.[1]

World Wrestling Federation

[edit]

Kowalski had a strong relationship with both Vince McMahon Sr. and his son Vince McMahon Jr. His students (many of whom IWF stars) regularly appeared on World Wrestling Federation television as preliminary wrestlers during the 1980s and 90s.[8][22] His best known students - Triple H, Chyna and Perry Saturn - had prominent roles in the company during the Attitude Era.[1][3][15]

The IWF later featured former WWF stars Demolition Ax, King Kong Bundy, Hercules, The Honky Tonk Man, The Mountie, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Jimmy Snuka, and Nikolai Volkoff.[1] In December 1992, following his controversial departure from the WWF, The Ultimate Warrior (appearing under his old "Dingo Warrior" ring name) wrestled Hercules at an IWF show in Billerica, Massachusetts.[23][24] Then current WWF stars, such as Adam Bomb, Bob Backlund, Doink the Clown, King Kong Bundy and Hakushi, occasionally appeared at IWF events in the mid-1990s.[8][25][26][27]

Demise

[edit]

The IWF stopped holding regular shows after 1996 though Kowalski continued promoting under the "Killer Kowalski's All-Stars" banner for a few more years.[28] In November 2001, the IWF took part in "Headlocks for Humanity", an American Red Cross benefit show for victims of the September 11th attacks, with Slyk Wagner Brown (managed by April Hunter) and CueBall representing the promotion.[11] One of the IWF's last shows was held in Sutton, New Hampshire on November 2, 2002.[29] Finally in 2003, health issues forced Kowalski to withdraw from both promoting and the wrestling school. Following his death in 2008, the Kowalski estate auctioned off IWF correspondence and other wrestling memorabilia from his career.[30]

Alumni

[edit]
Male wrestlers
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Michael Davis Mike Davis 1994
Theodore Arcidi Ted Arcidi 1988
Victor Arko Mike Kelly 1982 [5]
William Arko Pat Kelly 1982 [5]
Robert Backlund Bob Backlund 1995–1996WWF [26][10][27]
Jimmie Banks† Jojo Andrews 1982
Edward Bazzaza Ed Bonzo 1982
Richard Beauchamp† Mad Dog Richard 1990–1995
Matt Bloom The Mongolian 1998
Steve Bolus† Steve Bolus 1982
Wagner Brown Slyk Wagner Brown 2002 [29]
Nick Busick Nick Busick 1982
Richard Byrne† "Superstar" Richard Byrne / The Russian Mauler 1982
1993
1995 		[5]
David Cahill† D.C. Dillinger 2002 [29]
George Caiazzo† The Eliminator / John Kronus 1994–1995 [25][9]
John Callahan John Callahan 1982 [5]
Preston Carrington Tony Ulysses 1990
1993
1995 		[5]
Bert Centeno El Mascarado 1994
John Charyszyn† Larry Winters 1982
Michael Chrosniak† Irish Mike McGee 1982
Bryan Clark Adam Bomb 1995WWF [8][25][9]
William Coleman† Bad Billy Coleman 1982
Jeremy Cotter The Outpatient 1994–1996 [9][10]
Richard Creasia Ricky Sexton 1982 [5]
William DeCoff Sean O'Reilly 1985
Dominic DeNucci Dominic DeNucci 1982 [5]
Darren DiCenso Snooky Fink / Rain Drop 1993–1996 [31][10][27]
Ron DiMaria Ronnie Dee / The Star Warrior 1990
1994–1995
Kenneth Doane Jr. Kenn Phoenix [32]
Christopher Duffy† Chris Duffy 1988-
1996 		[8][22][25][27]
James Duggan Jr. Jim Duggan 1994
Kevin Smyth Irish Kevin Shaughnessy 1979–1982
Bill Eadie Demolition Ax 1993
Eric Maher Eddie Edwards 2002 [29]
William Eichenberger† Billy Berger 1982
Robert Elowitch Robbie Ellis 1988
1995 		[25]
Solofa Fatu, Jr. Fatu 1996WWF [27]
Gerard Fazio Jerry Johnson / Jerry Fazio 1982
Raymond Fernandez† Hercules 1993
Wayne Farris The Honky Tonk Man 1993
Rudolph Freed Rudy Diamond 1982
Richard Fuller Rick Fuller 1995 [26]
Scott Garland Scott Taylor 1993
1995
Steven Grabowski Steve Grabowski 1982
James Hellwig† The Dingo Warrior 1993
Derek Higbee The Bulldozer / Bull Dozer 1993–1996 [25][26][27]
John Hill† Jerry Valiant 1982
Michael Hollow "All-American" Mike Hollow / Mike Harlow 1994–1998 [25][26][27]
Curtis Hughes Mr. Hughes 1994
Glenn Jacobs Isaac Yankem, D.D.S. 1996WWF [27]
Michael Jones Rocky Jones 1982
Michael Jones Virgil 1995
Ken Jugan Zoltan the Great 1982
Steven King Steve King / Phoenix King / Steve Hart / Stephan Roy / Arctic Angel 1993–1999
Walter Kowalski† Killer Kowalski 1982
1993 		[3]
Paul Levesque Terra Ryzing 1992–1994 [3][4][15]
Ray Licameli Doink the Clown 1995WWF [26]
Steve Lombardi The Brooklyn Brawler / Doink the Clown 1995–1996WWF [27]
James McCarthy James Cody / Jim Cote / Kid Delicious 1995-1999 [27]
Timothy McNeany Tim McNeany / Doink the Clown 1993–1996 [8][25][26][27]
Joe Meagher Tim O'Reilly 1985
1990
Robert Miller† Bushwhacker Butch 1995 [10]
John Minton† Big John Studd 1990
James Neidhart Jim Neidhart 1992
Robert Orton Jr. Bob Orton, Jr. 1988
1992
Tom O'Sullivan Tom O'Sullivan
Dan Ouellete Freight Train Dan / Freightrain 1995–2002 [29]
Christoper Pallies† King Kong Bundy 1995WWF [8][25][9]
Josip Peruzovic† Nikolai Volkoff 1994WWF
Darryl Peterson Man Mountain Rock 1995WWF
Dan Pettiglio Dan Petty 1982
1985 		[5]
Lanny Poffo† Lanny Poffo 1994
Timothy Reid Tim Reid 1982 [5]
James Reiher† Jimmy Snuka 1993
Ron Reis "Giant" Ron Reis 1994 [9]
Jacques Rougeau Jr. The Mountie 1993
Raymond Roy The Stormtrooper 1994–1995 [25]
Tony Roy Antoine Roy / Tony Roy 1990–1996 [8][9][10][27]
David Sammartino Bruno Sammartino Jr. 1982 [5]
Perry Satullo The Iron Horseman / Perry Saturn 1992–1995 [25][9]
Scott L. Schwartz Giant David 1982 [5]
Jerry Seavey The Candyman 1992–1993
Michael Sharpe Jr.† Iron Mike Sharpe 1990
Michael Shaw† Bastion Booger 1995 [10]
Ronald Shaw Ron Shaw 1982
Kensuke Shinzaki Hakushi 1995WWF [8]
Robert Shoup Rob Van Winkle / Mark Lombardi 1985
1988

1992

Merced Solis Tito Santana 1994–1995
John Sullivan Johnny Valiant 1982 [5]
Paul Swanger Concrete Cowboy 1982
Terry Szopinski The Warlord 1994–1995
Dan Vinal Big Dan Vinal 1985-2002 [12]
Kevin Wacholz Nailz 1993
Brian Walsh Brian Walsh 1985
1995–1996 		[8][27]
Phil Watson Whipper Watson Jr. 1982
Lawrence Whistler Larry Zbyszko 1982 [5]
Brian Wickens Bushwhacker Luke 1995 [10]
Richard Williams† Rio, Lord of the Jungle 1993
Unknown The Beast 1982
Unknown Bill Wilcox 1991
Unknown Brian Bugle
Unknown Buddy Donovan 1982
Unknown† Chief War Cloud 1982
Unknown Chris Grant 1982 [5]
Unknown Cueball 2002 [29]
Unknown Davey O'Hannon 1982
Unknown Freight Train Fulton 1992
Unknown Greg Winston 1982
Unknown Gypsy Rodriguez 1982
Unknown Hans Schroeder 1982 [5]
Unknown Jack Buford 1982
Unknown Jamie Pain 2002 [29]
Unknown Jed Skreem 1994 [33]
Unknown Jeff Craney 1982
Unknown Jeff Roberts 2002 [29]
Unknown John Bonello 1982
Unknown John Sullivan 2002 [29]
Unknown Manuel Soto 1982
Unknown Mike Madison 1982 [5]
Unknown Dangerous Dave Star 1984-1989
Unknown Mike "Jethro" Chambers 1982 [5]
Unknown Nemesis 2002 [29]
Unknown Richie Rich [34]
Unknown Ron Lee 1982
Unknown Rush 2002 [29]
Unknown The Smooth Operator / Tre, The Smooth Operating Gangsta 1993–1996
2002 		[8][25][9][27]
Unknown Ultimate Hater 2002 [29]
Female wrestlers
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Theresa Best Violet Flame / Rita Book 1995 [25][26][9][10]
Dawn Francis Rosebud 1990
1993
April Hunter April Hunter 2002 [29]
Linda Joaquin Linda Dallas 1988
Malia Hosaka Malia Hosaka 1995
Joan Laurer† Joanie Lee 1996 [3][1][15][31]
Amy Nicoletti Ramblin' Rose 1990–1995 [25][26][10][35]
Nicole Raczynski Nikki Roxx 2002 [29]
Diane Syms Misty Blue Simmes 1985
1988
Debbie Szostecki Debbie Combs 1982
Alexandra Whitney Amanda Storm
Blackwidow 		2000–2001
Unknown Alexa Starr 1994
Unknown Brittany Brown 1990-2003
Unknown Crystal Blue 1994
Unknown Donna Day 1982
Unknown Jamie West 1992–1996 [27]
Unknown Tammy West 1994
Midget wrestlers
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Raymond Kessler The Haiti Kid 1982
Jeffrey Ludy Irish Leprechaun 1988
1996
1999
Dana Magazu† Dana Carpenter 1985
1988
Roger Tomlin† Little Boy Blue 1982
Douglas Tunstall Jr. Tiny the Terrible 1996
Louis Waterhouse Little Louie 1985
1994–1998
Unknown Mighty Doom 1994
Unknown Little Leopard 1994
Stables and tag teams
Tag team/Stable(s) Members Tenure(s)
The Arc Angels Phoenix King and Damon D'Arcangelo 1998
The Bushwhackers Bushwhacker Butch and Bushwhacker Luke 1995
The Eliminators Perry Saturn and John Kronus 1994–1995
The Kelly Twins Mike Kelly and Pat Kelly 1982
The Mutilators Jamie Pain and Nemesis 2002
The Soul Brothers Tony Ulysses and Chris Grant
The Valiant Brothers Jerry Valiant and Johnny Valiant 1982
Managers and valets
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Barry Atwood The Court Jester 1992
Claude Giroux Dink 1995 [26]
Fred Koury Sr.† Bull Curry 1982
Don Liable The Bug 1994
1996 		[31][27]
Kevin Smyth Mr. Ego-Trip Ian Foxx 1990
1993
John Minton† Big John Studd 1994 [9]
Unknown John Rodeo 1993–1998 [9][27]
Unknown Professor Eugene Bickell 1995–1996 [26][27]
Unknown Vito Carlucci 1995 [9]
Commentators and interviewers
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Chris Claussen Chris Claussen 1982 Bedlam from Boston announcer
Stephen Driscoll Stephen Driscoll 1982 Ring announcer
Bedlam from Boston on-air talent[36]
Mel Simons Mel Simons 1982–1999 Ring announcer[27]
Bedlam from Boston on-air talent[37]
Referees
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Matt Cail Matt Cail
Richard Lannon Richard Lannon
Gary McCarthy Gary McCarthy
Fred Sparta Fred Sparta Head referee[9]
Other personnel
Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Walter Kowalski† Killer Kowalski 1979–1996 Promoter
Don Liable Don Liable Head of publicity
Official photographer[31]
Company name to Year
Company name: Years:
International Wrestling Federation 1979–1996
Killer Kowalski's All Stars 2002
Notes
† ^ Indicates they are deceased.
‡ ^ Indicates they died while they were employed with .
WWF ^ Indicates they were part of a talent exchange with the World Wrestling Federation.

Championships

[edit]
Key
Reign The reign number for the specific set of wrestlers listed
Event The event promoted by the respective promotion in which the titles were won
N/A The specific information is not known
— Used for vacated reigns so as not to count it as an official reign
(n) Indicates that a title change took place "no later than" the date listed.[Note 1]
  Indicates that there was a period where the lineage is undocumented due to the lack of written documentation

IWF Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
No. Champion Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref.
1 Killer Kowalski 1 1982 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
                 
2 Bryan Walsh 1 N/A N/A Unknown Live event    
3 Chris Duffy 1 1986 N/A Unknown Live event   [38]
                 
4 Chris Duffy 2 1987 N/A Unknown Live event   [38]
5 Ronnie Dee 1 N/A N/A Unknown Live event    
6 Mad Dog Richard 1 June, 1991 (n) N/A Unknown Live event    
7 Terra Ryzing 1 March 27, 1993 N/A Middleboro, Massachusetts Live event   [39]
— Vacated — March 12, 1994 — N/A N/A Championship vacated upon signing a contract with World Championship Wrestling [40]
8 Tony Roy 1 October, 1994 (n) N/A Unknown Live event    
                 
9 Big Dan Vinal 2 November 2002 N/A Unknown Live event   [12]

IWF Tag Team Championship

[edit]
No. Champions Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref.
1 The Executioners
(Executioner #1 and Executioner #2) 		1 1981 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
2 David Byrne and Danny Pettiglio 1 March, 1981 (n) N/A Unknown Live event   [41]
3 The Executioners
(Executioner #1 and Executioner #2) 		2 1982 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
4 Richard Byrne and Dan Petty 2 1982 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
5 Executioner #1 and Johnny Valiant 1 1982 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
                 

IWF North American Championship

[edit]
No. Champion Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref.
1 The Iron Horseman 1 March, 1994 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
                 
2 Tony Roy 1 March, 1995 (n) N/A Unknown Live event    

IWF Light Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
No. Champion Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref.
                 
1 Bill Wilcox 1 December, 1991 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
2 The Iron Horseman 1 December 6, 1991 N/A Andover, Massachusetts Live event  
3 Tony Ulysses 1 January, 1993 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
4 The Iron Horseman 2 January 8, 1993 N/A Billerica, Massachusetts Live event  

IWF Northeast Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
No. Champion Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref.
1 Kevin Shaughnessy (Kevin Smyth) 1 June, 1984 (n) Retired Title 1985 Holyoke, Massachusetts Live event  
                 

IWF Ladies Championship

[edit]
No. Champion Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref.
                 
1 Nickie Ryan 1 N/A N/A Unknown Live event  
2 Linda Dallas 1 February 28, 1985 30 Boston, Massachusetts Live event
3 Misty Blue Simmes 1 March 30, 1985 N/A N/A Live event  
4 Kat Leroux 1 1987 N/A N/A Live event
5 Misty Blue Simmes 2 1987 N/A N/A Live event Also holds the NWA United States Women's Championship
6 Babyface Nellie 1 December 17, 1991 N/A N/A Live event
7 Brittany Brown 1 January 17, 1992 N/A Hanover, Massachusetts Live event  
8 Violet Flame 1 January, 1996 (n) N/A Unknown Live event  
9 Joanie Lee 1 September 28, 1996 N/A Salem, New Hampshire Live event  
                 
10 Blakwidow 1 June, 2001 (n) N/A N/A Live event   [42]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ Documentation of the specific date of a title change is not found but documentation of the champion holding the title on that date/in that period.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The New England Indy Graveyard: International Wrestling Federation". The New England Independent. 2003.
  2. ^ a b Kaelberer, Angie Peterson (2010). Edge Books: Triple H. Capstone. p. 12. ISBN 978-1429639484.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Lentz III, Harris M. (2003). Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling (2 ed.). McFarland. ISBN 0786417544.
  4. ^ a b c Heos, Bridget (2011). Triple H: No Mercy. Rosen Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1448855391.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Callahan, John (October 10, 2006). "Killer Kowalski Trained". KayfabeMemories.com.
  6. ^ a b c "Killer Kowalski". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports. January 12, 2008. Archived from the original on September 28, 2015.
  7. ^ Callahan, John (August 17, 2009). "Bedlam From Boston". KayfabeMemories.com.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Macika, Dominic, ed. (May 26, 1996). "RSPW Frequently Asked Questions". rec.sport.pro-wrestling. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Crockett, Michael D. (April 2, 1995). "Killer Kowalski's IWF notes". rec.sport.pro-wrestling. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Crockett, Michael D. (May 16, 1995). "Notes from Killer Kowalski's IWF". rec.sport.pro-wrestling. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  11. ^ a b Nason, Josh (November 20, 2001). "411 Tuesday Indy Report: Results, IWF, Maple Leaf Comeback". 411mania.com.
  12. ^ a b c "Wrestling champion locates to paper city". The Berlin Daily Sun. November 29, 2003.
  13. ^ Bixenspan, David (October 26, 2009). "Triple H: "Some people think we're scheming all the time to improve our own situations. But the more people we make stars, the more money we all make, and everyone's happy."". Cagesideseats.com.
  14. ^ a b Picarello, Robert (2002). Monsters of the Mat. New York: Berkley Boulevard Books. p. 118. ISBN 042518594X.
  15. ^ a b c d Cox, Christopher (August 30, 1999). "Killer Career Moves". Boston Herald.
  16. ^ Taub, David. "Hunter Hearst Helmsley (HHH)". WrestlingMuseum.com.
  17. ^ Milner, John; Jason Clevett; Richard Kamchen. "Hunter Hearst Helmsley". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015.
  18. ^ Hornbaker, Tim. "Triple H Wrestling History". Legacyofwrestling.com.
  19. ^ "WCW: Perry Saturn, part 1". Wrestling Redux. April 4, 2007.
  20. ^ "Biography". Rings of Saturn. 1999.
  21. ^ "Violet Flame". Glorywrestling.com. February 10, 2008.
  22. ^ a b "Chris Duffy". OnlineWorldofWrestling.com.
  23. ^ Sarnecky, Ronny (April 12, 2014). "The Piledriver Report 04.12.14: Goodbye Warrior". 411mania.com.
  24. ^ "Wrestling By The Numbers: James 'The Ultimate' Warrior". Gerweck.net. April 15, 2014.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Doucet, Ken (March 26, 1995). "IWF March into Destruction Tour". rec.sport.pro-wrestling. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Crockett, Michael D. (April 25, 1995). "Notes from Killer Kowalski's IWF". rec.sport.pro-wrestling. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Crockett, Michael D. (March 26, 1996). "(IWF) Bellingham, MA 3/22". rec.sport.pro-wrestling. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  28. ^ "Interview with Eve". Glorywrestling.com. August 15, 2004.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Independent Wrestling Results - November 2002". OnlineWorldofWrestling.com. November 2002.
  30. ^ "Killer Kowalski estate auction in Saugus". Wickedlocal.com. August 9, 2011.
  31. ^ a b c d Laible, Don (April 22, 2016). "Chyna's Wrestling Early Days". Observer-Dispatch.
  32. ^ ""Broadway" Kenn Phoenix". PWFnortheast.com. 2004.
  33. ^ "Cagematch.net".
  34. ^ "Milfords Best Kept Secret". SPWri.com. July 21, 2015.
  35. ^ Wrobel, Darryl (June 1999). "Wrestling's Dark Secret - 21 Deaths In Five Years". National Enquirer.
  36. ^ "Wrestling: a different kind of performance". UMass.edu. UMass Amherst. February 2013.
  37. ^ Symkus, Ed (June 2, 2011). "Mel Simons Just Keeps on Entertaining..." West Roxbury Patch.
  38. ^ a b Liable, Don (May 1992). "Gorgeous Chris Duffy: Wrestling's Diamond in the Rough". Wrestling Eye. New York: Jems Inc. pp. 48–50.
  39. ^ Classic New England Independent Wrestling (May 7, 2021). "Terra Ryzing AKA Triple H wins first pro wrestling title - Killer Kowalski's IWF - March 27, 1993". Wrestling Podcast About Nothing. YouTube.com. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  40. ^ Kowalski, Walter (January 1, 1995). "KILLER'S CORNER: Fans in this Corner cast votes for '94 best, worst". Boston Herald. p. B35. At this time, I will briefly review the wrestling scene of 1994 as viewed from this column. [...] Terra Ryzing relinquished the IWF heavyweight belt undefeated, and signed with WCW, now wrestling under his own name: Jean-Paul Levesque.
  41. ^ Burke, Tom (March 1981). "A Look At The Independents". Global Wrestling Presents ... The Independents. No. 1. Springfield, Massachusetts: Global Wrestling News Service. pp. 1–3. Some of the present talent in the IWF stable are: David Byrne and Danny Pettiglio (IWF Tag Chps
  42. ^ "Amanda Storm's Travel and Match Schedule". BlakWidow.com. 2001. Archived from the original on June 9, 2001.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
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