Indy INC: Ruff Crossing Wins BLITZ Title, UIWA Adds Affiliate, IWE Announces Benefit Show, More

Veteran grappler Ruff Crossing captured the Pro Wrestling BLITZ heavyweight title once again at the promotion's "Hostile Intent" show in Joliet, Illinois on May 24. When he accepted Crossing's challenge last month, reigning BLITZ champ Vic Capri vowed to face his challenger without the help of cronies Matty Starr and Mr. Flores. True to his word, Capri entered the ring area to face Crossing alone but shortly after the match began, Starr and Flores emerged and attempted to interfere of Capri's behalf. Capri refused their assistance however, and tried to best Crossing on his own. After tough battle between the men, Crossing delivered one tombstone and then another to the champ but still proved unable to pin Capri for the win. Ultimately delivered a senses-shattering "super tombstone" off the ropes, Crossing finally laid out Capri for the decisive three-count, ending Vic Capri's reign as BLITZ champion. Speaking to WrestlingINC.com about the buildup to the match and its outcome, Ruff Crossing stated, "I was suspended from BLITZ for a few months and when I got back, I saw that Vic was having his henchmen do all of his dirty work for him while he held on to the title. When he accepted my challenge, he gave his word that nobody would interfere and he kept that promise. Even on his own, he was a tough opponent but I still came out champion and I'm going to be rocking and rolling and tombstoning as BLITZ champion for a very long time!"

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Imperial Wrestling Entertainment, previously discussed in our April 19 edition of Indy INC, have officially announced the promotion's first event which is to be held at the 4700-seat Finch Fieldhouse in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on July 6 at 2:00 PM. The "Rock and Rumble" event is a benefit show for young Ethan Wudyka who is currently hospitalized with an illness that has caused swelling in his brainstem. All proceeds will go to Ethan's family to assist with his medical expenses. IWE's "Gentleman" John Campbell spoke to WrestlingINC.com regarding the impetus for this project: "The fundraiser came about when Stuntman Mike approached me. I know through Stuntman, as Ethan is best friends with Mike's young son. We really pounded the pavement to try and make something happen. Ethan is a great kid and we wanted to do everything we could help him and his family."

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IWE also announced a forthcoming event that will be taped for broadcast via Central Michigan's MAC TV and online via YouTube. The "Battlezone TV" show will be taped on July 19 and the developing card includes "Gentleman" John Campbell vs. Will Vendetta; "Black Diamond" Jack Price vs. Apocalypse; and "THEE" Cody Leedy vs. Stuntman Mike.

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Episode 61 of New England Championship Wrestling is now online, featuring Dan Terry vs. the high-flying Todo Loco and the first title defense for NECW tag champs THE END who take on Michael Mullet and Tim Lennox. The entire episode can be viewed here. No spoilers here folks, but Todo Loco ? billed as "the man from Tokyo Mexico" ? could become a noteworthy presence in the indy scene with some hard work and a bit more experience. He's a very promising young talent.

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Super Luchas Panama has joined United Independent Wrestling Affiliates as an affiliated promotion. UIWA is currently comprised of 23 promotions including affiliates in Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia, The United Kingdom, Spain and Australia.

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Director Mark Nowotarski recently appeared on Detroit's FOX 2 to promote the May 29 premier of the film "Battles, Bouts & Brawls," which tells the story of pro wrestling in the Detroit area. His appearance can be viewed here.

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Mike Bessler is a Contributing Writer for Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

Thomas Rude contributed to this article.

Ruff Crossing photo provided by kind permission of Ichiban Drunk.

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