USA! USA! USA!

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

In 2011, I was proud to be a part of a professional wrestling program on the airwaves of WSIL-TV, the station I have worked at for the last decade.  I was doing commentary for a bi-weekly program called AAPW Collision.  It was the first time in more than 20 years that professional wrestling had aired on the station.  But more importantly it was a local promotion.

Former champ Matt Boyce
Courtesy: USA Championship Wrestling

Unfortunately the time on TV didn't last long for AAPW and now, more than two years since the last televised matches aired, WSIL is once again going to be broadcasting professional wrestling.  USA Championship Wrestling will make its debut on Saturday, March 15.  The show will air every Saturday at 11 a.m. USA Championship Wrestling is based out of Nashville, Tennessee, but the show is recorded at the Baymont Theater in Metropolis, Illinois (yes the home of Superman).  Promoter Bert Prentice has said there will be live events in the WSIL viewing area, which covers not just southern Illinois, but western Kentucky and southeast Missouri as well.

New champ, Jeff Jarrett
Courtesy: USA Championship Wrestling 

As of this writing former WWE and TNA (founder) and superstar Jeff Jarrett holds the USA Heavyweight Championship. Prentice is no stranger to wrestling.  Growing up, I remember reading about him in the Apter magazines and his career as a manager.  I've had a chance to meet Bert a couple of times, he set up the interviews I did with both Mickie James and Jerry "The King" Lawler. The King will make appearances at the some of the shows.  The WWE Hall of Famer also taped the first promo for the show.

Clay Moore
Courtesy: USA Championship Wrestling

Prentice says four wrestlers stand out and will become household names in this region: Matt Boyce, Vordell Walker, Shane Williams, and Clay Moore.  The show will be family friendly and what I hope is a throwback to the old territory days.  

Don't get me wrong, I love WWE.  I love indy wrestling too.  I think USA Championship Wrestling will be good for this region and bring back that old school Saturday morning feel.  I remember as a kid watching World Class, Wrestling at the Chase, Central States, and many others on the weekends.  This program is sure to give fans another source of wrestling enjoyment.