The Ted Petty Invitational tournament (the TPI) is an
independent wrestling
In professional wrestling, the independent circuit (often shortened to the indie circuit or the indies) is the collective name of independently owned promotions which are deemed to be smaller and more regionalized than major national promotions. ...
tournament in
North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere, Northern and Western Hemisphere, Western hemispheres. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South Ameri ...
, run and promoted by
Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
Independent Wrestling Association (IWA) Mid-South (also known as IWA Mid-South, IWA-MS, and IWA Mid South Wrestling) was an American Independent circuit, independent professional wrestling professional wrestling promotion, promotion based in J ...
. Created as the Sweet Science Sixteen in 2000 by
Ian Rotten
John Benson Williams (born June 1, 1970) is an American professional wrestler and Promoter (entertainment), promoter better known by his ring name Ian Rotten. He has wrestled in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), Extreme Championship Wrestli ...
, the tournament was originally supposed to showcase the top technical independent wrestlers. After the death of
Ted Petty
Theodore James Petty (September 1, 1953 – September 21, 2002) was an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name "Flyboy" Rocco Rock. Rock is best known for his appearances in Eastern Championship Wrestling / Extreme Championsh ...
in September 2002, Rotten changed the name to honor his friend. The tournament was expanded to 24 participants, with a three-way final, in 2003. Over the years, the tournament has attracted numerous famous independent wrestlers from
Ken Anderson,
A.J. Styles
Allen Neal Jones (born June 2, 1977), better known by his ring name AJ Styles (or A.J. Styles), is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand.
Jones debuted in 1998 and competed for various ind ...
to
James Gibson.
The Tournament Setup
In the first three years of the Sweet Science Sixteen/TPI, there were only sixteen participants. With eight opening round matches, four quarterfinal matches, two semifinal matches, and a final, the tournament shows were reasonable in length. The expansion to twenty-four in 2003 caused the addition of another eight person bracket. It also created three semifinals matches and a three way final. The final is now an elimination match.
Tournament winners
*
2000
2000 was designated as the International Year for the Culture of Peace and the World Mathematics, Mathematical Year.
Popular culture holds the year 2000 as the first year of the 21st century and the 3rd millennium, because of a tende ...
:
Chris Hero
William Christopher Spradlin (born December 24, 1979), better known by his ring name Chris Hero, is an American professional wrestler and trainer. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer. Hero has worked for a number of indepen ...
*
2001
The year's most prominent event was the September 11 attacks against the United States by al-Qaeda, which Casualties of the September 11 attacks, killed 2,977 people and instigated the global war on terror. The United States led a Participan ...
:
Ace Steel
Christopher Guy (born January 25, 1973) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Ace Steel. , he is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as a Producer (wrestling), producer. He is perhaps be ...
*
2002
The effects of the September 11 attacks of the previous year had a significant impact on the affairs of 2002. The war on terror was a major political focus. Without settled international law, several nations engaged in anti-terror operation ...
:
B. J. Whitmer
Benjamin Whitmer (born January 25, 1978), better known by the ring name B. J. Whitmer, is an American professional wrestling producer, professional wrestling trainer, color commentator, and retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his ...
*
2003
2003 was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Fresh water, Freshwater.
In 2003, a Multi-National Force – Iraq, United States-led coalition 2003 invasion of Iraq, invaded Iraq, starting the Iraq War.
Demographic ...
: Danny Daniels
*
2004
2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO).
Events January
* January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...
:
A.J. Styles
Allen Neal Jones (born June 2, 1977), better known by his ring name AJ Styles (or A.J. Styles), is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand.
Jones debuted in 1998 and competed for various ind ...
*
2005
2005 was designated as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education and the International Year of Microcredit. The beginning of 2005 also marked the end of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Internationa ...
:
Matt Sydal
Matthew Joseph Korklan (born March 19, 1983), better known by the ring name Matt Sydal, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is also known for his tenure with WWE from 2008 to 2014 under the ring nam ...
*
2006
2006 was designated as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification.
Events
January
* January 1– 4 – Russia temporarily cuts shipment of natural gas to Ukraine during a price dispute.
* January 12 – A stampede during t ...
:
Low Ki
Brandon Silvestry (born September 6, 1979) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Low Ki. He is known for his time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, TNA Wrestling, Ring of Honor and Major ...
*
2007
2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year.
Events
January
* January 1
**Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
:
Mike Quackenbush
Michael Spillane (born March 18, 1976) is an American podcaster, author, Glossary of professional wrestling terms#school, professional wrestling trainer, Promoter (entertainment), professional wrestling promoter, and semi-retired professional wre ...
*
2008
2008 was designated as:
*International Year of Languages
*International Year of Planet Earth
*International Year of the Potato
*International Year of Sanitation
The Great Recession, a worldwide recession which began in 2007, continued throu ...
:
Drake Younger
Drake Wuertz (born September 10, 1984) is an American professional wrestling referee and professional wrestler.
He was a referee in WWE from 2014 to 2021. Before that, he wrestled for a number of major independent promotions under the ring name ...
*
2015
2015 was designated by the United Nations as:
* International Year of Light
* International Year of Soil __TOC__
Events
January
* January 1 – Lithuania officially adopts the euro as its currency, replacing the litas, and becomes ...
:
Kongo Kong
Steven Wilson (born August 10, 1979) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Kongo Kong. He is best known for his time with Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
Early career
Wilson went to Saginaw Valley S ...
*
2016
2016 was designated as:
* International Year of Pulses by the sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly.
* International Year of Global Understanding (IYGU) by the International Council for Science (ICSU), the Internationa ...
:
Chris Hero
William Christopher Spradlin (born December 24, 1979), better known by his ring name Chris Hero, is an American professional wrestler and trainer. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer. Hero has worked for a number of indepen ...
*
2017
2017 was designated as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations General Assembly.
Events January
* January 1 – Istanbul nightclub shooting: A gunman dressed as Santa Claus opens fire at the ...
: Aaron Williams
*
2018
Events January
* January 1 – Bulgaria takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, after the Estonian presidency.
* January 4 – SPLM-IO rebels loyal to Chan Garang Lual start a raid against Juba, capital of ...
: Aaron Williams
*
2019
This was the year in which the first known human case of COVID-19 was documented, preceding COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic which was declared by the World Health Organization the following year.
Up to that point, 2019 had been described as ...
:
Larry D
Lawrence Jones (born January 25, 1984) is an American professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Larry D.
Professional wrestling career Impact Wrestling (2019 ...
*
2020
The year 2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social and Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of even ...
: Tyler Matrix
*
2021
Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued ...
: Jake Crist
Results
2000 Sweet Science Sixteen
The first annual Sweet Science Sixteen was held on September 8 and 9, 2000 outside the House of Hardcore in
Charlestown, Indiana
Charlestown is a city located within Charlestown and Utica Townships, Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 7,775 at the 2020 census.
History
Early History and Founding
Charlestown was established in 1808, named after one ...
.
2001 Sweet Science Sixteen
The second annual Sweet Science Sixteen was held on September 7 and 8, 2001 at the House of Hardcore in
Charlestown, Indiana
Charlestown is a city located within Charlestown and Utica Townships, Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 7,775 at the 2020 census.
History
Early History and Founding
Charlestown was established in 1808, named after one ...
.
2002 Ted Petty Invitational
The first-annual Ted Petty Invitational took place on November 1 and 2, 2002 at the IWA Arena in
Clarksville, Indiana
Clarksville is a town in Clark County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River and is a part of the Louisville Metropolitan area. The population was 22,333 at the 2020 census. The town was founded in 1783 by early resident George Rogers Cl ...
.
* Whitmer won the
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship
The IWA World Championship is the major title in the IWA Mid-South based in Louisville, Kentucky. The title debuted at the "Crowning of a Champion" event on April 3, 1997, when Tower of Doom won a twelve-man tournament. There have been a total of ...
by defeating Punk in the finals.
*Non-tournament matches:
:*Night One
::*
Necro Butcher
Dylan Keith Summers (born July 13, 1973), better known by the ring name Necro Butcher, is an American professional wrestler. Throughout the years he has worked for various promotions, including Ring of Honor, Full Impact Pro, IWA Mid-South, Pr ...
defeated
Corporal Robinson
Stephen Robinson, known by the ring name Corporal Robinson, (born November 27, 1975), is an American professional wrestler best known for his hardcore wrestling style, Robinson has wrestled for various wrestling promotions, including Juggalo Cham ...
in a Fans Bring the Weapons Drunken Deathmatch
:*Night Two
::*A.J. Styles defeated MDogg20, Matt Stryker and Super Dragon in a Four Corners match
::*
Hailey Hatred
Angel Katherine Reece (born November 4, 1983) is a retired American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Hailey Hatred. Originally debuting in July 2002, Hatred worked for several years for various promotions in both the United ...
defeated
Lacey and
Rain
Rain is a form of precipitation where water drop (liquid), droplets that have condensation, condensed from Water vapor#In Earth's atmosphere, atmospheric water vapor fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is res ...
in a three-way match
::*
Ian Rotten
John Benson Williams (born June 1, 1970) is an American professional wrestler and Promoter (entertainment), promoter better known by his ring name Ian Rotten. He has wrestled in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), Extreme Championship Wrestli ...
defeated Josh Prohibition
::*
Bull Pain
Frank Vizi (born June 9, 1961) is a German-born American professional wrestler, better known by the ring names Bull Pain, Rick Gantner and Psycho. He is best known for his appearances with promotion such as the American Wrestling Association, Wor ...
defeated Necro Butcher, Corporal Robinson, Rollin' Hard,
2 Tuff Tony
Anthony Borcherding (born June 6, 1974), better known by his ring name 2 Tuff Tony, is an American professional wrestler best known for his hardcore wrestling style. Throughout his professional wrestling career, Tony has wrestled for various wres ...
and Nate Webb in a Gauntlet match
2003 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2003 tournament was the first to expand to twenty-four participants. Since it was no longer known as the Sweet Science Sixteen, Rotten didn't limit the number to just sixteen wrestlers. The weekend is still regarded as the hook for drawing in new fans for IWA-MS.
The 2003 Ted Petty Invitational tournament was held on November 7–8, 2003 from the Salem High School in
Salem
Salem may refer to:
Places
Canada
* Salem, Ontario, various places
Germany
* Salem, Baden-Württemberg, a municipality in the Bodensee district
** Salem Abbey (Reichskloster Salem), a monastery
* Salem, Schleswig-Holstein
Israel
* Salem (B ...
,
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...
. Among the participants were Styles, former
ECW World Champion Jerry Lynn,
Michael Shane, the cousin of
Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels (born Michael Shawn Hickenbottom on July 22, 1965) is an American retired professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he is the Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Creative, and oversees the creative aspects of th ...
, and future
WWE Smackdown
''WWE SmackDown'', also known as ''Friday Night SmackDown'' or simply ''SmackDown'', is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE. It airs Live television, live every Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on USA Netwo ...
star
Ken Anderson. Among the highlights are: Ian Rotten's Cinderella run to the semifinals; Alex Shelley's breakthrough in IWA-MS; and Danny Daniels trying to save his IWA-MS World title throughout the entire tournament.
Finals: Danny Daniels defeated Chris Hero and Alex Shelley to retain the IWA-MS World title and win the 2003 TPI.
*Non Tournament Matches:
*Night Two:
*Mickie Knuckles defeated Rain
*Brad Bradley & Ryan Boz defeated J.C. Bailey & Nate Webb
*Colt Cabana defeated Arik Cannon, Ken Anderson, M-Dogg 20, Chris Sabin and Michael Shane in an elimination match
2004 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2004 Ted Petty Invitational tournament was held on September 17–18, 2004 from the Lincoln Center in
Highland, Indiana. Among the participants were Styles,
Bryan Danielson
Bryan Lloyd Danielson (born May 22, 1981) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs on a part time basis. He is also known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under t ...
,
Samoa Joe
Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), better known by the ring name Samoa Joe, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Opps, and is one-third of the AEW Worl ...
,
Chris Hero
William Christopher Spradlin (born December 24, 1979), better known by his ring name Chris Hero, is an American professional wrestler and trainer. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer. Hero has worked for a number of indepen ...
,
Mike Quackenbush
Michael Spillane (born March 18, 1976) is an American podcaster, author, Glossary of professional wrestling terms#school, professional wrestling trainer, Promoter (entertainment), professional wrestling promoter, and semi-retired professional wre ...
,
CM Punk
Phillip Jack Brooks (born October 26, 1978), better known by his ring name CM Punk, is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw (WWE brand), Raw brand. Regarded as ...
,
Claudio Castagnoli
Claudio Castagnoli ( ; born 27 December 1980) is a Swiss professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Death Riders and a former AEW World Trios Championship, AEW World Trios Champion. He also per ...
,
A J Styles,
Nigel McGuiness and
Matt Sydal
Matthew Joseph Korklan (born March 19, 1983), better known by the ring name Matt Sydal, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is also known for his tenure with WWE from 2008 to 2014 under the ring nam ...
. On Night One, Danielson beat
Alex Shelley
Patrick Kenneth Martin (born May 23, 1983), better known by the ring name Alex Shelley, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown brand. He is widely known for his tenure ...
in a technical classic; Joe survived a stiff match with
Roderick Strong
Christopher Lindsey (born July 26, 1983), better known by his ring name Roderick Strong, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of The Paragon stable and is a former one-time AEW I ...
. Hero's losing streak in
Highland
Highlands or uplands are areas of high elevation such as a mountainous region, elevated mountainous plateau or high hills. Generally, ''upland'' refers to a range of hills, typically from up to , while ''highland'' is usually reserved for range ...
continued with a loss to Quackenbush. Sydal managed to beat
Sal Rinauro
Salvatore Rinauro (born September 12, 1982) is an American professional wrestler, performing for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He is best known for his work in Ring of Honor, Full Impact Pro and National Wrestling Alliance in addition to ...
. In a tournament match that was also for the company's heavyweight championship,
Petey Williams
Peter Williams III (born August 26, 1981) is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE as a backstage producer. He is best known for his time in Impact Wrestling, where he is a two-time X Division Champion. He is also known for hi ...
beat 2002 T.P.I. winner
B. J. Whitmer
Benjamin Whitmer (born January 25, 1978), better known by the ring name B. J. Whitmer, is an American professional wrestling producer, professional wrestling trainer, color commentator, and retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his ...
to retain the belt.
Finals: A.J. Styles d. Samoa Joe and Bryan Danielson to win the 2004 TPI
*Non Tournament Matches:
*Night One:
:*
Mercedes Martinez
Jazmin Benitez (born November 17, 1980) is an American professional wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the ring name Mercedes Martinez. She also appears for AEW's sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH), where she is a former ROH W ...
defeated
Lacey to win the
IWA-MS/
NWA Midwest
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is an American professional wrestling promotion and governing body owned by Billy Corgan and operated by its parent company Lightning One, Inc.
Founded in 1948, the NWA began as the governing body for a gr ...
Women's title
:*
Jimmy Jacobs
Christopher Scoville (born February 17, 1984) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Jimmy Jacobs. He is best known for his 12-year career in Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a List of ROH Wor ...
defeated
Delirious
Delirious may refer to:
* A state of delirium
Film and television
* ''Delirious'' (1991 film), an American comedy directed by Tom Mankiewicz, starring John Candy
* ''Delirious'' (2006 film), an American comedy-drama directed by Tom DiCillo, sta ...
in a
Ladder Match
A ladder match is a type of match in professional wrestling, most commonly one in which an item (usually a title belt) is hung above the ring, and the winner is the contestant who climbs a ladder and retrieves the item. The ladder itself become ...
to win the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight title
*Night Two
:*C. J. McManus defeated Billy McNeil and Thunderbolt
:*Jimmy Jacobs defeated Sal Rinauro to retain the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title
:*Ian Rotten and Steve Stone wrestled to a no contest
:*
Larry Sweeney
Alexander K. Whybrow (February 18, 1981April 11, 2011) was an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and Manager (professional wrestling), manager, better known by his ring name Larry Sweeney. He performed primarily on the United ...
, Hallowicked &
Jigsaw defeated
Gran Akuma
Gran Akuma (born December 20, 1974) is an American retired professional wrestler, best known for his work in Chikara. He has also worked for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Dragon Gate USA and Full Impact Pro (FIP). In Chikara, he was a member of ...
,
Icarus
In Greek mythology, Icarus (; , ) was the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, the architect of the labyrinth of Crete. After Theseus, king of Athens and enemy of King Minos, escaped from the labyrinth, Minos suspected that Icarus and Daedalu ...
& Trik Davis
:*MsChif defeated
Rain
Rain is a form of precipitation where water drop (liquid), droplets that have condensation, condensed from Water vapor#In Earth's atmosphere, atmospheric water vapor fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is res ...
,
Mickie Knuckles
Mickie Lee Knuckles (born May 16, 1984) is an American professional wrestler. She is best known for work on the independent circuit, particularly Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South, Chikara, H2O - Hardcore Hustle Organisation, ICW No ...
,
Daizee Haze
Emily Sharp (born May 11, 1983) is an American former professional wrestler known under the ring name Daizee Haze. She is best known for her time on the independent circuit, where she performed for numerous promotions such as Chikara (professiona ...
, Lacey and
Mercedes Martinez
Jazmin Benitez (born November 17, 1980) is an American professional wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the ring name Mercedes Martinez. She also appears for AEW's sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH), where she is a former ROH W ...
in a Non-Title 6-Woman Elimination Match
:*The Wild Cards (
Eddie Kingston
Edward Moore (born December 12, 1981), better known by the ring name Eddie Kingston, is an American professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is out of in-ring action because of a leg injury, but continues to mak ...
& Blackjack Marciano) defeated
Iceberg
An iceberg is a piece of fresh water ice more than long that has broken off a glacier or an ice shelf and is floating freely in open water. Smaller chunks of floating glacially derived ice are called "growlers" or "bergy bits". Much of an i ...
& Tank and
Brad Bradley
Bradley Thomas Jay (born November 17, 1980) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his time in Impact Wrestling under the ring names of Jay Bradley and Aiden O'Shea, and WWE as Ryan Braddock.
Professional wrestling career Earl ...
& Ryan Boz to win the IWA-MS Tag Team titles
:*B. J. Whitmer defeated Chris Sabin, Jimmy Rave, Austin Aries, Alex Shelley, Todd Sexton and Claudio Castagnoli in an elimination match
2005 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2005 Ted Petty Invitational took place on September 23–24, 2005 at the National Guard Armory in
Hammond
Hammond may refer to:
People
* Hammond Innes (1913–1998), English novelist
* Hammond (surname)
* Justice Hammond (disambiguation)
Places Antarctica
* Hammond Glacier, Antarctica
Australia
*Hammond, South Australia, a small settlement in Sout ...
, Indiana. Although the tournament suffered through numerous drop outs and injuries, it is still highly regarded by independent wrestling fans. Among the drop outs included: defending champion Styles (due to
strep throat
Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as streptococcal sore throat (strep throat), is pharyngitis (an infection of the pharynx, the back of the throat) caused by ''Streptococcus pyogenes'', a Gram-positive bacteria, gram-positive, group A str ...
) and Homicide (alleged legal issues).
A year after losing in the quarterfinals, Sydal came through with the biggest break of his career. He beat
El Generico
Rami Sebei (born July 12, 1984) is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Sami Zayn.
Sebei made his professional wrestling debut in 2002 under the ring name Stevie McFly. Pr ...
in the first round in a crowd-pleasing match. He also eliminated Tyler Black (quarterfinals),
Chris Sabin
Joshua Harter (born February 4, 1982), better known by the ring name Chris Sabin, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand.
After being trained by Scott D'Amore, Sabin debuted in 2000 f ...
(semifinals), before overcoming the odds and beating
Kevin Steen
Kevin Yanick Steen (born May 7, 1984) is a Canadian Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown WWE brand extension, brand under the ring name Kevin Owens. As of A ...
and Cannon to win the tournament.
Other great matches from that weekend include a title match between Jacobs and Knuckles that saw everyone from Ian Rotten to
The Iron Saints get involved. Shelley and Quackenbush put on a technical classic. Chris Hero and Arik Cannon had a violent and incredibly stiff encounter with audibly loud headbutts that culminated in Hero turning heel and injuring Cannon's arm. And American Dragon's match with Claudio Castagnoli headlined the first night.
Finals: Matt Sydal defeated Arik Cannon and Kevin Steen to win the 2005 TPI
Non Tournament Matches:
*Night One
:*Jimmy Jacobs defeated
Colt Cabana
Scott Colton (born May 6, 1980), better known by the ring name Colt Cabana, is an American professional wrestler, color commentator, and podcaster. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a wrestler and as a coach, and he performs the same ...
to retain the IWA-MS World title
*Night Two
:*Marek Brave defeated Trik Davis
:*Jimmy Jacobs defeated Mickie Knuckles to retain the IWA-MS World title
:*
The Iron Saints (Sal & Vito Thomaselli) defeated
Rainman & Tank to retain the IWA-MS Tag Team titles
:*Super Dragon, Alex Shelley, Joey Ryan & Claudio Castagnoli defeated El Generico, Puma, Brandon Thomaselli & Nate Webb in an elimination match
2006 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2006 TPI was held on September 29 & 30, 2006 in Midlothian, IL. It was another well loved tournament featuring great matches and performances from the likes of
Low Ki
Brandon Silvestry (born September 6, 1979) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Low Ki. He is known for his time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, TNA Wrestling, Ring of Honor and Major ...
, Strong, Quackenbush, and many more. In addition, it saw the shocking returns of Jimmy Jacobs and Necro Butcher to IWA-MS after a lengthy leave of absence as well as Chuck Taylor winning the IWA-MS World title from Toby Klein.
The 2006 TPI saw the return of M-Dogg 20, a former IWA-MS World Champion, to the company and he managed to get to round 2.
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Los Angeles, California. As of 2024, it is on an extended hiatus. It was created by pro wrestlers Disco Machine, Excalibur, Scott Lost, Joey Ryan, Super ...
was represented by six regulars (Chris Bosh, Scott Lost, Scorpio Sky, Kevin Steen, El Generico and Davey Richards) but finished the tournament with a combined 3–6 record.
Finals: Low-Ki defeated Arik Cannon and Roderick Strong to win the 2006 TPI
Non Tournament Matches:
*Night Two
:*The Iron Saints (Sal & Vito Thomaselli) and American Kickboxer & Tarek the Great wrestled to a no contest
:*BLK OUT (Eddie Kingston & Joker) & Ricochet defeated The Iron Saints (Sal, Vito & Brandon Thomaselli)
:*The North Star Express (Darin Corbin & Ryan Cruz) won a 6 team Battle Royal, last eliminating B-Boy & Ricky Reyes
:*Josh Abercrombie defeated Tyler Black in a Loser Leaves Town Match to retain the IWA-MS Light-Heavyweight title
:*Chuck Taylor defeated Toby Klein to win the IWA-MS World title
2007 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2007 TPI took place on September 28 and 29 in Midlothian. Samoa Joe, Alex Shelley, Low-Ki, Matt Sydal, El Generico, B-Boy, and Tony Kozina were previously scheduled but were later removed from the tournament. Matt Sydal reported to OVW and was not be able to participate, El Generico was out due to hamstring injury, B-Boy was planning on retiring and wanted to heal up before his retirement tour, Jimmy Rave signed with TNA and Tony Kozina removed himself.
Finals: Mike Quackenbush defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Chuck Taylor to win the 2007 TPI, retain the
IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship
The IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship is one of the major titles in the Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
Independent Wrestling Association (IWA) Mid-South (also known as IWA Mid-South, IWA-MS, and IWA Mid South Wrestlin ...
and win the
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship
The IWA World Championship is the major title in the IWA Mid-South based in Louisville, Kentucky. The title debuted at the "Crowning of a Champion" event on April 3, 1997, when Tower of Doom won a twelve-man tournament. There have been a total of ...
.
Non Tournament Matches:
*Night Two -
:*Eddie Kingston defeated Chris Hero in a Last Man Standing match
:*The Irons Saints defeated Nigel McGuinness and B. J. Whitmer via DQ to retain the IWA-MS Tag Team Titles
2008 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2008 TPI took place on September 26 and 27 at the Hartman Recreation Center in Joliet, Illinois. Non-tournament matches included a Steel Cage I Quit Match for the Light Heavyweight Championship between Jayson Quick and Jason Hades, a Falls Count Anywhere match between Chris Hero and Trik Davis, and a Loser Leaves IWA Mid-South for a Year Match between Dingo def. Jayson Strife.
The 2008 poster was designed by Mark Young of Wardust Design.
;Roster changes
*On July 15, 2008, IWA Mid South announced that previously announced entrant
Delirious
Delirious may refer to:
* A state of delirium
Film and television
* ''Delirious'' (1991 film), an American comedy directed by Tom Mankiewicz, starring John Candy
* ''Delirious'' (2006 film), an American comedy-drama directed by Tom DiCillo, sta ...
had been taken out of the tournament to work in England along with
Roderick Strong
Christopher Lindsey (born July 26, 1983), better known by his ring name Roderick Strong, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of The Paragon stable and is a former one-time AEW I ...
. Later,
El Generico
Rami Sebei (born July 12, 1984) is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Sami Zayn.
Sebei made his professional wrestling debut in 2002 under the ring name Stevie McFly. Pr ...
was also announced to be working the show in England.
*On August 8, Arik Cannon was announced as being unavailable to compete in both nights, and was therefore replaced by
AAA
AAA, Triple A, or Triple-A is a three-letter initialism or abbreviation which may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
Gaming
* AAA (video game industry) - a category of high budget video games
*'' TripleA'', an open source wargame
Mu ...
wrestler
Cassandro
Saúl Armendáriz (born May 20, 1970) is an American-born Mexican ''luchador'', or professional wrestler, who works as an ''exótico'' for several independent promotions all over the world under the ring name Cassandro. He is a former NWA Worl ...
.
*On August 12, it was announced that B. J. Whitmer was undergoing surgery on his hand, and would be replaced by Ares.
*At the ''We Are Family 2'' show on August 17, it was announced that Jayson Quick and Jason Hades were both pulled from the TPI and will instead meet in a
Steel Cage
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that demonstrates improved mechanical properties compared to the pure form of iron. Due to steel's high elastic modulus, yield strength, fracture strength and low raw material cost, steel is one of the m ...
I Quit Match
I, or i, is the ninth letter and the third vowel letter of the Latin alphabet, used in the modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name in English is ''i'' (pronounced ), plur ...
for the
IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship
The IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship is one of the major titles in the Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
Independent Wrestling Association (IWA) Mid-South (also known as IWA Mid-South, IWA-MS, and IWA Mid South Wrestlin ...
, with the added stipulation that the loser must drop Ja(y)son from their name.
*Before Night One started, it was announced that defending champion Mike Quackenbush would not be taking part in the tournament due to a family emergency.
*During the introductions on Night One, Dingo was attacked by Jayson Strife, later demanding he was removed from the tournament. As such, a Match was booked between Dingo and Strife for the IWA-MS Heavyweight Championship later that night, with the added stipulation that the loser must leave IWA Mid-South for a year
*Quackenbush and Dingo were replaced by Necro Butcher and Eddie Kingston
Finals: Drake Younger defeated
Claudio Castagnoli
Claudio Castagnoli ( ; born 27 December 1980) is a Swiss professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Death Riders and a former AEW World Trios Championship, AEW World Trios Champion. He also per ...
and
Sami Callihan
Samuel Alton Johnston (born September 1, 1987), better known by the ring name Sami Callihan, is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and promoter. He is signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestlin ...
to win the 2008 TPI.
Non Tournament Matches:
Night 1 - Loser Leaves IWA Mid-South for a Year Match: IWA-MS Heavyweight Championship: Dingo defeated Jayson Strife
*Night 2
:*Tag Team Challenge Match:
The Age of the Fall
The Age of the Fall was an American professional wrestling stable, primarily in Ring of Honor and its sister promotion Full Impact Pro, but also in other independent promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.
History Ring of Honor
2007
Fo ...
(Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black) defeated
Da Soul Touchaz
Da Soul Touchaz is a professional wrestling Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable, alliance, currently consisting of United States, American professional wrestlers Acid Jaz, Marshe Rockett, Willie Richardson and Manager (professional wre ...
(Acid Jazz & Marshee Rockett)
:*"I Quit" Steel Cage Match for the IWA-MS Light Heavyweight Championship AND rights to the name Ja(y)son: Jason Hades defeated Jayson Quick
:*Six Man Tag Match: Dingo, Ricochet, and Bobby Fish defeated Prince Mustafa Ali, 2 Tuff Tony, and Ares
:*Falls Count Anywhere Match: Trik Davis defeated Chris Hero
2015 Ted Petty Invitational
After shows were announced and cancelled in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014, the Ted Petty Invitational returned on December 11, 2015, at the Colgate Gymnasium in
Clarksville, Indiana
Clarksville is a town in Clark County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River and is a part of the Louisville Metropolitan area. The population was 22,333 at the 2020 census. The town was founded in 1783 by early resident George Rogers Cl ...
. The tournament was won by
Kongo Kong
Steven Wilson (born August 10, 1979) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Kongo Kong. He is best known for his time with Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
Early career
Wilson went to Saginaw Valley S ...
, who also won the
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship
The IWA World Championship is the major title in the IWA Mid-South based in Louisville, Kentucky. The title debuted at the "Crowning of a Champion" event on April 3, 1997, when Tower of Doom won a twelve-man tournament. There have been a total of ...
in his semifinal match against former champion Reed Bentley, who had earlier defended his title against Russ Jones.
Non-tournament match: Joseph Schwartz & The Zodiak defeated The Hooligans (Devin Cutter & Mason Cutter) in a Falls Count Anywhere Tag Match.
Finals: Kongo Kong defeated Shane Mercer and Chris Hero to win the 2015 Ted Petty Invitational and retain the
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship
The IWA World Championship is the major title in the IWA Mid-South based in Louisville, Kentucky. The title debuted at the "Crowning of a Champion" event on April 3, 1997, when Tower of Doom won a twelve-man tournament. There have been a total of ...
.
2016 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2016 Ted Petty Invitational was held on November 5 at The Arena in Jeffersonville, Indiana. It featured 16 wrestlers, with eight one on one matches in the first round, two four-way elimination matches in the second round and a one on one final.
2017 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2017 Ted Petty Invitation was held on September 14-15 2017 at the IWA Arena in
Memphis, Indiana
Memphis is a census-designated place (CDP) in Union Township, Clark County, Indiana, Union Township, Clark County, Indiana, Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,077 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census.
History
A ...
.
ROUND 1
Zodiak defeated
Calvin Tankman
Christopher Heyward III, better known by the ring name Calvin Tankman, is an American professional wrestler, currently performing on the independent circuit. He is known for his tenures with Major League Wrestling, IWA Mid-South, Wild Championshi ...
Su Yung
Vannarah Riggs (born June 30, 1989) is an American professional wrestler best known for her time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Su Yung, with the character also having the alter egos of Susan and Susie. Riggs is a f ...
defeated Ludark Shaitan
Shane Strickland
Stephon Strickland (born September 30, 1990) is an American professional wrestler and rapper. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs under the ring name Swerve Strickland. He also appears on the independent circuit.
Strickl ...
defeated Ace Perry
Mance Warner
Quirt Miller (born October 10, 1988), better known by his ring name Mance Warner, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He also makes appearances on the independent circuit, predominantly fo ...
defeated Space Monkey
Larry D
Lawrence Jones (born January 25, 1984) is an American professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Larry D.
Professional wrestling career Impact Wrestling (2019 ...
defeated
Kongo Kong
Steven Wilson (born August 10, 1979) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Kongo Kong. He is best known for his time with Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
Early career
Wilson went to Saginaw Valley S ...
Jonathan Gresham
Jonathan Gresham (born March 20, 1988) is an American professional wrestler. He performs on the independent circuit. He has previously wrestled for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH World Champion, ROH Pure ...
defeated
Anthony Henry
Jake Crist
John Crist (born July 13, 1984), better known by the ring name Jake Crist, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW). He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling where he is a one-time Impa ...
defeated
Dave Crist
The Crist Brothers were an American professional wrestling tag team consisting of brothers David Crist Jr. and John Crist, who are best known by their ring names Dave Crist and Jake Crist. They are best known for their time with Impact Wrestling ...
Homicide
Homicide is an act in which a person causes the death of another person. A homicide requires only a Volition (psychology), volitional act, or an omission, that causes the death of another, and thus a homicide may result from Accident, accidenta ...
defeated Gary Jay
Eddie Kingston
Edward Moore (born December 12, 1981), better known by the ring name Eddie Kingston, is an American professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is out of in-ring action because of a leg injury, but continues to mak ...
defeated Nate Webb
Devon Moore defeated Johnathan Wolf
David Starr defeated Shane Mercer
Aaron Williams defeated Arik Cannon(IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match)
QUARTER-FINAL
Su Yung
Vannarah Riggs (born June 30, 1989) is an American professional wrestler best known for her time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Su Yung, with the character also having the alter egos of Susan and Susie. Riggs is a f ...
defeated
Homicide
Homicide is an act in which a person causes the death of another person. A homicide requires only a Volition (psychology), volitional act, or an omission, that causes the death of another, and thus a homicide may result from Accident, accidenta ...
Larry D
Lawrence Jones (born January 25, 1984) is an American professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Larry D.
Professional wrestling career Impact Wrestling (2019 ...
defeated
Mance Warner
Quirt Miller (born October 10, 1988), better known by his ring name Mance Warner, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He also makes appearances on the independent circuit, predominantly fo ...
Jonathan Gresham
Jonathan Gresham (born March 20, 1988) is an American professional wrestler. He performs on the independent circuit. He has previously wrestled for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH World Champion, ROH Pure ...
defeated Devon Moore
Jake Crist
John Crist (born July 13, 1984), better known by the ring name Jake Crist, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW). He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling where he is a one-time Impa ...
defeated
Shane Strickland
Stephon Strickland (born September 30, 1990) is an American professional wrestler and rapper. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs under the ring name Swerve Strickland. He also appears on the independent circuit.
Strickl ...
Eddie Kingston
Edward Moore (born December 12, 1981), better known by the ring name Eddie Kingston, is an American professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is out of in-ring action because of a leg injury, but continues to mak ...
defeated Zodiak
Aaron Williams defeated
David Starr (IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match)
SEMI-FINAL
Jonathan Gresham
Jonathan Gresham (born March 20, 1988) is an American professional wrestler. He performs on the independent circuit. He has previously wrestled for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH World Champion, ROH Pure ...
defeated
Larry D
Lawrence Jones (born January 25, 1984) is an American professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Larry D.
Professional wrestling career Impact Wrestling (2019 ...
Jake Crist
John Crist (born July 13, 1984), better known by the ring name Jake Crist, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW). He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling where he is a one-time Impa ...
defeated
Su Yung
Vannarah Riggs (born June 30, 1989) is an American professional wrestler best known for her time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Su Yung, with the character also having the alter egos of Susan and Susie. Riggs is a f ...
Aaron Williams defeated
Eddie Kingston
Edward Moore (born December 12, 1981), better known by the ring name Eddie Kingston, is an American professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is out of in-ring action because of a leg injury, but continues to mak ...
(IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match)
Non Tournament Matches: Night 2: Nate Webb defeated Space Monkey; Gary Jay & Ludark Shaitan defeated
Anthony Henry & Shane Sabre; Eight Man Tag Team Match: Ace Perry, Cole Radrick, Dave Crist &
Kongo Kong
Steven Wilson (born August 10, 1979) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Kongo Kong. He is best known for his time with Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
Early career
Wilson went to Saginaw Valley S ...
defeated Arik Cannon,
Calvin Tankman
Christopher Heyward III, better known by the ring name Calvin Tankman, is an American professional wrestler, currently performing on the independent circuit. He is known for his tenures with Major League Wrestling, IWA Mid-South, Wild Championshi ...
, Johnathan Wolf & Shane Mercer (w/Jason Saint); IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match: Aaron Williams (c) defeated Devon Moore (after the Final)
FINALS
Aaron Williams defeated
Jonathan Gresham
Jonathan Gresham (born March 20, 1988) is an American professional wrestler. He performs on the independent circuit. He has previously wrestled for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH World Champion, ROH Pure ...
and
Jake Crist
John Crist (born July 13, 1984), better known by the ring name Jake Crist, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW). He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling where he is a one-time Impa ...
(IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match)
2017 Ted Petty Invitational Winner "The Baddest Man Alive" Aaron Williams
2018 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2018 Ted Petty Invitation was held on September 21-22 2018 at the German Park Turner Building in
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis ( ), colloquially known as Indy, is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Indiana, most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana, Marion ...
.
ROUND 1
Tyler Bateman defeated Tripp Cassidy
Kongo Kong defeated Calvin Tankman
Eddie Kingston defeated Anthony Henry
IWA Mid-South Jr. Heavyweight Title: Pat Monix defeated Logan James(c)
Aaron Williams defeated Jake Crist
Larry D defeated Jake Lander
Devon Moore defeated Myron Reed
Jonathan Wolf defeated Joe Alonzo
Mance Warner defeated Gary Jay
Shane Strickland defeated Jimmy Jacobs
Chase Owens defeated Jake Omen
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title: Michael Elgin(c) defeated Shane Mercer
QUARTER-FINAL
IWA Mid-South Jr. Heavyweight Title: Pat Monix(c) defeated Devon Moore
Larry D defeated Kongo Kong
Aaron Williams defeated Tyler Bateman
Mance Warner defeated Jonathan Wolf
Shane Strickland defeated Eddie Kingston
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title: Michael Elgin(c) defeated Chase Owens
SEMI-FINAL
Larry D defeated Pat Monix
Aaron Williams defeated Mance Warner
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title: Michael Elgin(c) defeated Shane Strickland
Non Tournament Matches; Night 2:IWA Mid-South Tag Team Title Four Way Match: The Top Guys (Adam Slade & Kevin Giza) (w/Billy The P & Lukas Jacobs) defeated The Gym Nasty Boyz (Timmy Lou Retton & White Mike) (c) and Jimmy Jacobs & Joe Alonzo and Logan James & Myron Reed; Eight Man Tag Team Match: Calvin Tankman, Jake Lander, Jake Omen & Matt Kenway defeated Gary Jay, Joey Owens, Shane Mercer & Tripp Cassidy
FINALS
Aaron Williams defeated Michael Elgin & Larry D(IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match)
2018 Ted Petty Invitational Winner "The Baddest Man Alive" Aaron Williams
2019 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2019 Ted Petty Invitation was held on September 12-13 2019 at the Arena in
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Jeffersonville is a city and the county seat of Clark County, Indiana, Clark County, Indiana, United States, situated along the Ohio River. Locally, the city is often referred to by the abbreviated name Jeff. It lies directly across the Ohio Riv ...
.
2020 Ted Petty Invitational
The 2020 Ted Petty Invitation was rescheduled from last year at The ArenA in
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Jeffersonville is a city and the county seat of Clark County, Indiana, Clark County, Indiana, United States, situated along the Ohio River. Locally, the city is often referred to by the abbreviated name Jeff. It lies directly across the Ohio Riv ...
and took place between April 23 and April 24, 2021.
Notes
References
Professional wrestling tournaments
Professional wrestling memorial shows
IWA Mid-South
2000 in professional wrestling
2001 in professional wrestling
2002 in professional wrestling
2003 in professional wrestling
2004 in professional wrestling
2005 in professional wrestling
2006 in professional wrestling
2007 in professional wrestling
2008 in professional wrestling
2015 in professional wrestling
{{Professional wrestling in the United States