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| (Image Source: Pro Wrestling Torch/National Wrestling Alliance/Lightning One Inc.) |
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) proudly announces the elevation of NWA JCP Southeast as the second official territory of the Lightning One Era. Spearheaded by legendary wrestling promoter Joe Cazana, this development marks a significant milestone in the rich history of the NWA. Over the past two years, Joe Cazana and his family have played a pivotal role in the success of the modern era of the NWA, particularly with their contributions to pay-per-views and television tapings in Knoxville and Nashville in Tennessee. The official announcement was made by NWA President William Patrick Corgan before a sold-out crowd at the 'How Coalfield Stole Christmas' wrestling event held last December 2, 2023. This collaboration not only signifies a mutual partnership but also symbolizes a shared commitment to the growth and evolution of professional wrestling.
Joe Cazana Promotions (JCP) has been a driving force in the Southeastern wrestling scene since 2009, consistently attracting top-tier talent and capacity crowds across various venues. As a third-generation professional wrestler and promoter, Joe Cazana's passion for the sport began at an early age, setting up rings with his father and stepping into the ring for his first match in 1985. The Cazana family has been a cornerstone of the NWA in the past in this area with Joe Cazana’s grandfather John Cazana being the original promoter of Cazana Sports Management and its Wide World of Wrestling series beginning in 1953 out of Knoxville. Cazana Sports Management would eventually become Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1974 to 1985 and then would later become known as Continental Championship Wrestling from 1985 to 1989. The territory attracted major wrestling stars of its time including Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, Jerry Lawler, Mr. Wrestling II, Austin Idol, Dutch Mantell, Arn Anderson, Tom Prichard, and countless others. With NWA JCP Southeast now being an officially recognized territory, this is a full circle moment for the Cazana family.
"I am thrilled to announce that NWA JCP Southeast is now the second official territory of the Lightning One era. Joe Cazana and his team have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the NWA, and their dedication to delivering high-quality wrestling events aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. This expansion reflects our confidence in the Southeastern wrestling market and our belief in Joe Cazana's ability to continue elevating the NWA brand and find the newest talent available in his area," said Corgan. In a statement echoing the sentiment of many wrestling enthusiasts, Cazana shared his excitement for this new chapter, saying, "Being born into the NWA as I was, and to be able to wrestle for the NWA my entire life, I couldn't be more thankful to Corgan and the NWA. In my opinion, the NWA is the best wrestling around. NWA JCP Southeast will remain the same promotion our fans have come to know and love, and now we are going to prove we are the best in the Southeastern United States. Doubt us? Try us!"
The Cazana legacy continues inside the ring with Joe’s sons AJ and KC Cazana being active wrestlers as the Country Gentlemen tag team who are former NWA United States Tag Team Champions. As part of this expansion, the top title in the promotion will now be known as the NWA JCP Southeastern Heavyweight Championship and is officially recognized as an NWA title. The current champion, Thrillbilly Silas Mason, also holds the prestigious NWA National Heavyweight Championship. Fans can expect the same level of passion, excitement, and top-tier wrestling as NWA JCP Southeast continues its journey as a key player in the NWA's Lightning One Era. In addition, fans can expect to see NWA Champions and stars having matches and defending titles at upcoming NWA JCP Southeast shows. Current NWA champions include NWA World Heavyweight Champion, "The Over Champ" EC3, NWA World Women's Champion Kenzie Paige, NWA National Heavyweight Champion Thrillbilly Silas Mason, NWA World Women's Tag Team Champions Kylie Paige & Ella Envy of Pretty Empowered, NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Champion Colby Corino, Aron Stevens and his NWA World Tag Team Champions Blunt Force Trauma, NWA Men’s Television Champion Big Strong Mims, NWA Women’s Television Champion Max the Impaler, and NWA United States Tag Team Champions Odinson and Kratos known as The Immortals.
In October 2023, Corgan announced NWA Exodus Pro Midwest as the first official territory of the modern era. This promotion is under the stewardship of none other than the NWA World's Heavyweight Champion EC3. The NWA is set to kick off 2024 with its first signature live event dubbed" Paranoia" to be held on January 13, 2024 at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Paranoia" is billed to be part of its live event television taping experience with episodes of its flagship weekly program NWA Powerrr emanating from the event to be aired in the weeks after. For more information on "NWA Paranoia" and other upcoming NWA Signature Live Events in 2024, visit NWALiveEvents.com.
