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| Veteran grappler Jeremiah Plunkett is crowned the first National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Mid-American Champion in 35 years after besting three other competitors in a four-way elimination match aired on the September 10, 2024 episode of NWA Powerrr filmed in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Image Source: Wrestlezone/National Wrestling Alliance) |
On the September 10, 2024 episode of NWA Powerrr, the veteran grappler Jeremiah Plunkett bested three others to win the long-vacant National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Mid-America title, becoming the first man to hold the belt in nearly four decades. Representing NWA-Joe Cazana Promotions, Plunkett defeated top contenders from three other NWA-recognized promotions to earn the championship including Exodus Pro’s Dante Casanova, Krossfire Wrestling star Hunter Drake and Mario Pardua of NWA-Chicago.
Following the victory, an emotional Plunkett shared, “It’s been a long road to get here. Becoming a champion in the National Wrestling Alliance has been a life-long dream. And I never dreamed I would win the Mid-America title — a championship which meant so much to generations of fans in my home state of Tennessee!” It would have been impossible to imagine even six months ago. A staple in pro wrestling throughout the Southeastern United States for two decades, the championship was retired in 1988. Last held by pro wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler, the title was shelved 35 years ago amidst changes in ownership of NWA territory Continental Wrestling Association. It remained there until earlier this year when NWA President and owner William Patrick Corgan announced plans to resurrect the title.
Like the Mid-America title, its new holder had also become an afterthought for many fans. A long-time favorite on NWA Powerrr, plucky Plunky fell on hard times with his win-loss record suffering dramatically before he disappeared from NWA TV entirely over a year ago. This proved to be a tough pill for the once-affable Plunkett to swallow. He says, “It was a wake up call for me! Wrestling for the National Wrestling Alliance is all I’d ever wanted to do. I’d worked my entire career to be there, and that was taken away from me…like I wasn’t good enough.” The 19-year veteran became more focused than ever. He continued to hone his craft in the NWA-JCP territory, competing against many stars currently under contract to the National Wrestling Alliance. A vicious streak and determination to win at all costs emerged. “It took 20 years for me to get opportunities some people were handed in two. I’ve had about enough of being overlooked," said Plunkett.
Eventually he was selected to represent NWA-JCP in the four-way elimination match at Back to the Territories held and filmed in Knoxville, Tennessee. There, Plunkett won his first major NWA championship in front of a virtually hometown audience. “Nothing can describe that feeling,” says Plunkett, though it might be easier to celebrate the victory had he not used an eye poke and vicious piledriver to pick up what some considered a cheap win. Dismissing the criticisms, Plunkett said, “Fans loved me when I was losing — and where did it get me? Fired! Now I’m winning, and they can’t take it!” As the new NWA Mid-America champion, Plunkett will travel National Wrestling Alliance territories, defending the title. Top contenders are already lining up and he says he’s ready for the challenge. He concludes, “It’s my opportunity to show the National Wrestling Alliance and its fans why I belong right here — and why it was a mistake to ever push me to the side. I'm back in the spotlight as your new NWA Mid-America champion. And I’m not going anywhere ever again!”
