 |
| (Image Source: National Wrestling Alliance) |
In the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), opportunities are earned. The ultimate opportunity for one star begins at NWA SHOCKWAVE, the organization's kickoff professional wrestling spectacle of the new year. A tournament to crown a new No. 1 contender to the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship begins on January 11, 2025 when the National Wrestling Alliance returns to The OC Theatre in Forney, Texas. Eight grapplers begin the journey to become No. 1 contender at SHOCKWAVE, NWA's first Signature Live Event of 2025, and those who survive the opening round in Forney progress as the tournament moves to Florida to reach its conclusion when the National Wrestling Alliance heads back to Tampa’s WEDU PBS Studios on February 2, 2025 to film upcoming episodes of NWA Powerrr.
NWA Chief Operating Officer Joe Galli shares, “Most wrestlers never compete for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship. The winner of this tournament, though, receives a guaranteed title match! The exciting thing about a tournament like this is it’s a leveling ground. No matter where each competitor ranks in advance, everyone has equal opportunity. A series of breakout performances at SHOCKWAVE and in Tampa can earn any one a shot at the most legendary championship in professional wrestling history.” The first match in the tournament has already been announced. At NWA SHOCKWAVE, Colby Corino, Tyler Franks and Sam Adonis are slated to compete in a triple-threat “Play In Match” to determine the tournament’s No. 8 seed. Other matches are expected to be announced in coming days. One individual assured to watch the tournament closely is Thom Latimer. The reigning NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion knows one competitor will garner an upcoming title match. Having weathered a series of return matches against former champion EC3, Latimer has also faced several challenges from outside the National Wrestling Alliance. Though slated to defend “The Ten Pounds of Gold” in Forney, the champ admits one eye is on the tournament. Latimer shares, “As the NWA World’s Heavyweight champion, I put it all on the line every night against the best the NWA and the wrestling world has to offer. At NWA SHOCKWAVE, eight wrestlers will do the same to get a shot at this title. One of those men will be my next challenger — and, if he can win this tournament, he’ll damn well have earned it!”
 |
 |
| (Image Source: National Wrestling Alliance) |
Over the last year, Tampa, FL has become the home of NWA’s legendary studio wrestling. With seats literally feet from the ring during these live television tapings, Galli points out spectators virtually become part of the broadcast product, stating, “There is nothing like witnessing the National Wrestling Alliance in person. The WEDU PBS Studios place audiences ringside, and matches frequently spill out at their feet. NWA Powerrr tapings bring fans so close to the action, it’s unlike anything even lifelong wrestling lovers have experienced before!” Aside from Latimer, pro wrestling fans and spectators coming to Tampa should expect appearances from Women’s World Champion Kenzie Paige, World Tag Team Champions Knox & Murdoch as well as rising and emerging NWA stars including Natalia Markova, EC3, The Southern Six and "La Princesa" Tiffany Nieves and many more. Galli assures, “Pro wrestling is guaranteed fun for the whole family. We hope to see fans of all ages on February 2nd when the National Wrestling Alliance returns to Tampa’s WEDU PBS Studios!” The National Wrestling Alliance has also announced its return to the Dothan Civic Center in Dothan, Alabama on March 22, 2025 for NWA's second Signature Live Event of 2025, Hard Times V. “Dothan has a rich history and appreciation for wrestling the way it’s meant to be. The National Wrestling Alliance is excited to be writing a new chapter in Alabama wrestling history,” says Galli. Hard Times V marks the NWA’s third event at Dothan Civic Center in the last year. The city and venue have become a stronghold for the National Wrestling Alliance during the Lightning One Era under the leadership of its owner and President William Patrick Corgan. Galli states, “The fans in Dothan have been incredible. To show our appreciation, we’re bringing one of our most beloved Signature Live Events of the year to Dothan!”
Aside from tapings in Tampa, NWA SHOCKWAVE and NWA Hard Times V will be filmed as upcoming episodes of NWA's flagship weekly wrestling program NWA POWERRR with broadcast details to be announced soon. NWA POWERRR currently airs every Tuesday at 6:05 pm EST (Wednesday, 6:05 am PHT/HKT/SGT) and on-demand on NWA's X (formerly Twitter) account. For more information and updates on the stars and events of the NWA, you may visit NationalWrestlingAlliance.com and NWALiveEvents.com.
