HVW's Championship Plans Upon Return to Action
HVW will be back to action and the company has major championship plans ahead
As the United States begins the gradual process of reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many professional wrestling companies are watching with cautious optimism. Those companies are anxious to reopen as well. It’s been a long time since many pro wrestlers in the country and around the world for that matter, have performed in front of a live audience.
High Velocity Wrestling is no different. From the moment that the virus became part of everyday life, HVW was directly affected in a variety of ways. The men and women of HVW’s roster were forced to sit at home, despite their desire to compete in the ring. HVW officials and upper management also found themselves adapting to business without the live fanbase that fuels the promotion. But that may be coming to an end.
North Carolina is taking the first steps to get back on track. Governor Roy Cooper announced the first phase of the sate’s reopening, which is set to begin on May 8. The plan removes essential and non-essential designations. It also allows retail businesses to reopen at 50% capacity.
However, restaurants will continue to be restricted to carryout. Gyms and salons will remain closed. But the primary point for HVW is the public gatherings mandate, which is still limited to 10 people. Needless to say, all of this isn’t exactly overwhelming progress. But it’s a start. After all, the health and safety of the fans, as well as the talent, is top priority for the company. HVW remans committed to the fans and that has been apparent from the beginning.
So what happens when HVW goes live for the first time since February 29? What can the fans expect and more importantly, what does the company intend to deliver? Those questions were answered when newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Ken Magnum announced HVW’s plans for the championships.
Both of the company’s mainstay titles, the HVW Championship and the HVW Tag Team Championships, will return. The latter will be decided in a Four-Corners Tag Team Match. The former will be decided in a six-man single elimination tournament. Both events will take place on the second night of a huge two night comeback show.
Magnum also confirmed the rumors that have been swirling online since January 25’s Resurrected. Those rumors centered on a Women’s Championship, which seemed to be the only piece missing from HVW’s title picture. Now that picture will be complete, as the brand new championship will be up for grabs in a tournament that will take place on night one of the comeback show.
That first show back will feature all women, eight of whom will be competing in the tournament. The final two women will go on to night two, where they will face off in the tournament final. The winner of that match will be crowned the new HVW Women’s champion. It’s a history making event for HVW, as well as the fans, who have been following the rise of the Women’s Division.
All three championships present exciting possibilities, as none of the names involved have yet to be announced. Is the next HVW champion a veteran of the game, or a rising star? Or is it possible that the next champ isn’t event on the roster yet? HVW Owner and Promoter Gary Benfield has stated that he wants to keep the primary title in-house, but the fact is that anything can happen.
The same is true of the HVW Tag Team Championships and the newly created HVW Women’s Championship. Longtime High Velocity fans would surely love to see the titles go to their favorites and there are many names that have been debated in all three situations.
JD Drake is an established star who many fans believe could be the man to win the HVW title. The same is true of TJ Boss, who faced Drake at Resurrected. Of course, Boss’s First Strike opponent, Salem Sinner Sixx, is likely also in the running for championship consideration. Then there’s Chrisifix, who considers himself to be the one true HVW original. But what about the new faces in HVW?
Mitch Hurley made quite the impact at Resurrected and so did TGA. Jake Jacobs and Austin Jordan each had a great showing at First Strike. It’s a very real possibility that one of these eight men could be the next HVW champion.
The tag team scene is also rife with competition, as 1776 and The New Age Villains have each staked their claim atop the division. But fans can’t forget about The 5-Star District, South Side Films and The Skinny Dudes With Attitudes. One of these tandems could represent the tag team division after the championship match is over.
HVW’s Women’s Division is arguably the best in the Carolinas today. Sadie Lee Moss, Kaitlyn Marie, Ella Envy, Kasey Fox, Lynzee Pike and Savannah Evans are certainly all in the running for the championship. Hayden Ramsey, who participated in the first women’s match in HVW history against Sadie Lee, is out of action until 2021. But it’s a safe bet that she will be watching and biding her time until her return.
All three championships are important to the fans and all three are vital to the success of High Velocity Wrestling. After all, the drama of the company lies not only in the wrestling matches themselves, but the titles that the wrestlers want. These titles will undoubtedly be the talk of fans before and after HVW returns. With any luck, that return is coming sooner rather than later.
Tom Clark is the Social Media Director and Lead Commentator for High Velocity Wrestling. He brings 10 years' worth of experience as a pro wrestling writer to the company and he is the host of two podcasts: The Official HVW Podcast and Tom Clark's Main Event. Both are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and YouTube