Monday, April 9, 2012

Colt Cabana is the New NWA World Heavyweight Champion

by Mike Bradford


Check out @ColtCabana on Twitter

Last night during an event for NWA Hollywood, Colt Cabana beat Adam Pearce and began his second reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. In my opinion, the NWA Board of Directors could not have chosen a better man to represent them. It’s news to absolutely no one that the National Wrestling Alliance is no longer represented by wrestlers like Harley Race, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and Lou Thesz. However, the fact that men like them have held the title gives reason for fans and wrestlers alike to continue to look at it with integrity and respect. In it’s heyday, the NWA title was given only to those wrestlers who could work great matches, make their opponents look good, and most importantly, to the promoters at least, draw money.

Despite it’s name, the NWA is far from a national entity. The old territories that made up the organization are long gone. When promotions like WCW and TNA gain national exposure on television, they are quick to grow frustrated with the restraints put in place by the NWA Board of Directors and ultimately dump the NWA tag. If the NWA currently has any representation on national TV, I’m completely unaware of it. Sticking to it’s roots, the NWA exists, still enforcing the territory rule in various regions around world. Although it’s doubtful that the NWA will ever rise to the prominence it enjoyed in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, their various promotions and world champions should not be ignored, as they are a symbol of tradition in the sport of professional wrestling.

Colt is an independent wrestling sensation. These days, fans of independent wrestling look for shows that are local and have someone they recognize on the card. While Colt isn’t a huge star (he didn't even get to use the Colt Cabana name in his short stint with WWE), he still has plenty of fan recognition. His role in The Wrestling Road Diaries, weekly Art of Wrestling podcasts (check www.welovecolt.com), on air mentions from CM Punk, and comedy shows all make him a darling among even the smartest of marks. The bottom line is that the NWA wants to put asses in seats, and the way to do that is fairly simple: use the best star power that’s available to you. Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, and Ric Flair were all hard workers, had a ton of charisma, were willing to travel, and knew how to entertain a crowd whether it was 10 people or 10,000 people. It’s my opinion that with his known work ethic and great mind for the business, that Colt Cabana deserves to hold the same title as those men.

@Bradford_FTLOW | #FTLOW