Kiwi Pro Wrestling - WWE Trials

WWE Trials

There was a significant amount of controversy following KPW's, (more specifically, Rip Morgan's) announcement on 3 June 2008, of the wrestlers that would take part in the 2008 New Zealand WWE trials in Auckland.

KPW issued a press release to say that all wrestlers from New Zealand promotions (NZWPW, KPW, IPW) and Australia were invited to apply to tryout.

Those named to audition for WWE were (promotion in brackets):

• The Ram (KPW)
• Hollie (KPW)
• Powerhouse Jade Diamond (KPW)
• H-Flame (KPW Champion)
• X-Rated (KPW)
• Tank (NAW, Australia)
• Terry The Golden Greek (KPW)
• Jason Steele (WWP, South Africa)
• Max (the Axe) Damage (KPW)

No wrestlers from New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling or Impact Pro Wrestling were invited to audition. This created a controversy which caused many fans and insiders in New Zealand Professional Wrestling to condemn the actions of KPW. NZPWI editor and NZPWI Invitational Founder Dion McCracken launched a tirade against Rip Morgan and KPW on the NZPWI site.

Prior to attending the WWE Try Outs, Kiwi Pro Wrestling invited New Zealand wrestling legend Steve Rickard to their training facilities to see the standard on offer, which he did and left impressed with the selection and talent.

Following the WWE Try Outs, Kiwi Pro Wrestling continued to successfully promote matches in the lower North Island. 'AfterBlaster' was held in July 2008 in Wellington then 'AfterBlaster 2' in New Plymouth, September 2008. The main match in 'Halloween Howl 3' held in Wellington in October 2008 was dedicated to one of the promotion's strongest supporters, Kiwi wrestling legend Al Hobman, who had recently died. At the match to acknowledge him were former wrestlers Bruno Bekkar, Juno Huia, Steve Rickard and Cowboy Billy Wright. At this time, Kiwi Pro Wrestling had also added the Oceania Amateur champion, Shane Whitehead to their roster.

In March 2009, Kiwi Pro Wrestling held the 'River City Showdown' in Wanganui, drawing their biggest crowd yet followed in May by their first Tag Team Tournament, 'Rise of the Champions' in Wellington. 'Night of the Belts' in July 2009 marked a return to Wanganui, and 'Halloween Howl 4' rounded out the year for live KPW shows, being held in Newtown in October 2009.