Fighting For Legacy: Super 8 Tournament
Which second or third-generation wrestler will emerge victorious?
For almost a quarter century, the ECWA Super 8 Tournament has become a launching pad for undiscovered, up-and-coming talents to get noticed throughout the industry. Previous winners include Tommaso Ciampa, Low Ki, Christopher Daniels, Xavier Woods and many other notable names.
Even if you don’t take home the trophy, an impressive showing in the tournament can raise your stock. Look no further than Ty Awesome, whose breakout performance in last year’s event led him to the ECWA Heavyweight Championship.
On April 20, for the first time in the 23-year history of the ECWA Super 8 Tournament, all participants will be second or third-generation wrestlers. “These families have had an impact on professional wrestling and will continue to do so in the years to come,” Joe Zanolle, ECWA matchmaker, wrote on Facebook. “Their contributions have helped shape the business. You can be there to see history, you can be a part of it.”
After the success of the ECWA Super 8 Chickfight in March, the men have a tough act to follow. They’ll be proving that they can deliver just as well as the women, and as they’ve had to do their entire careers, they’ll try to live up to their fathers’ and grandfathers’ legacies.
Let’s check out the participants:
Brian Pillman Jr.
Easily the biggest name in this tournament, Pillman was the first participant announced and remains the favorite to win. With less than five years in the industry, he has already signed a long-term contract with MLW, where he is one-third of the new Hart Foundation alongside Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr.
In terms of athleticism and swagger, Pillman follows in the footsteps of his “Loose Cannon” father, a true innovator in pro wrestling. But on April 20 in Philadelphia, Pillman will have the chance to carve his own path. Expect the unexpected…
Wes Brisco
The last name announced for the tournament, Wes Brisco is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco and the nephew of former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco Over the past decade, the second-generation grappler has honed his craft throughout the United States, competing in WWE’s developmental program Florida Championship Wrestling, Paragon Pro Wrestling in Las Vegas and Ring Warriors on WGN, among other independent promotions. He has also taken his talent across the globe, appearing in World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico and challenging for NWA titles in Japan. Most notably, Brisco worked for Impact Wrestling as a member of the notorious Aces & Eights.
Lance Anoa’i
Lance Anoa’i hails from one of the biggest families in wrestling history – the lineage includes ties to every Samoan wrestler from The Rock to Roman Reigns to Nia Jax to Rikishi to the late Umaga and Yokozuna. Lance’s father is Headshrinker Samu and his grandfather is Afa of the Wild Samoans. For nearly a decade, Anoa’i has honed his craft on the independent scene, even challenging for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship last year at House of Hardcore. He also teamed with his father in MLW, coming up short to Barrington Hughes and Kotto Brazil.
“Following in my family footsteps since 2010, this is a lift because I’m the first one in my family to ever be invited to this prestigious tournament,” Anoa’i told The Wrestling Estate. “And my legacy will not stop there! I will continue to take flight to my future!”
Timothy Zbyszko
A name that has flown under the radar over the past few years is Timothy Zbyszko, which is surprising considering his pedigree. His father is WWE Hall of Famer Larry Zbyszko and his grandfather is another WWE Hall of Famer, founder of the AWA, Verne Gagne. Competing primarily on the Florida independent scene, the third-generation grappler was named Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s 2013 Rookie of the Year – an honor his father received in 1974.
Leland Race
Leland Race is the son of all-time great Harley Race, an eight-time world champion and member of many pro wrestling halls of fame. Leland has been competing for over 15 years, dominating his father’s promotion World League Wrestling as a four-time WLW Heavyweight Champion.
Colby Corino
Colby Corino is a familiar name to ECW fans – his father Steve Corino wrote Colby’s name on his wrist tape at November to Remember 2000, the night he won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. At only 22 years old, it’s fair to call Colby Corino a veteran of the squared circle, having racked up titles across the independent scene. He appeared in Ring of Honor in 2015, being recruited by B.J. Whitmer to join The Decade and later used as a pawn in Whitmer’s rivalry with Steve Corino. He stood out among the pack in a six-man challenge at Brody Cup and also recently competed on 205 Live.
“The Super 8 tournament has been around for basically my whole life, so being a part of it and having the chance of joining names of previous winners like Christopher Daniels, Jerry Lynn and Tomasso Ciampa is a great opportunity,” Corino told The Wrestling Estate. “Plus with all the competitors being 2nd and 3rd-generation wrestlers, this might be the strongest tournament field yet, and I’m excited to come out on top.”
Ross and Marshall Von Erich
Third-generation wrestlers, Ross and Marshall are the sons of Kevin Von Erich and the grandsons of Fritz Von Erich. Since 2012, the brothers have been writing their own chapter in the family legacy, crisscrossing the globe to hone their craft. They made their national television debut at Slammiversary XII in 2014, emerging victorious against DJZ and Jessie Godderz. Last September, they headlined a card at Apogee Stadium, competing on the 50-yard line in conjunction with the North Texas-SMU game.
ECWA Super 8 Legacy Edition takes place Saturday, April 20, at South Philadelphia High School on 2101 South Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA.
For tickets and more information, visit ecwaprowrestling.com or call 609.220.5598.
You can also join the ECWA Pro Wrestling Facebook group for the latest news, match announcements, promos and more.
Check back with The Wrestling Estate for live coverage of the 23rd annual ECWA Super 8.
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