Darius Carter Wins 2022 ECWA Super 8
The main event was the greatest match in tournament history.
Over the past 26 years, the ECWA Super 8 has gained a reputation for showcasing the best pro wrestlers on the independent scene. By that measure, nobody deserved to take home the 2022 ECWA Super 8 trophy more than Darius Carter.
The devious aristocrat is dominating the Northeast right now, simultaneously holding four different promotions’ top championship. Since September, the Florida native’s shoulders have rarely been pinned to the mat, and if they have, your eyes must have lied. He commands his audience – whether in person or on social media – drawing their ire, as well as their begrudging respect. As evidenced by his performance this past Saturday, Mr. Carter can do it all.
Even though it was his (long overdue) debut for the oldest independent promotion in the United States, the 100 or so rabid fans in Morganville, NJ were clearly familiar with the “undeniably gifted technician,” as Pro Wrestling Illustrated described No. 231 in the most recent PWI 500. And for any attendees, particularly kids, who witnessed Carter for the first time, they were quickly enthralled by his presence.
As “Requiem (The Fifth)” reverberated throughout The Jersey Dugout, a golden Guy Fawkes mask popped out the curtain, symbolizing a revolution about to take place. Decked out in a lavish robe, Carter stalked the crowd, proclaiming his superiority. Although a natural wordsmith, his facials did the talking: disgust, jubilation and most of all, determination. Ricky Morton and Travis Huckabee found that out the hard way, as Carter derailed the Rock N’ Roll Express member (by hook or by crook) in the quarterfinals and outwrestled “The Golden Grappler” in the semifinals.
Carter’s appearance in the finals was no surprise – he was the odds-on favorite as soon as he was announced for the tournament. But his opponent was a pleasant surprise.
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Erica Leigh was the most popular wrestler in New Jersey, heck, maybe even the whole country, on March 26. After winning the ECWA faithful over last summer in the Women’s Super 8, she received a hero’s welcome this past Saturday, greeted by colorful, elaborate signs and chants of “Honk Honk” and “Pee Pee.” Pro wrestling’s version of Pee-Wee Herman, the Virginia transplant has captivated children with her sense of humor, vivid imagination and plethora of nicknames: “That 90’s Chick,” “The Technicolor Technico,” “The Gummibear Kid” and “Captain Cringe.”
Leigh made history by becoming the first woman to compete in the men’s tournament, which her quarterfinal opponent Eric Corvis quickly brought up. However, he clarified that his lack of respect for her wasn’t because she’s a woman, it’s because she’s a “joke.” Obviously, those are fightin’ words, and Leigh made Corvis eat them with her trademark seatbelt suplex. In the semifinals, she faced Eel O’Neal, a member of The Goons – a band of deplorables she’s feuded with for over a year. Interestingly, she had actually tweeted in support of O’Neal when he was announced for the tournament. Of course, that changed when she entered the field, ultimately taking his breath away with a spear to advance to the finals.
With Carter entrenched as the villain and Leigh as the resilient underdog, the stage was set for an emotional roller coaster the likes of which had never been seen at the Super 8. Plus, both warriors have history – just a couple months ago, Carter beat Leigh for the Pro Wrestling Magic Championship. And that’s exactly what they created this past Saturday: magic.
The crowd rallied behind Leigh at every turn, gasping when Carter rammed her head into the steel post and roaring when she refused to stay down. The strikes echoed, the frustration mounting as Carter couldn’t put her away. The environment was so heated that the rest of the participants came out from behind the curtain to watch along with the fans. Even the genre’s fiercest critics, such as a reporter’s fiancé who tagged along, were swept up into the action.
It was simple storytelling performed by two masters of their craft. If you haven’t watched yet, head over to IWTV immediately. But even then, it pales in comparison to experiencing the spectacle in person. ECWA management went so far as to coin it the greatest match in Super 8 history. No argument here.
As predicted, Carter scored a royal sweep, having his hand raised at the end of the night, much to the chagrin of the audience. Kneeling before his idol, catching his breath while basking in the glow of victory, he kissed the trophy as a microphone was presented to him. A verbal victory lap was expected, and as usual, he didn’t disappoint.
As the winner of the 2022 ECWA Super 8, Carter has once again proven that he’s “Wrestling Richest Prize.”
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