Modern Day Smoky Mountain Wrestling.

[ErictheDragon]

I did a poll over a week ago and while this wasn't the actual winner, I realized this is the project I wanted to work on most. People are always talking about what ECW would look like in the modern day, I thought it was time to give the other major alternative to get some attention. Full disclosure y'all I don't know how long i'll end up working on this but i'll keep it going as long as I have ideas and the drive to work on it.

A major rule I've given myself is not to use any current WWE or AEW talent. Every modern day fantasy booking I come across seems to use talent from these two companies with maybe the odd indie talent for flavor. Instead the main companies i'm looking at for talent ideas are the NWA and its various territories, Ohio Valley Wrestling, Juggalo Championship Wrestling and a few other smaller indies like Dustin Starr's Memphis Wrestling and EPW. I'm also trying to focus on guys who I think would work for SMW if it were still around meaning i'm gonna be using people you may not have heard of in a while and some not at all.

With all that out of the way, let's get to it!

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #1 

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/3/26, Posted to Youtube on 4/11/26/

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer/Ringside Interviewer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: “Lovely” Linda Kay

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show with Prichard putting over his storied history in SMW. They turn it over to Kyle Davis who introduces the new commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling, former SMW Heavyweight Champion “Wildfire” Tommy Rich! Rich puts over his time in SMW and Tennessee in general and says tonight will see the start of two tournaments to crown the SMW Heavyweight and Tag Tag Team Champions respectively. Both tournaments will conclude on May 23rd when Volunteer Slam right next door in the Civic Auditorium.

(Before each match, the respective wrestlers/teams get a video package introducing them to fans who may not be familiar or need a reminder who they are.)

(Tankman’s video details his near decade run on the indies. Realq’s focuses on his WWE career and his musical pursuits)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

“Heavyweight Hustle” Calvin Tankman defeats Real1 with the “Tankman Driver” (Sit-out Tombstone).

We see a video package of The Southern 6 Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) competing in the various NWA promotions and other promotions like Juggalo Championship Wrestling. The 6 will be in tournament action next week.

(The Good Brothers video is a highlight reel of their time in New Japan, WWE, AEW, TNA etc. The Troublemakers video has them bragging about the various tag titles they currently hold -including NWA JCP & OVW- as well as the ragers that go on at the Alpha Sigma Sigma frathouse.)

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament First Round Match

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) defeat The Troublemakers (Glenn Spectre & Canaan Kristopher) with the “Magic Killer” on Spectre.

We see a highlight reel of “Cowboy” James Storm set to his TNA theme “Longnecks and Rednecks”. We see many of his best moments including his defeating Kurt Angle to in te TNA World Championship. The Cowboy is coming soon.

(Godderz video seems to focus more on his TV career -his time on Jersey Shore on the upcoming season of American Gladiator- than his wrestling career. Carlito speaks of the Colon family legacy as well as his time in WWE.) 

Commentary runs down the tournament matches for next week: “Iron Demon” Shane Mercer vs Juventud Guerrera, The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) vs The New Age Rockers (Kal Herro & Al Snow) & Willie Mack vs “The Masterpiece” Chris Adonis.

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

“Mr Pec-Tacular” Jesse Godderz defeats Carlito after holding onto the ropes to avoid a Backstabber then pinning Carlito with his feet on the ropes.

[spaldoni]

Really cool concept. 

It's great seeing southern legends like Prichard and Rich in key roles 

Good use of the talent here. This would be a nice alternative from the National promotions. 

I liked the video packages. This is always a great way to introduce or reintroduce talent to the fans. 

Keep up the good work. It will be fun watching SMW's new era unfold. 

[LowBlowPodcast]

Good kickstart.... not sure about many of these guys but good to see you working on making this special. Looking forward to your progress!

[ErictheDragon]

3 hours ago, LowBlowPodcast said:

Good kickstart.... not sure about many of these guys but good to see you working on making this special. Looking forward to your progress!

Yeah, i'll level with ya, at least a couple of these guys aren't really coming back after the tournament. I wanted this to be a somewhat realistic first taping where SMW was able to get some people with name value but also not able to get the biggest guys on the indies just yet. 

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #2

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/3/26, Posted to Youtube on 4/18/20

Commissioner: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the tournament matches that will be on today’s show.

(Guerrera’s video recounts his long journey through AAA, ECW, WCW, WWE and many others. Mercer’s focuses on his time in OVW & JCW as well as his viral moments for freakish displays of strength.)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

“Iron Demon” Shane Mercer defeats Juventud Guerrera with the “Moonsault and Battery” (Moonsault Powerslam from the second rope)

(A video package of the Rock n Rolls Express plays set to Bob Segers’ Old Time Rock & Roll. The ten time SMW tag theme champions are coming home!)

(The Rockers video highlights Snow's storied career as well as the mentorship role his taken in Herro’s rise through the indies. The Southern 6 brag about winning the 2024 Crockett Cup as well as their reign as NWA US Tag champs. Morton gets noticeably hostile when his father Ricky Morton is brought up.)

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament First Round Match

The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) defeat The New Age Rockers (Kal Herro & Al Snow). All four men are brawling when the ref tries to guide Hero to his corner allowing Morton to hit “Kiss It Goodbye” (Bicycle Knee) on Snow letting Taylor get the pin.

Commentary runs down the tournament matches for next week: “Mr No Days Off” Fred Rosser vs “The Most Marketable Man in Pro Wrestling” Richard Holiday, The Andersons (Brock & CW) w/Arn Anderson vs The Hard Way (Jack Vaughn & Dalton McKenzie) and Thom Latimer vs “The Obsession” Kalen Conley.

Linda Kay is standing by with SMW Commissioner "Wildfire" Tommy Rich who announces that in addition to the two tournament finals, Volunteer Slam will see the official launch of the SMW Women’s division and he’s personally selecting the ladies who will compete at the event.

(Willie Mack reminisces about his time in the California scene in the late 2000s through the 2010s as well as his time in Lucha Underground and TNA. Adonis focuses on his time in WWE and the NWA.)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

“Choclate Thunder”Willie Mack defeats “The Masterpiece” Chris Adonis after rolling out of the “Master Lock” and Hitting the “#1 Stunna”

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #3

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/3/26, Posted to Youtube on 4/18/20

Commissioner: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the tournament matches that will be on today’s show.

(Rossier’s promo is naturally focused on his lengthy tenure in WWE while Holiday recount his days in MLW alongside MJF and Hammerstone)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

“The Most Marketable Man in Pro Wrestling” Richard Holiday defeats “Mr No Days Off” Fred Rosser after taking advantage of a distracted ref to hit the “Signature Move” (Uppercut to the uprights) followed by “Rarified Air” (Rotating vertical suplex)

Mike Mondo cuts an intense promo telling Martin Harris that he’d better come  ready for the fight of his life because next week’s it’s go time, it’s his time, it’s Mondo time ... .IT'S GUT CHECK TIME!!!

(The Andersons split focus between CW’s career in ECW and beyond and Brock’s quest to uphold his father’s legacy. The Hard Way’s video has Vaughn talking up his own career as a journeyman as well as McKenzie’s tremendous upside)

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament First Round Match

The Andersons (Brock & CW) w/Arn Anderson defeats The Hard Way (Jack Vaughn & Dalton McKenzie) after Brock pinned McKenzie with a DDT.

We get a pre-taped promo by Bishop Dyer where he tells Storm that the hangover he’s constantly battling will feel like a mother’s kiss compared to what happens to him next week. 

Next week's matches: Martin “Hangtime” Harris vs Mike Mondo, The Rock n Roll Express vs The Country Gentlemen & “Cowboy” James Storm vs “The Nomad” Bishop Dyer

(Latimer talks about his time in TNA/Impact and his recent reign as NWA World champion. Conley talks about his rise through the North Carolina indie scene to being a current fixture of JCW)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

Thom Latimer defeats “The Obsession” Kaleb Conley with “Brighter Side of Suffering” (Pop-up Powerbomb)

[Control21]

Good stuff so far. I like the direction you are going with this. 

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #4

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/24/26, Posted to Youtube on 4/25/20

Commissioner: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the tournament matches that will be on today’s show.

 

(Harris’ video details his rise through southern indies such as EPW and Memphis Wrestling. Mondo’s tells of his journey from the Spirit Squad to ROH to his current work in the NWA)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

Mike Mondo defeats Martin “Hangtime” Haris with “Gut Check” (Gutbuster)

(The Express’ video is a highlight reel of their legendary career while the Gentlemen’s video focuses on their status as one of the top teams in the NWA)

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament First Round Match

The Country Gentlemen (AJ & KC Cazana) w/Joe Cazana defeat The Rock n Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) after Joe hits Gibson with an enormous hardback version of what he claims is the SMW rulebook.

Next week’s matches: Calvin Tankman vs Jesse Godderz, The Good Brothers vs The Southern 6 & Willie Mack vs Shane Mercer

(Storm’s video is full of highlights of his lengthy tenure in TNA/Impact. Dryer’s focuses on his long stay in WW and his adjustment to the indies)

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament First Round Match

“Cowboy” James Storm defeats “The Nomad” Bishop Dyer with “Last Call” (Superkick)

[spaldoni]

Sorry for falling behind. I just noticed your postings in this section. 

I love your format and the direction you're going. 

I have to admit, I'm unfamiliar with some of the names but the hype videos and promos really paint a great picture. Good job on this 

I like James Storm so I'll be rooting for him to win the tournament 

In the tag tournament, I'm going with the Andersons. However, I loved the enormous rulebook spot by Joe Cazana. That scored points with me LOL 

Keep up the good work 

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #5

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/24/26, Posted to Youtube on 5/9/26

Commissioner: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the tournament matches that will be on today’s show.

 

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match

“Heavyweight Hustle” Calvin Tankman defeats “Mr Pec-tacular” Jesse Godderz with th “Tankman Driver”

SMW Commissioner “Wildfire” Tommy Rich joins Kyle Davis at the podium to announce the participants in the women’s showcase at Volunteer Slam. Former WWE Divas/Women's champion will take on former NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Page.

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament Semifinal Match

The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) defeat The Good Brothers when an illegal shot from Morton allowed Taylor to pin Anderson with a handful of tights.

Next week’s matches: Thom Latimer vs Richard holiday, The Andersons vs The Country Gentlemen & James Storm vs Mike Mondo

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match

“Iron Demon” Shane Mercer defeats "Chocolate Thunder” Willie Mack when Mercer “accidently” kicked the ref into the ropes when Mack was going for a Frog Splash allowing him to hit the “Moon-sault and Battery”. 

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #6

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/24/26, Posted to Youtube on 5/16/26

Commissioner: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the tournament matches that will be on today’s show.

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match

“The Most Marketable Man in Pro Wrestling” Richard Holiday defeats Thom Latimer by countering “Brighter side of suffering” into a sunset flip with him grabbing the ropes as well.

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament Semifinal Match

The Andersons (Brock & CW) w/Arn defeat The Country Gentlemen (AJ & KC) w/Joe Cazana when a scuffle between the two patriarchs at ringside lead to CW rolling up KC.

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match

“Cowboy” James Storm defeats Mike Mondo by sliding out of “Gut Check” and hitting “Last Call”

 

Kayle Davis breaks down the final card for Volunteer Slam.

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinal Match

“Heavyweight Hustle” Calvin Tankman vs “Iron Demon” Shane Mercer

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinal Match

"Cowboy" James Storm vs “The Most Marketable Man in Pro Wrestling” Richard Holiday

Tag Title Tournament 3rd place match.

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) vs The Country Gentlemen (Aj & KC Cazana) w/Joe Cazana

“Hardcore Country” Mickie James vs Kenzie Page

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals

The Andersons (Brock & CW) w/Arn vs The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor)

Main Event

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals

TBA vs TBA

[spaldoni]

The Most Marketable Man does a remarkable move to advance over Thom 

I'm liking the Andersons. Glad they made it too the finals

My guy James Storm gets to the semis but tough match ahead with Holiday 

Volunteer Slam will be a non stop night of action. Can't wait to see who becomes champions 

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Volunteer Slam

Knoxville Civic Auditorium 

Live streaming on Youtube on 5/23/2026

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinal Match

“Heavyweight Hustle” Calvin Tankman defeats “Iron Demon” Shane Mercer by countering a powerslam attempt into the “Tankman Driver”

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinal Match

“The Most Marketable Man in Pro Wrestling” Richard Holiday defeats “Cowboy” James Storm by countering “Last Call” into the “Signature Move” followed by a schoolboy with a handful of tights.

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)  The Country Gentlemen (Aj & KC Cazana) w/Joe Cazana after Joe accidentally hit KC with the 

“Hardcore Country” Mickie James defeats Kenzie Page with the “Mickie-DT”.

Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals

The Andersons (Brock & CW) w/Arn defeat The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) when Brock pinned Taylor with a Spinebuster.

Main Event

Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Championship Finals

“The Most Marketable Man in Pro Wrestling” Richard Holiday defeats “Heavyweight Hustle” Calvin Tankman. Tankman had the match won with the “Tankan Driver” but the ref was down from an earlier incident where Holiday pulled him in front of a charging Tankman. While Tankman was attempting to revive the ref, Alex Hammerstoner ran down and hit Tankman with a lariat before hitting him with the “Nightmare Pendulum" (Vertical Suplex Side Slam) then placing Holiday on top and reviving the ref to make a groggy three count.

[spaldoni]

I would definitely check this out on Youtube

Tankman and Holiday earned their way to the finals with some big wins 

The Good Brothers and Mickie James are well established so smart move putting them over on your first big event 

I was glad to see the Andersons win the titles. Just the name Anderson means so much in wrestling. Looking forward to their run 

Hammerstoner's a wanted man now. He costs Tankman big time. Holiday's a good choice as your first champ. He has that IT factor and I think will be a good draw. 

Looks like SMW off and running now. 

[ErictheDragon]

SMW Slam #6

Knoxville Civic Auditorium Studio

Taped on 4/24/26, Posted to Youtube on 5/30/26

Commissioner: “Wildfire” Tommy Rich

On Commentary: Gene Jackson & Dr Tom Prichard

Ring Announcer: Kyle Davis

Backstage Interviewer: Linda Kay

We get a cold open in which the new SMW Heavyweight Champion Richard Holiday is sitting in a beachchair under an umbrella. In the background, Alex Hammerstone can be seen flexing for the benefit of female beachgoers. Holiday takes a big sip of an obnoxiously colored beverage and addresses the camera.

“Consumers…i know you were all excited to see your new Smoky Mountain Wrestling Heavyweight champion in person. I know you had the date circled on your calendar, you scrimped and saved every tip you got from the three jobs you work to barely get by. But alas, i must disappoint you. You see consumers, a prize like the SMW Heavyweight title (Holiday turns to another beachchair where the title belt is sitting on a pillow. Holiday fluffs the pillow before continuing) needs, nay demands proper presentation especially after undergoing a three decade hiatus. (In the background, Hammerstone is hit by a beachball. When the kids come to get it back, Hammerstone pops it with his bare hands and hands the now ruined ball back to the kids who leave dejected.) As such i am sparing no expense to give you, the faithful consumers of Smoky Mountain Wrestling, the championship presentation you deserve. Gourmet foods, the finest champagne and all the luxuries that…well let’s be honest none of you can even imagine. But that’s okay, because you won’t have to imagine when you are my honored guest for the big event next week.”

Holiday reclines back in the chair with a contented sigh while Hammerstone runs across the beach to kick over a sandcastle to the delight of the ladies he’s been showing off for.

We start with a video package showing some of the highlights of SMW’s original run followed by the new SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the tournament matches that will be on today’s show.

We then get the now standard SMW intro set to Smoky Mountains by Conner Smith. Jackson & Prichard welcome everyone to the show going over the matches that will be on today’s show, putting special emphasis on today's main event in which The Southern will face The Good Brothers in a rematch from a few weeks ago.

Match #1

“Second to None” Tim Bosby defeats CJ Money w/Mama Money with the “Bos-plex” (Chaos Theory)

SMW Commissioner “Wildfire” Tommy Rich joins Kyle Davis at the podium for the tag team title presentation. The Andersons come out, Arn included, to a major pop. Rich hands them the titles

And after the obligatory “you deserve it” chant Arn cuts a promo saying how much pro wrestling has done for the Anderson family, how proud he is of both Brock & CW, Brock for carrying on the family legacy and CW for representing their family for over three decades at this point

Match #2

“The Golden One” Cassandra Golden defeats “Deathbed Tease” Raven Black with the “Midas Touch” (Spear). Black is fuming as Golden celebrates with the fans.

We get a VTR where a latina sits on a throne with a very recognizable title placed prominently on her lap.

“Listen up, peasants of Smoky Mountain Wrestling for La Princessa has a royal proclamation. Next week you, the unwashed masses of Knoxville will finally have something to get excited about as the NWA World Women’s champion, “La Princessa” Tiffany Nieves graces a Smoky Mountain rin with her presence. And i expect a reception fit for royalty and an opponent worthy of the reatest NWA Women’s champion of all time. Get it? Got it? Bueno!”

Main Event

The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) defeat The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) when a pier-six brawl broke out and as the ref was attempting to restore order, NWA World Champion “The Thrill-Billy” Silas Mason rushed the ring and planted Anderson with the “Thrill Ride” (multiple rotation Black Hole Slam) allowing Taylor to get the pin. The show ends with the now fully assembled Southern 6 standing tall in the ring as commentary agree this means nothing good for SMW.