Best in the South is more than a moniker, it’s a way of life.
The minds behind New South Pro Wrestling and the HOSS Tournament recently sat down with LWOS’ Will Gray to talk about independent wrestling.
Best in the South
For nearly a decade New South Pro Wrestling has been a staple in the south eastern independent scene. Dump Sanders, the de facto general manager of New South, as well as the voice of New South Carmen Michael have both been there since the start.
“I was a fan of New South Pro Wrestling before I ever came on… My first HOSS tournament (as a fan) was the finals of the first tournament.”
-Carmen Michael
Having been with New South for nearly five years, Carmen played a vital role in the move BACK to IWTV. Originally a partner with the wrestling streaming service, NSPW would make the move to competing services, but ultimately would come “back home.”
“All of our friendly promotions are on IWTV… It felt right to come back.”
-Carmen Michael
Heart of the Southern Sixteen
Originally from the mind of general manager Dump Sanders, the HOSS Tournament was a way to showcase young up and coming talent from the region.
“It gives the young guys a carrot dangled in front of them, to be involved in something like this… They’re competing against the best, like a Fuego Del Sol.”
-Dump Sanders
Austin Theory, Cheeseburger, and Odinson have all seen their name in the brackets of the HOSS Tournament. The current reigning NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Page won the tournament in 2022. Hunter Drake, the current reigning NSPW Heavyweight champion, won the event in 2023.
“It’s a way to build new title contenders… The winner gets the jacket, but they also get a shot at the New South Title.”
-Dump sanders + Carmen Michael
The Southern Ribera + Herding Cats
The winner of the tournament gets a title shot, but they also get a sweet new jacket. A La the PGA and the Masters Tournament, the winner of HOSS gets their own version of history. The orange jacket awarded to the winner is a fixture, worn year round by the winner.
Every show isn’t perfect. You have to deal with personalities and egos. New South Pro Wrestling isn’t different. Even HOSS Tournaments in the past have had some serious hiccups.
“It’s tough, but somehow we do it on a Hail Mary play.”
-Dump Sanders
Leading to the 2023 HOSS Tournament, a huge storm knocked out power to the venue. This led to a mad dash of scrambling for generators and alternate options. Then in the 11th hour, the power came on. It was a mad dash to finish construction on the sets and get the show running.
Braydon Toon vs Hunter Drake – TLC
“Honestly these are two of the fastest rising young guns… They’re going to steal the weekend.”
-Dump Sanders
The main event of night one of the event, will be the NSPW Heavyweight title on the line in a TLC match. The two competitors, former friends and tag partners find themselves in a duel for the gold. Toon helped Drake win the title at the New South Anniversary show this past summer, and the build to the match is electric for the fans and the locker room.
Location
🚨🚨🚨 OFFICIAL FLYER RELEASE 🚨🚨🚨
Join us for the most stacked H.O.S.S. Tournament to date!
Sponsored by @FightBoyzShow
🗓️: March 1st & 2nd
📍: Singin’ River Brewery, Florence, AL
🚪: 6:30 pm
🛎️: 7:30 pm
🎟️: $10+; VIP Packages Available#HOSS2024 pic.twitter.com/QUgf4ujp86— New South Pro Wrestling (@NewSouth_PW) February 4, 2024
The HOSS Tournament will be held on March 1 and March 2, at the Singing River Brewery in Florence, Alabama.
The interview can be found here. When aggregated please credit Will Gray and Last Word on Sports.
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