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Awesome Championship Wrestling Poised To Make Major Impact With Aftershock Event On May 17, 2025

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USA news April 17, 2025
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Awesome Championship Wrestling Poised To Make Major Impact With Aftershock Event On May 17, 2025
Poughkeepsie, New York - APRIL 2025 - (USAnews.com — Awesome Championship Wrestling (ACW), an independent wrestling promotion based in Poughkeepsie, New York, continues its rise in the wrestling world, following the successful debut of its inaugural event, the Poughkeepsie Rumble. Scheduled for May 17, 2025 at the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, ACW’s next major event, Aftershock promises to be a game-changer in the independent wrestling scene, offering a compelling mix of high-profile matches, talented stars, and a community-focused experience. Founded in 2024 by wrestling veterans Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins, both known for their work as the tag team "The NOW," ACW seeks to blend classic wrestling storytelling with modern athleticism. The promotion's first event in January 2025 was a massive success, selling out the MJN Center. The event saw independent star Richard Holliday emerge as the inaugural ACW World Heavyweight Champion, defeating 19 other competitors in the Poughkeepsie Rumble. The upcoming Aftershock event builds upon the momentum generated by the Poughkeepsie Rumble and promises to offer even more thrilling action for fans. Some of the featured matchups at Aftershock include:
  • ACW Heavyweight Champion Richard Holliday defending his title against wrestling superstar Matt Cardona.
  • A 6-Pack Elimination Challenge to crown the first-ever ACW Women’s Champion.
  • A high-stakes Steel Cage match between The Now and Sent2Slaughter for the ACW Tag Team Championship.
  • Fatal four way to determine the inaugural ACW National Champion.
ACW's commitment to delivering diverse and action-packed events is evident in the talent it showcases. The promotion’s roster includes not only rising stars like Richard Holliday, but also established names in the wrestling world such as Moose, Real1 (formerly Enzo Amore), Indi Hartwell, and ECW icon Tommy Dreamer. The combination of seasoned wrestlers and emerging talent creates exciting opportunities for fans to witness unique matchups and memorable moments. “We're focused on creating a wrestling community here in the Hudson Valley," said Vik Dalishus, co-founder of ACW. “The response we’ve gotten from fans at our debut event was overwhelming, and we’re committed to bringing even more energy and excitement to Aftershock. This event will feature some of the best talent in the business, along with matches that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.” ACW’s approach to wrestling is distinct from many other promotions in several key ways. The promotion emphasizes a hybrid wrestling style that blends classic in-ring storytelling with modern athleticism. This ensures that ACW appeals to both nostalgic wrestling fans and newer audiences who appreciate dynamic, high-impact competition. Beyond the action in the ring, ACW places a strong focus on community engagement. Based in the Hudson Valley, the promotion seeks to build a local fanbase through family-friendly events and collaborations with regional organizations. One example of this is ACW’s Mardi Gras appearance in partnership with WPDH radio, which brought fans together in celebration of the promotion’s growing presence in the region. “Independent wrestling has a long tradition of connecting with its fans, and that’s something we really want to embrace,” said Hale Collins, co-founder of ACW. “Through our meet-and-greet packages, partnerships, and local events, we’re not just creating wrestling shows — we’re building a community of passionate fans who want to be part of something special.” With its high-quality matchups, a roster that blends established stars with fresh faces, and a commitment to local community involvement, ACW is poised to make an even bigger impact in the wrestling world. Aftershock is set to be a major event that will not only solidify the promotion’s presence in the Northeast but also capture the attention of wrestling fans across the nation. Tickets for Aftershock are available through Ticketmaster and the MJN Center box office, and the Poughkeepsie Rumble can be streamed on TrillerTV+. For additional information on upcoming events and ticket sales, visit the official website at thisisacw.com, or follow ACW on social media platforms at @this_is_ACW on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and Awesome Championship Wrestling on Facebook. About Awesome Championship Wrestling (ACW) Awesome Championship Wrestling (ACW) is an independent professional wrestling promotion based in Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded in 2024 by Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins, ACW brings a hybrid wrestling style that combines classic storytelling with modern athleticism. ACW is dedicated to showcasing a mix of established stars and emerging talent, offering fans high-energy, family-friendly entertainment. The promotion’s events, including the sold-out debut show Poughkeepsie Rumble, focus on delivering exciting in-ring action and fostering a passionate wrestling community in the Hudson Valley. For more information, visit thisisacw.com. For press inquiries or additional details, please contact: Thisisacw.com
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