GCW

Global Championship Wrestling
Type	Wrestling / Sports Entertainment
Founded	2001
Headquarters	New York, New York
Key people	Steven Caldera, President Garbage Bag Johnny, Commissioner
Programming	WorldWide, Broadcast live on X:TV
Employees	50+ (as of 1st January 2010)
Website	Official Site

Global Championship Wrestling (GCW) is an active professional wrestling promotion that is part of the Primetime Central Community. It is owned and operated by Caldera Enterprises, Incorporated, headed by Founder and President Steven Caldera. In February of 2010, Caldera stepped down as creative head of GCW, turning control over to Commissioner Garbage Bag Johnny.

GCW's parent company has offices in Columbus, Ohio, New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London and Beijing. The global headquarters of Caldera Enterprises has been moved to the New York office, but most of GCW's primary operations are still headquartered in GCW's original offices in Columbus.

Current Champions

World Heavyweight Championship				United States Championship				Television Championship				Hardcore
Tessa Windsor				Vivica J. Valentine				Triumph Frost				Triumph Frost
won from: Various Rampage 2010				won from: Dan Black WorldWide 127				won from: Tempest WorldWide 136				won from: Bryan Mayhem NC-17

Company History

The ACWF

The first elements of GCW's foundation were cast early in the year 2000. A young up-and-coming wrestler by the name of Steven Caldera got his first break when he was plucked off the independent circuit by Mr. Danger and brought to the American Championship Wrestling Federation. Mr. Danger's startup was poorly funded but enjoyed moderate success over its two-month run. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the American Championship Wrestling Federation collected a number of raw but talented young stars.

Most popular among these stars was Caldera, who rapidly became influential among the roster. Mr. Danger identified Caldera's potential and the two formed a bond. At the ACWF's first and only Pay-Per-View event, Deadly Decisions, Caldera won a one-night tournament with help from Mr. Danger to become ACWF World Champion. Caldera's victory was applauded by the rest of the roster, but there was strong discontent concerning the overall results of the events. With buyrates low and revenue dropping, the company shut its doors in May of 2000.

The CWU

Error creating thumbnail: File missing

The Caldera Era logo of the Cyber Wrestling Union. Circa 2000.

Out of work but not defeated, Caldera and most of the ACWF group remained in close contact while accepting independent bookings during the summer of 2000. However, Caldera had failed to disclose a significant knee injury suffered during his tournament victory at Deadly Decisions, which for the time required Caldera to retire after a very brief career. An accidental meeting at an independent event in Chicago led Caldera to meet Nathan Crotzer, the owner of the Cyber Wrestling Union. Crotzer was in town watching his star, Rich Rollins, compete and began talking to Caldera about a position in the company. By the time the event was over, Caldera and Crotzer had a handshake deal and Commissioner Caldera was brought to the CWU.

Caldera moved quickly to bring in many of his friends from the ACWF. Khan, The Jhub, Octavian and Mr. Danger, all ACWF veterans, signed on with the CWU. The company already had a number of talented stars, including Rollins, Kurt Richards, Toad, the Sick Freaks, and Badger Benandanti. This group formed a formidable core, and Commissioner Caldera's influence with the company quickly rose. Crotzer left the company under Caldera's control, and the CWU rapidly became a hot name on the independent circuit. Caldera only ran the CWU from November of 2000 until January of 2001, but Caldera's growing influence led to an acrimonious dispute with ownership.

In January 2001, Caldera stepped down as Commissioner of the CWU. When Caldera left, most of the roster followed. As a result, Caldera found himself free to develop his own promotion with a core of young talent ready to sign up. After weeks of intense planning and investing every penny to his name, Caldera founded Global Championship Wrestling and announced the company in February.

2001-2002

The original GCW logo, debuted in February 2001.

Global Championship Wrestling opened to a tremendous reaction. Earning high marks from industry pundits and receiving strong ratings in its early months, GCW burst onto the scene as one of the nation's best new franchises. With an intensely loyal roster consisting of Octavian, Rich 'The Renegade' Rollins, Khan, The Jhub, Toxic, Toad, John Reed and others, GCW seemed to be equipped to challenge the biggest names in wrestling.

Octavian was crowned the company's first champion after the inaugural Warpath tournament in March of 2001. Around this time, Caldera began to target the promotions of Primetime Central as GCW's main competitors, with PCW in the center of the crosshairs. GCW lacked the financial resources to mount a serious threat, but the open challenge posted by the company drew interest from PTC.

By November of 2001, when GCW aired its most ambitious event to date, NC-17, GCW was universally recognized as the fastest rising promotion in North America. GCW's financial coffers began to expand as advertising revenue and merchandising took off, and the company began to grow new stars. Supplemented by Badger Benandanti, Jason Dread, Jason O'Neil and Tristain Mayhem, GCW's popular roster fueled it to a new peak. This led GCW to join the ranks of PTC, partnering GCW with PCW while simultaneously placing them in direct conflict.

This conflict led to a short tenure for GCW in PTC. The company severed ties with the organization as GCW fled to PTC's main competitor, FedWars. GCW became the flagship promotion of FedWars as Caldera sought to increase his clout in the industry beyond his own borders. During this time in early 2002, GCW had hit its stride, quickly developing a large and enthusiastic fanbase.

2002 began fast for GCW, and is regarded as one of the peak moments in GCW history. GCW roared toward Warpath 2002, which would mark the company's one-year anniversary. Meltdown 52 marked a full year of GCW events and was very highly received. However, major problems developed on the evening of Warpath 2002. Performances were notably truncated and lacking in enthusiasm, and GCW suffered a major setback. The company struggled on, completing another Pay-Per-View a month later. However, after Shockwave 2002, which saw Octavian win a third World Title reign, the company abruptly and unexpectedly shut its doors. While 'The Dark Messiah' Jason O'Neil has historically been given credit for destroying GCW, the competitive nature of professional wrestling after the turn of the millennium drove many GCW wrestlers into exhaustion. While GCW's biggest strength since its inception was its loyal and stable roster, this stability forced the entire group to work above maximum capacity for too long. As a result, following Shockwave 2002, the company was unable to continue touring and closed its doors unceremoniously.

X-Wrestling

File:Xwlogo.jpg

The short-lived X-Wrestling debuted in the summer of 2002 and produced 5 events.

Behind the scenes, however, Caldera was regrouping. The always loyal GCW roster rested and waited for new plans to be announced, and very few wrestlers accepted contracts elsewhere. In July of 2002, GCW staged a one-night only event, an edition of its immensely popular Dangerous Games match. Dangerous Games, which was GCW's most highly rated event of its first era, was planned to be the final sendoff GCW deserved and give closure to its fans and talent. Featuring 20 wrestlers battling for the GCW World Title, the match was highly successful, and received high marks as it saw fan favorite Twizzy score a stunning win.

The success of the event prompted new discussions behind the scenes. GCW was not to return; instead, Caldera created a new promotion with a new approach, and X-Wrestling was born. Launched in August of 2002, X-Wrestling was intended to feature more risque, hardcore action. Caldera had hoped that the shock factor would garner huge ratings, and gambled by starting his own cable television network to air his events. X:TV was launched concurrently with XW, but XW failed to expand upon GCW's existing fanbase. Though XW was met with some success, the company lost money and Caldera closed the doors after its first Pay-Per-View event. At this event, Toxic defeated Twizzy for the X-Wrestling World Championship, which has since come to be considered part of the GCW World Title history.

While X-Wrestling failed, it marked a moment of tremendous expansion for its parent company, Caldera Enterprises. By starting his own network, Caldera was able to largely dictate the standards of his broadcasts, which allowed for greater creative freedom. In addition, X:TV came to be regarded as a prime place to air wrestling broadcasts, and multiple companies began broadcasting on the new network. X:TV would go on to be one of the most successful CEi ventures, and its revenues and concept would eventually open the door for GCW's return.

2003-2004: Closed

With GCW closed, most of its roster retired. Despite never reaching the top, GCW enjoyed tremendous financial success and most of its talent had the resources to move on without wrestling. Caldera, however, remained busy. Caldera rejoined PTC and was named head of the organization for a short time. Caldera's tenure was mostly notable as the moment when PTC was relegated to sideshow duty, as its major promotions split off into a new faction. Seeing the writing on the wall, Caldera departed from PTC and took a commentating job with Five Star Wrestling. Caldera also managed the 500-pound sumo Kimbusa through GTT3 and Old School Wrestling.

During this time, a major contingent of top stars departed the premier PTC companies,starting with GTT3 winner and Caldera nemesis Angelo Deville. Deville's fame and influence led many significant wrestlers to follow out of PTC, leaving a mass of stars looking for a new home. Among these stars was another former Caldera confidant and rival, Jason O'Neil. Caldera was approached to reopen GCW as a landing place. Plans were put in motion to resurrect GCW in 2003, featuring a roster including Angelo Deville, Kimbusa, Violence Jack, Jason O'Neil and many others. Several of GCW's past stars were approached with new contracts. Rich Rollins, Octavian and Michael Stevens all signed new GCW contracts. Tour dates were set for the middle of the year, though no formal announcement was made. Cryptic messages on the GCW website began to appear alluding to the return. However, Deville and his cohorts never officially inked GCW contracts, preventing the company from moving forward with its reopening.

Things fell apart when Deville re-signed with PTC, and the rest followed. GCW's scheduled return was quickly nixed and the company once again faded from sight. For the rest of the year Caldera focused his energy on his new company, Caldera Enterprises, during which time his wealth and influence in the entertainment industry increased rapidly.

2005 Reopening

In 2005, a number of old GCW members grew nostalgic, and contacted Caldera about putting together a brief reunion tour. The Jhub, Jason Dread, Mike Hardy, Rich Rollins, Octavian and Toad all signed on to spend six weeks touring the northeast, bringing GCW back for one last goodbye. However, with such a strong roster and with Caldera's resources greater than they had ever been, GCW was greeted with astounding success. The ratings and crowd reactions surpassed even the most optimistic expectations, and by the time GCW held the final event of the farewell tour, it was clear that there was no avoiding it: GCW was back.

GCW pressed on, anchored by a better-than-ever core. Perhaps most stunning, however, was the rise of LeStatt Knight. A wrestler of no great consequence in 2002, Knight arrived having made a giant leap into superstardom, and quickly staked his claim to greatness. A legendary rivalry with Michael Stevens helped propel GCW to its best year to date. Shortly after its resurgence, GCW rejoined Primetime Central.

2006

2006, however, got off to a disastrous start, as Michael Stevens, having just scored a huge Title victory over Knight at the end of 2005, suffered a career-ending injury. The loss of its biggest star was a major blow to GCW's momentum. Caldera, with an ambitious plan to expand Caldera Enterprises, departed the company shortly thereafter, and the company seemed to lack direction. The company got a boost when it landed a contingent of major stars from Global Wrestling, and Lia Ambrosi, Vivica J. Valentine, Dawn MacFarlane and Blaise McClancy joined the GCW roster. Ambrosi and MacFarlane would both win GCW gold, but the listless events from 2006 coupled with the steady loss of led to the poorest ratings in GCW's history.

2007

Still, the company survived, and 2007 saw an improvement. Bryan Mayhem, brother of Jason O'Neil, became a major star at the start of the year, defeating Ambrosi for the GCW Title. The exciting rivalry resparked the company, and Caldera's return seemed to bring direction back to the tour. By the end of the year, when Vivica J. Valentine defeated Lia Ambrosi for the GCW World Title at NC-17, it was clear that GCW had rebounded.

2008

2008 saw more growth. Valentine developed into a bona fide star, and a new generation of wrestlers took over as the foundation of GCW. Jay Terror and Jordan White helped take the helm, and each rose to the top. By the end of the year, LeStatt Knight surged to the top once again, and GCW sported a mixture of top talent both old and new.

2009

In 2009, GCW continued to grow, but the company once again departed PTC after a quarrel with management. Running independently, GCW still gained strong ratings, but the influx of new talent that had always been GCW's trademark began to slow. By the end of the year, GCW and PTC mended fences, and once again the two were united.

2010

File:Gcw10.jpg

GCW received a major overhaul in 2010 to send it strong into the new decade.

2010 began with significant changes and ushered in another major new era in GCW history. President Steven Caldera followed through on his promise to step down, and exited the company at NC-17 VII. In his place he left new Commissioner Garbage Bag Johnny, who was fresh of a GTT Finals appearance. GBJ, last seen in GCW as a member of Caldera's Establishment, was expected to simply be another Caldera proxy. However, GBJ showed tremendous leadership and trademark unpredictability, giving GCW a completely new look. The signature regimental style affected by Caldera was replaced by a more unorthodox, less consistent approach. The success of NC-17 VII led to another major hiring spree, and GCW's roster blossomed to above 30 wrestlers.

The week following NC-17, LeStatt Knight was given a World Title shot by Garbage Bag Johnny against old rival Andy Murray. Murray's record-shattering title reign ended, and Knight broke a record of his own with his fourth title win. Knight then made a shocking announcement of his own: he, too, was retiring from GCW. Knight wrestled his final match at Shockwave 2010 against Vivica J. Valentine and was victorious. However, before arriving at Shockwave, Knight officially vacated the World Title, marking the first time the belt was without a holder since early 2006.

Despite the dramatic changes to GCW's look, the company experienced its best ratings and revenues in its history during the first quarter of 2010.

Staff Structure

Error creating thumbnail: File missing

GCW President Steven Caldera. Photo taken 2009; © Owen

President Steven Caldera

Global Championship Wrestling is owned by Steven Caldera, the founder of the company and its parent, Caldera Enterprises, Incorporated. From the company's founding until 2010, Caldera was known for being extremely active in the day to day operations of the company. Though he would occasionally appoint a Commissioner to aid in the task, Caldera's authority was always absolute. However, at NC-17 VII in Dallas, Caldera made his final on-camera appearance with the company. The task of day to day operations fell to the Commissioner, and Caldera departed the tour to focus on other tasks. However, the office of the President is still responsible for final financial decisions, tour venues and advertising. Caldera continues to oversee the structure of the company but is now focused on the further development of CEi.

Commissioner Garbage Bag Johnny

The current Commissioner of GCW is Garbage Bag Johnny. He was appointed by President Caldera at NC-17 VII. GBJ has quickly put his own unique twist on GCW and has been regarded as an extremely successful Commissioner. He is responsible for day to day operations in GCW and has final say on the booking of matches.

Other Important Names

GCW's lead announcer, James Bryan, has been with the company since its inception in 2001 and is extremely influential backstage. Eddie Fowler is the voice of GCW, the host of GCW Live on GCW Radio and an outspoken leader. GCW is supported by a number of key staff, road agents and crew that enable the company to function at a high level week to week.

Television

Current

GCW's current television program is WorldWide. It airs at 8PM EST on X:TV.

Former

GCW's former television program was Meltdown. It aired on Thursdays on USA before moving to X:TV.

Pay Per View

Rampage

Main Article: Rampage

January: Featuring GCW's Rampage Tournament scoring the winner a GCW World Title shot.

Warpath

Main Article: Warpath

May: The first GCW PPV ever annually pays homage to the birth of Global Championship Wrestling.

Dangerous Games

Main Article: Dangerous Games

August: GCW's most popular event, featuring a 30-wrestler battle royal for a World Title shot.

NC-17

Main Article: NC-17

November: The signature event on the GCW calendar, NC-17 features the best and biggest matches of the year.

Supercards

GCW also hosts eight supercards throughout the course of the year, aired on X:TV.