Louis Friend: October 16, 2001

One thing that every fed wants is credibility...and most of all, the respect of it's peers. And while the NYSWF and EWA are currently neck and neck for that top spot, there is one thing that the EWA has rolling for it that the NYSWF doesn't. And that my friends, is it's champions. Now don't get me wrong, this isn't a knock on the NYSWF, as they have one hell of a talent roster up there. But, there seems to be almost a revolving door of champions, and no one seems to be able to stay consistently good for a consistently long period of time. However, in the EWA, with the exception of perhaps one title, getting your hands on a piece of gold must seem like a damn near impossibility if you are a newcomer. Don't believe me...examine the facts.

The EWA World Title: Quietly, almost without anyone paying attention, "Cold" Harding Cash has been the most dominant champion the EWA has seen, in terms of longevity. He cruised by Kane and Erik Draven's marks, and no one said a word...that's probably because they were too busy trying to figure out just what the hell they have to do to pin this man's shoulders down to the ground. He's surpassed the 50 day mark, an incredible feat considering the names and competition of the EWA in it's history.

The EWA Intercontinental Title: Need we say more? Since the EWA's rebirth, it has known only one IC Champion, and that man is The Golden One. And lemme tell you folks, look at the names that he's faced to defend his title. With a few minor expections, there has been one "gimme" in the bunch. He's nearly at the 120 day mark now, and shows no signs of slowing down, trying to surpass his mentor Jeff Bunda who once had a 125 day title reign. The title itself has made TGO a common household name again after his absense, and he surely must know that he can walk into the World Title picture whenever he feels like it. The man to take that IC title from The Golden One will have to have the match of his life to pry it from his fingers.

The EWA Hardcore Title: The word "frightening" just might be as close to a description as we can get for Harvey Knox. The guy just pops up onto the scene out of no where a little over two months ago, beats 18 people for the hardcore title, and hasn't even been CLOSE to being challenged for it since. He's literally won at will, and will be at the 70 day mark come this weeks shows. The question is who in their right mind is crazy enough to stop Knox...or even better yet, who in their right mind is crazy enough to get into the ring with him! If Knox and Cash meet at the COTC, the roof will blow off that place...and it might be the only way someone gets the Hardcore Title, if Knox has to forfeit it should he win.

The EWA Television Title: No one says a word about this, but it's been nearly a month and still Laura holds on to the gold. You can say Gates handed her the title all you want, but the fact of the matter is that she still has it, and every macho man who thinks they can easily take the TV Title from her has walked away with a sore groin, as well as empty handed. At her current pace, it might be a while before anyone tames the roar of the TV Champion.

The EWA Tag Team Titles: I can't even remember who had the Tag Team Titles before The Golden One and Sean Boden, it seems like an eternity that they've held those titles. To be fair, the EWA doesn't have the strongest tag team division around, but even those who do step up to the plate find themselves put back in their place before they knew what happened. And with every passing match, TGO and Boden just get more and more comfortable together, and that much better as a team. Any takers on someone beating them soon? Doesn't seem likely.

So there you have it, a quick run down of the people who are making the EWA back into a powerhouse. Again, this isn't a knock on the NYSWF or the other wrestlers that are in the EWA. But Cash, TGO, Knox, Laura and Boden have shown over time that they are consistently over and over again, the best in the business when it comes to crunch time. And every day that passes adds another bit of legacy and prestige back into the EWA's resurgeance. You want to come to the EWA and make a name for yourself now? Go ahead and try it...but even when you do reach the top of the mountain and are ready for a title shot, look at the names and the faces you have to take them from. Good luck...you'll damn sure need it.