(GAW) Great American Wrestling was founded in 2004 by Mike Cooper & Richard Neeley. Chad Drollinger later joined in as an owner. Mike and Richard were trained at New Midwest Wrestling in Springfield, IL. However, they soon decided that they wanted to bring pro wrestling to their hometown of Decatur. Finding a place to train locally was not easy, but eventually they chose the back of the old Eagles store on Route 36 for their new gym. At that time, the building was also serving as the Decatur Indoor Flea Market.
Not long after, the first GAW show took place on September 3, 2004. Over 100 fans came out to see the "Blue Collar Brawl" at the Decatur Masonic Temple. Not a bad turn out for a promotions first showing! The Flea Market soon closed, however, and GAW was forced to move to their current location, on N. 21st Street in Decatur. For the next few shows, GAW returned to their old gym on Route 36.
Unfortunately, in February, 2005, water and heating problems forced GAW out of the old Eagles store only two days before GAW's big show, "Crossing the Line." Thankfully, the City of Maroa, allowed GAW to use the gym of the Old Grade School for shows. Maroa has been kind enough to allow the Old Grade School to become the GAW Arena and the official HOME OF GAW! GAW now travels around central Illinois to many towns, including Pana, Tuscola, Springfield, Champaign, Bloomington, and many towns in between. |
