A few weeks ago, Buddy Matthews informed Empire State Wrestling that he was not able to perform at Brawlfest on Saturday, May 21 at Buffalo RiverWorks due to other commitments. In response, Empire State Wrestling (ESW) booked current All-Elite Wrestling (AEW) star and two-time Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion Jay Lethal. Lethal will take Matthews’s spot in the match against current Impact Wrestling star Trey Miguel and will conduct a training seminar for ESW’s locally-based wrestlers the day before Brawlfest.
For several years, Lethal was unable to wrestle on the U.S. independent wrestling scene due to an exclusivity clause in his ROH deal. However, Lethal is now branching back out with ESW being one of his latest stops.
A response was received regarding the open challenge issued by ESW Interstate Champion Frankie Feathers. The challenge was accepted by a current member of the Impact Wrestling roster and will be revealed live at Brawlfest.
A six-person scramble match will take place between ESW regulars “A Cut Above the Rest” Gavin Glass and Vinnie Moon, up-and-coming Indie stars Levi Everett and Brayden Lee, the returning “Moonlight Sun” Mike Skyros and a mystery opponent.
The massive force Jeremiah Richter will be in action at Brawlfest. He will be guided by his new confidant Cerin Rahne.
ESW will live stream several kickoff matches prior to the start of Brawlfest on the Facebook page of one of their longtime sponsors, The Closed Fist podcast. Among the matches will be ESW staples “The Big Bang” Jerk Cockins against James Sayga. All Japan Pro Wrestling tag team The Saito Brothers will also wrestle on the live stream.
In light of the recent Buffalo mass shooting tragedy, a food drive will be held at Brawlfest in an effort to assist City of Buffalo citizens with donations going to FeedMore WNY. ESW recognizes that many Buffalonians will experience a difficult time providing for themselves and their families with the grocery items they depend on due to the closure of the Tops on Jefferson Avenue. To help assist in this time of need, fans are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items at Brawlfest and members of the ESW roster and crew will match the total amount donated by those in attendance.
