Heartland Wrestling Association was a Indie and Developmental pro wrestling promotion operating in the United States, based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The HEARTLAND WRESTLING ASSOCIATION promotion was founded on January 5, 1996 by Les Thatcher, and it ceased operations on June 28, 2015.
Founded in 1996 by Les Thatcher and Brady Laber, the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) was a Midwestern indie company centered around Cincinnati, Ohio, in partnership with Main Event Pro Wrestling Camp. The promotion is notable for its annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show, in honor of the Cincinnati native, and was partnered with WCW as a developmental territory during the late 1990s into 2000.
From about January 2001 to Summer 2002, the HWA was a developmental territory of the WWF, featuring names such as a young Maven and Brian Kendrick. When (the now) WWE pulled out of the HWA in favor of OVW, the company became a respected indie promotion for a little over 10 years, hosting future stars in Jon Moxley, Apollo Crews (Uhaa Nation), and Nigel McGuinness. The HWA folded in 2015 upon being sold to Philip Stamper.
Heartland Wrestling Association: Info
- Promotion TypeIndie, Developmental
- Continent
North & Central America - Date EstablishedJanuary 5, 1996
- Country
United States - LocationCincinnati, Ohio
- Date RetiredJune 28, 2015
- FounderLes Thatcher
- Owners
- Real NamePhilip Stamper (June 28, 2015 - June 28, 2015)
- Real NameBrandon Charles (American Kickboxer II) (April 18, 2013 - June 27, 2015)
- Real NameChad Dillefeld (September 1, 2007 - August 28, 2012)
- Real NameChad Dillefeld & Cody Hawk (January 1, 2003 - August 31, 2007)
- Real NameLes Thatcher (January 5, 1996 - December 31, 2002)
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Promotion Names
- Heartland Wrestling Association - HWA (January 5, 1996 - June 28, 2015)
- Logo History
- Original logoJanuary 5, 1996June 28, 2015