IWA Mid-South was a Indie and Hardcore pro wrestling promotion based in Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA, operating at a Regional level.
The IWA MID SOUTH promotion was founded on January 6, 1996 by Ian Rotten, and it ceased operations on May 20, 2022.
Formed in the midst of the American hardcore wrestling boom of the 1990s, Independent Wrestling Association: Mid-South (IWA-MS) began after Ian Rotten’s firing from ECW, centered around the town of Louisville, Kentucky. Known for its intense hardcore wrestling roots, the promotion moved to Indiana after disputes with the Kentucky Athletics Commission.
Through their connection to commentator Dave Prazak, IWA-MS attracted many notable indie names of the 2000s, notably CM Punk and Colt Cabana before the two signed for WWE. Constantly teetering the line between outlaw and legitimate independent promotion, IWA-MS was known for its annual Ted Petty Invitational (formerly Sweet Science Sixteen) tournament, as well as their King of the Deathmatch events.
IWA Mid-South: Info
- Promotion TypeIndie, Hardcore
- TerritoryRegional
- Continent
North & Central America - Country
United States - LocationJeffersonville, Indiana, USA
- Date EstablishedJanuary 6, 1996
- Date RetiredMay 20, 2022
- FounderIan Rotten
- Owners
- Real NameIan Rotten & Vince Jones (July 20, 2013 - May 20, 2022)
- Real NameVince Jones (July 1, 2011 - July 19, 2013)
- Real NameIan Rotten (November 3, 2009 - March 28, 2011)
- Real NameIan Rotten (January 6, 1996 - August 26, 2009)
-
Promotion Names
- IWA Mid-South - IWA-MS (January 1, 1997 - May 20, 2022)
- Independent Wrestling Association: Mid-South - IWA-MS (January 6, 1996 - December 31, 1996)
- Logo History
3rd logoJanuary 5, 2017May 20, 2022
2nd logoJanuary 1, 2010January 4, 2017- Original logoJanuary 1, 1996December 31, 2009