Six days after WrestleMania 22, Squared Circle Wrestling presented their debut show on April 8th, 2006. For the next ten years, 2CW put on wrestling shows all over Upstate New York and became the best independent wrestling company to put on events during that time. 2CW was the first promotion to bring quality events to the area outside of any nationally televised wrestling shows.
In 2026, 2CW returns to promoting shows under new ownership, and I thought it would be a fun idea to help highlight the past of 2CW while preparing for the new era of the promotion.
SPIKE DUDLEY’S EARLY IMPACT
Matt Hyson, better known as Spike Dudley in ECW and WWE, appeared on the first 2CW show in on April 8th, 2006, and proceeded to become 2CW’s version of what Terry Funk became for ECW. Dudley became an icon, and his appearances became bigger deals over time. In 2006, Dudley feuded with Zaquary Springate, and lost his first match against Springate, which doesn’t tend to be a regular sight for established veterans putting local wrestlers over. But, Dudley putting over Springate cemented Springate as a viable heel. Dudley ventured into a feud shortly afterward against Isys Ephex that ended up being a trilogy of matches. Dudley won a tables match at the big OnCenter show on July 15th, but would lose the next two outings against Ephex in a dog collar match on September 16th, and a 30-minute Iron Man match losing to Ephex 18-2. Yes, that’s not a typo. Dudley got himself disqualified over a dozen times by hitting Ephex with weapons.
In Spike’s first year with the company, he helped establish Springate and Ephex from the start. But, Spike wasn’t done helping get 2CW originals as his greatest feud wouldn’t begin for another year.
A TAG TEAM RIVALRY ESTABLISHED DAY 1
The Killer Steves and All Money Is Legal were the first two teams, and in fact, the only two official tag teams to be part of the promotion on a regular basis for the first several shows. There were five tag team matches between the teams during 2006. They included a best two out of three falls match, and a Texas Tornado tag match in October, which saw AMIL prevail. In the five outings, AMIL won three times to the Steves two victories. However, it is only the beginning between the two teams.
SWB VS. SCORPIO — THE RIVALRY THAT PUT A SPOTLIGHT ON 2CW
For many independent wrestling promotions there’s a difficulty to get casual fans into the door. Often times, the show is full of local wrestlers that nobody has ever heard of. Luckily, for 2CW, they had a guy like Spike Dudley to get a wider net of fans. In the same year, 2CW brought in former ECW, WCW, and WWF wrestler, 2 Cold Scorpio. Scorpio, at one point, was a highly regarded in-ring wrestler for ECW having great matches with Sabu, Eddie Guerrero, and Dean Malenko. Scorpio had the in-ring creditability that made it clear that 2CW is capable of putting on great in-ring matches.
Slyck Wagner Brown had been a veteran on the indie scene for almost ten years working for top promotions such as Ring of Honor and Jersey All Pro Wrestling. Scorpio and SWB had two matches in 2006, both of which Scorpio won. The first match being at the OnCenter show, but the following month in August, as well. While Scorpio won both matches, Slyck more than held his own and immeditatedly made it clear that when it came to in-ring skill, Slyck was going to be a tough battle and Slyck’s matches quickly became the attraction fans looked for to be entertained by quality in-ring action.
LOCAL LEGENDS
Every independent promotion uses local wrestlers to fill out their shows in the beginning and build an audience, and 2CW was no different. Wrestlers such as Ajax, Gregory Edwards (Ted Goodz), Johnny Law and Steve King played roles on the shows. Law and King had a short feud culminating in King earning a contract, though he’d only wrestle a few more times against Law.
Loca Vida was an energetic masked luchador who resided from Mexico… New York. Vida’s energy and look came across a lot more different than most wrestlers on the shows and connected incredibly well with the younger audience that attended shows. Vida’s offense was a departure from the brawling focus of others and his aerial offense often times lead to a hotter crowd reaction. Vida will soon have a stronger presence on shows for 2CW.
Jason Axe initially is a rookie wrestler playing the role of a babyface trying to get over with the crowd and doesn’t standout much on shows. After teaming with King Kong Bundy in August, Axe developed a mindset that he’s only good enough to compete in main event matches thus turning heel. Axe’s antics as a heel are far better than his attempt to be a babyface, and it’s only the beginning of Axe’s story in 2CW as he’ll become of the best in 2CW history.
JD Love is a character that is over the top flamboyant and often times made the crowd uncomfortable, but also made the crowd laugh. Imagine Adrian Adonis look in 1986, and that’s the vibe that JD Love had. Love was never too afraid to show his ass… literally.
Gordy Wallace is the resident good guy redneck wrestler who feuded with JD Love and Zaquary Springate III. In September, Wallace teamed with Tony Atlas to defeat Love and Springate. Wallace and Springate battled in a heated feud that featured a no holds barred match in October and a strap match in November where Wallace tossed a fireball into Springate’s face. The feud with Springate is far from over.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
In July, 2CW held their biggest show in their short history and brought in several notable names. The New Age Outlaws, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg, appeared on the show winning their match against Wallace and Love. WWE Legend Tony Atlas also appeared on the show in a losing effort against Springate in a flag match.
King Kong Bundy, as noted, teamed with Jason Axe in August, but lost to Love and Springate. Bundy didn’t do much in-ring wise and was probably the worst 2CW guest.
Kayla Sparks and Violet Flame were two female wrestlers that appeared on 2CW shows to bring a focus on female wrestling to a 2CW ring.
2006 is just the beginning for 2CW. A focus on the local talent while sprinkling in notable names. In 2007, 2CW crowns a heavyweight champion, and many, many names come through 2CW.
Thanks for reading.