By Amber Williams

Current 3XW Heavyweight champion "The Rebel" Jeremy Wyatt nails Ryan Slade with a flying dropkick off the top rope.

Annual 'King of Des Moines' Tournament returns to metro

Kids, don't try this at home, but don't miss it either, as the 3XWrestling (3XW) presents King of Des Moines 2011 on Friday, Aug. 26 at All Play in Des Moines. The stacked, 10-match event features the top talents in the Midwest and includes the third annual, one-night 'King of Des Moines' tournament, according to 3XW owners Cody Saveraid and Todd Countryman.

The Des Moines-based, family-friendly wrestling promotion has grown since its July 2005 debut, and it has become a leader in the Midwestern professional wrestling scene, said Saveraid (aka Midnight Guthrie). Twice before, in 2008 and 2010, 3XW was recognized by Missouri Wrestling Revival as the 'Promotion of the Year' for the Midwest.

Maddog McDowell crushes "Delicious" Devin Carter with a "massive" leg drop.

Founded in 2005, 3XW events are held each month in Des Moines. No doubt riding the coattails of the widely popular Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment, Des Moines' local version hopes to gain momentum and build its fan base, many of which are adult men, contrary to common belief that it's a 'boys' event.

As many as 200 fans are expected to show up to cheer on their favorite wrestlers Friday night, Saveraid said. "We have a core group of really loyal fans that show up every month to our events," Saveraid said. "We get a lot of families with kids and people in the 20s and 30s — a mix of 20-somethings who come with their friends to drink beer and yell and have a good time, but it's also definitely family friendly, too. There are always interesting reactions to all the action."

Gage Octane attempts to throw current 3XW Heavyweight champion Jeremy Wyatt over the top rope as former champion Brian Ash looks on.

Along with the King of Des Moines crown, the 3XW Heavyweight championship will also be on the line when champion 'The Rebel' Jeremy Wyatt will defend his title against Ben Sailer, who is one-half — along with partner Nate Bash — of the 3XW Tag Team champions, American Ground and Air.

"This is a rematch from the 2010 King of Des Moines tournament and should prove to be another impressive showcase of modern technical wrestling ability," said Saveraid.

Doors open at 7 p.m. (6:45 p.m. for advance ticket holders) with a 7:30 p.m. start time. All Play is located at 615 Third St. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Cup O' Kryptonite, 4521 Fleur Drive and Jay's CD and Hobby, 3315 S.E. 14th St. for $15 adult general admission and $6 for kids (free for kids 3 and under).

For more information about 3XWrestling, visit http://www.3XWrestling.com.

Scheduled bouts for King of Des Moines 2011:

3XW Heavyweight championship

3XW Tag Team — champion 'The Professional' Ben Sailer vs. 3XW Heavyweight champion 'The Rebel' Jeremy Wyatt

First-time Meeting: High Flyer vs. Monster — 'Rock N' Roll' Mike Sydal vs. The Mauler with Chad Mylan

Six-Man Tag Team Action: 3XW vs. Genesis — new 3XW Pure Wrestling champion Sir Bradley Charles, 'The Rockstar' Jimmy Rockwell and 'The American Fury' Jon West with Skylar Pierce vs. Genesis' 'Delicious' Devin Carter, 'Torturous' Tony Sly and 3XW Tag Team champion Nate Bash

Round One matches:

Former 3XW Pure Wrestling and Tag Team champion Maddog McDowell with Skylar Pierce vs. Former 2-Time 3XW Pure Wrestling champion 'The Unbreakable' Zach Thompson

Former 3XW Heayweight, Pure Wrestling and Tag Team champion Gage Octane vs. Ryan Slade
Former 3XW Cruiserweight champion Matty Starr vs. AJ Smooth

Most-recognized champion in 3XW history Casanova vs. Former Pure Wrestling champion 'The Laotian Sensation' Ricky Kwong with Chad Mylan