Journeyman Journal: Aging & anniversaries

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jeremiah Plunkett writes a weekly column SlamWrestling.net, where he offers up stories of his travels in “Journeyman Journals with Jeremiah.”

Journal Entry – 11/2/2024

This week’s journey marks my first wrestling match at the age of 38—whether I consider that old or young depends on how I feel that day.

After a few days of low-key celebration (at this age, that means good meals with friends, family time, and some extra gym hours), it was time to get back to work.

I hit the road early, leaving rural Middle Tennessee behind to make my way to Missouri. For this trip, I had a solid travel companion: NWA World’s Junior Heavyweight Champion Alex Taylor, fresh off a 10-day loop with both Juggalo Championship Wrestling’s Train of Terror Tour and the NWA Samhain 2 tapings. It’s always a bonus to travel with Alex, even if we missed having our former Ill-Begotten compatriot Danny Dealz with us on the road.

A Harley Race figure. Photo by Jeremiah Plunkett

Our destination this week: the Harley Race Wrestling Arena in Troy, MO, for a show with World League Wrestling. WLW, along with the Race Wrestling Academy, was founded by the legendary eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Harley Race. The arena itself feels like a museum, packed with historical photos and memorabilia straight from Harley’s personal collection. Honestly, I didn’t take as many pictures as I should have; I was too busy soaking it all in.

This wasn’t just any event, either—WLW was celebrating its 25th anniversary. But the night became even more special when Joe Galli, representing William Patrick Corgan, kicked things off by announcing that WLW is now an official NWA territory! The crowd sold out the Race Wrestling Arena—not once, but twice! After the first sell-out, they added more seats, which sold out again. The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd that was hot, loud, and ready for action.

Here’s a selfie of me with the WLW and Harley Race backdrop. Photo by Jeremiah Plunkett

My opponent for the night was “The Legacy” Leland Race, who was gunning for my NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship. Leland trained under Race at the Race Wrestling Academy and took over as promoter for WLW. Juggling those roles, especially on a milestone night like this, is no small feat. It’s even more daunting when your opponent, yours truly, is backed by none other than “The Manager of Champions” Aron Stevens, who I personally consider to be a creative genius.

Aron Stevens and his charge Jeremiah Plunkett on Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Joe Galli

The match was taped for WLW Showdown! so I’ll avoid spoilers, but I can say this: Leland is every bit as tough and skilled as his training suggests. If you want to see the match, keep an eye on WLW’s social media for future episodes.

A wide shot of the WLW show on Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Joe Galli

With a historic night of wrestling under our respective championship belts, Alex and I refueled with a late meal, caught a few hours of sleep, and then hit the road early for the 400-mile trek back home.

This was an unforgettable experience, getting to perform in the house that Harley built. Special thanks to the Murdoch family for hosting us, and to Trevor, Aron, and Bull for the knowledge, conversation, and laughs. And to WLW, thank you for having us. Welcome to the NWA family, WLW. I’ll be seeing you again soon.

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