Revival of the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance: A Singular Spectacle at the 2300 Arena in 2025

In a move that has set the wrestling world abuzz, Joel Goodhart, the visionary behind the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance (TWA), has announced a singular event on May 3, 2025, at Philadelphia’s iconic 2300 Arena. This event marks not just a reunion but a final homage to a wrestling era that laid foundational ground work for what would become the hardcore wrestling style, epitomized by the likes of ECW.

The Tri-State Wrestling Alliance, under Goodhart’s promotion in the early ’90s, wasn’t just another wrestling outfit; it was a crucible for creating stars and shaping the aggressive, no-holds-barred wrestling style that fans would later see flourish in ECW. Names like Cactus Jack, The Sandman, and JT Smith honed their craft in the TWA, engaging in matches that were as much about spectacle as they were about wrestling prowess. TWA’s sudden closure in 1992 left a void, but its influence continued through the wrestlers it nurtured and the style it popularized.

JOEL GOODHART RESURRECTING TRI-STATE WRESTLING ALLIANCE

This one-night event is billed as “ONE and DONE,” signaling a definitive closure to the TWA’s legacy. However, rather than mourning, this event promises celebration. Goodhart, along with documentary filmmaker Ryan Kavanaugh, plans to capture this moment for posterity, filming the final scenes of a documentary on Goodhart’s career, culminating in the raising of a banner in honor of TWA’s contributions to wrestling lore.

The decision to resurrect TWA for one last show stems from a recent podcast where former TWA talent, Bay “Chubby Dudley” Ragni, passionately argued for recognizing the TWA’s impact. This sparked a movement among fans and former wrestlers alike, leading Goodhart to reconsider giving TWA a proper send-off.

Expected Highlights:

Reunion of Legends: The event is expected to feature appearances by TWA alumni, offering fans a chance to see wrestling legends one more time in the ring where they made history.
Documentary Filming: The event will serve as the finale for a documentary on Goodhart, capturing not just the matches but the emotional and historical significance of this gathering.
Banner Raising: Perhaps the most symbolic act of the night will be the raising of a banner commemorating TWA’s legacy, a physical testament to its influence on wrestling.
Fan Experience: For fans, this isn’t just watching wrestling; it’s stepping into a time machine. The event promises a blend of nostalgia with the raw energy that defined TWA.

This event isn’t solely for the wrestlers or die-hard fans; it’s a cultural event for Philadelphia, a city deeply intertwined with wrestling history. The 2300 Arena, once the ECW Arena, becomes a hallowed ground where legends are celebrated, and stories are reborn.

Joel Goodhart’s decision to bring back TWA for one night only isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about acknowledging a piece of wrestling history that shaped the industry’s direction. For attendees, it’s a chance to witness not just wrestling but a living history lesson, where each match, each chant, and each raised banner tells a story of passion, rebellion, and the undying spirit of professional wrestling. As the lights go out on TWA for the final time, they shine brighter on its legacy, ensuring that its story continues to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.