Top 10 Performers on the IWF Roster

The Independent Wrestling Federation was first established in 1998 and is currently located at the state-of-the-art IWF Centre at 75 Franklin Avenue in Nutley New Jersey. With 2-3 events running on a monthly basis, the IWF is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in terms of independent wrestling action. This past weekend I was in attendance for Thanksgiving Thunder Night One alongside one of my Cheap-Heat colleagues. We had a blast as always, and instead of reviewing the card per usual, I've decided to compile a comprehensive countdown featuring the Best Performers on the IWF Roster .

Honorable Mention – Whomever Didn't Make the Cut
The IWF is more than your run-of-the-mill independent promotion operating off of nickels and dimes, but a refined training ground for workers to hone their craft in front of appreciative fans. Working a bout behind closed doors is one thing, but drawing on the energy of a live audience is what separates the Dreamers from the Doers . I have an unprecedented amount of respect for the men and women of the IWF, including referees and broadcast personalities. So I'd like to offer an honorable mention to everyone that I haven't listed below.

Note: Most of my facts and figures have been attained from CageMatch.net— the Internet Wrestling Database . If I get something wrong, you should probably take it up with them and not me. Also, I tried to include a video for every wrestler but came up short in my search a couple times. You can visit CampIWF.com and YouTube for full matches and promos.

10. Erin Winter
The Independent Wrestling Federation has always been a safe haven for both men and women to learn the art of professional wrestling. With just three women on the current roster, the standout is most certainly "Red Hot" Erin Winter. Not taking anything away from the incredibly talented Michele Dee or Varla Rey, but there's something about Erin Winter that makes audiences sit up and take notice. Whether it's her skillset on the mat or her astute understanding of ring psychology, Winter is a true superstar at the top of her division. Sadly Erin is the only wrestler for whom I couldn't locate a video.

9. Dan Kinnally
A quick glance at the aforementioned CageMatch.net and it's clear to see why Dan Kinnally is billed as the "Conqueror." Kinnally debuted just one year ago and has already made a mark on the industry by capturing the coveted IWF American Heavyweight Championship . Since losing the strap to the "Dark Oracle ," Kinnally has been a man on a mission with his eyes on the prize.

8. Dr. Hurtz
The celebrated figurehead of Blunt Force Trauma is the sinister surgeon known to fans throughout the Garden State as Doctor Hurtz. Hurtz is much more than a two time tag team champion; his accolades extend beyond the IWF and include a U.S. Title run with the United Wrestling Coalition , and a New Jersey State championship reign with Jersey All Pro . Hurtz has been on the hunt for the IWF Heavyweight Title in recent months and—despite coming up short every time—could be on his way to achieving yet another championship honor.

7. Shane O'Brien
The " Outlaw " Shane O'Brien is one of the most tenured performers within the Independent Wrestling Federation , and has maintained his main event status for almost a decade. O'Brien broke into the business in 2001 and set about earning his place with devastating maneuvers such as the "Texas Death Drop. " Shane is a former IWF American Heavyweight Champion, as well as a three time tag team champion; he currently holds the IWF tag titles alongside the "Fifth Element" Roman Zachary.

6. The Dark Oracle Sage
One of my favorite workers in the IWF is the current American Heavyweight Champion , the "Dark Oracle" Sage. Sage might look like the Undertaker as a member of the Night's Watch , but don't be fooled by the theatrics. Sage is a hard-hitting superheavyweight who towers over the majority of his opponents before sending them home with an inevitable loss. Since debuting as Sage , the current American Champion has only suffered six losses —five via disqualification and one in an 11-man battle royal—making him one of the most dominant members of the IWF roster in history.

5. Roman Zachary
Another long-standing member of the IWF Roster is the "Fifth Element" Roman Zachary. Roman made his professional wrestling debut in 2000 and quickly climbed the proverbial ladder to the top of the Independent Wrestling Federation . Roman first won the heavyweight championship on April 28 ^th 2001, and went on to carry the belt on a record-tying seven separate occasions. His final reign ended at the hands of current champion Shawn Donavan, but Zachary remains at the top of the card and in possession of the IWF tag titles.

4. Galindo
Standing at just 5'10" and weighing in at 183 pounds, Galindo is among the smallest competitors on the IWF Roster . But that won't deter the cunning cruiserweight from attaining victory and proving his worth as a pro wrestling performer. Galindo captured the IWF Junior Heavyweight Title on March 1 ^st 2015 and set the record for the fifth longest reign in history. Galindo is now a member of Blunt Force Trauma —a venomous heel faction—and continues to grate on audience nerves by hollering his own name every chance he gets.

3. Kevin Knight
Cracking the top three is the owner and operator of the IWF , the " Master of Chaos " Kevin Knight. With close to 20 years' experience under his belt, Kevin is responsible for the continued upward momentum of his promotion. When he's not hobnobbing with the movers and shakers of Nutley New Jersey—as a member of the Chamber of Commerce —Kevin is tearing it up inside the squared-circle. He's a former 3-time American Champion, the longest reigning heavyweight champion, and one of the most fluid performers on the independent circuit.

2. Shawn Donavan
Number two on our countdown is the IWF Heavyweight Champion and a personal friend of mine—none other than "Simply Ravishing" Shawn Donavan. Donavan is a two-time heavyweight champion, a three time tag team champion, and former American Heavyweight Champion —making him one of the most decorated stars of the Independent Wrestling Federation . In addition to showcasing his unequalled skill between the ropes, this 14-year veteran is a member of the B+ Player Radio Family , and can be heard delivering his " Ravishing Reminders " every Tuesday on iTunes , TuneIn Radio , and at Cheap-Heat.com !

1. Michael Cammett
This is going to get me in trouble with the IWF Champion Shawn Donavan, but for my money the biggest star of the Independent Wrestling Federation is the IWF Junior Heavyweight Champion the "Golden Boy" Michael Cammett. Cammett started his in-ring career just over one year ago in June of 2014 and has since become one of the most popular members of the IWF roster. Billed from North Arlington New Jersey and weighing in at just 185 pounds, this hometown hero has won the hearts of men, women, and children throughout the tristate area.

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