Jason Somers Captures IWF Heavyweight Title October 3rd in Nutley
Updated: 4 hours ago
Riptide Makes History by Outlasting 17 Other Wrestlers in Rumble Match
NUTLEY, NJ – History was made on October 3, 2026, when Riptide Jason Somers defied the odds to win the Independent Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title during 'AWAKEN' 30th Anniversary Event held at Nutley Rec Center.
The family entertainment spectacular raised $3,200 for Greater Nutley Cancer Foundation and also saw two other prestigious titles change hands.
Somers emerged victorious in the 18-Wrestler Over-The-Top-Rope RUMBLE to secure the vacant Heavyweight Championship. The title was awarded to him by the retired champion, Dark Oracle Sage. Sage concluded his successful 15-year career this past April, following the first 30th Anniversary Event of 2026.
Other participants included Master of Chaos Kevin Knight, All-American Brian Atkins, All-American Robert Atkins, All-American 'Chip' Atkins, All-American 'Karen' Atkins, East Side Dave McDonald, Heavyweight Sean Royal, The Thrillmonger Andd Bivians, The Tank Aaron Hobbs, American Bulldog Ken Reedy, All-Star Michele Dee, The Diabolical Sgt. Cash, Battleborn Brandon Lima, Hollywood Melz, Brooklyn Prodigy Davion Creed, Fireball Fox Windsor and Henny "The Hit" Hardaway.
Earlier in the card, The Thrillmonger Andd Bivians, accompanied by manager First-Class Justin Adams, defeated Somers in controversial fashion to win the vacant American Championship for the second time. Somers ultimately had the last laugh as he later eliminated Bivians as his final obstacle in the RUMBLE to capture the heavyweight crown.
IWF Junior-Heavyweight Champion Heavyweight Sean Royal upended Battleborn Brandon Lima to retain the title. Guest Referee was the first-ever Junior-Heavyweight Champion Tommy Trouble.
All-Americans Brian and Robert Atkins, with East Side Dave McDonald, defeated IWF Tag Team Champions The Tank Aaron Hobbs and American Bulldog Ken Reedy, with All-Star Michele Dee, and Brooklyn Prodigy Davion Creed and Fireball Fox Windsor, with Henny "The Hit" Hardaway, in a Triple Threat Elimination Match to win the titles for the second time.
Prior to the tag team bout, IWF Hall of Fame Ceremony saw the inductions of Brian Atkins, Robert Atkins and East Side Dave. Dave mentioned that the other half of the Atkins Quadruplets 'Chip' & 'Karen' were running late and could not attend the ceremony but would be in the RUMBLE.
In singles action, The Diabolical Sgt. Cash defeated Hollywood Melz. Mike Leotis served as event ring announcer
Since 2012, the commitment from IWF fans, wrestlers, staff and sponsors resulted in raising $64,335 for cancer charities, including $8,293 donated to Greater Nutley Cancer Foundation this year. The foundation provides financial aid to cancer survivors and families who have lost a loved one to cancer, as well as financially backing local research.
The 30th Anniversary event was presented by IWF Media LLC. Supporters included Nutley Recreation Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci; Ocean Beach Sales & Rentals in Lavallette; American Made Cabinet Company in Nutley; Titanium Laboratories in Nutley; Zippo's Car Stereo & Mobile Electronics in Belleville; Ryan Philip of Longbridge Financial in Bloomfield; Gary Marino of Rate Mortgage in Nutley; Trio Jewelers in Nutley; Magic 98.3 FM; and Nutley Chamber of Commerce.
The final 30th Anniversary Event of the year takes place Saturday, November 14, 7 pm at North Arlington High School to benefit Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation. Tickets and VIP Experience available at campiwf.com/northarlington.
Since 2021, IWF fundraisers for Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation have collectively raised $18,903, including an event-record $4,079 last October. The foundation honors The Golden Boy's lifelong commitment to the community by awarding scholarships to students at North Arlington High School and supporting local charitable organizations.
For more information, visit IWF on social media @WrestlingIWF or watch IWF on YouTube.com/campiwf.
Founded in 1996 and established in 1998, Independent Wrestling Federation has gained an extensive nationwide reach with more than 735 live events featuring WWE Hall of Famers and Legends across 50 cities, attracting thousands of loyal, lifelong fans.
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