WWE Legend Honky Tonk Man Appeared June 22 in West Paterson, NJ: Independent Wrestling Federation & CustomMuscle Sponsor Borough-wide Tour   Updated: June 23, 2009 (WEST PATERSON, NJ)- It was shake-rattle-n-roll time as World Wrestling Entertainment Legend Honky Tonk Man came to West Paterson (Woodland Park) on Monday, June 22, 2009.    Known as "The Greatest Intercontinental of All-Time," Honky Tonk Man sold out Madison Square Garden numerous times in the 1980's and 1990's, and recently appeared on WWE Raw and WrestleMania 25 Hall of Fame Ceremony.    At 3 pm, Honky Tonk Man signed autographs at Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library to promote the annual Kids Summer Reading Club.         At 5 pm, Honky Tonk Man signed autographs at Pizza City, 1051 McBride Avenue.      At 7 pm, Honky Tonk Man hosted a free Open House Tour at IWF Wrestling School.  Visitors who enrolled in IWF Wrestling School, the Youth Clinic, or who purchased event tickets received a free autographed poster.    The borough-wide tour was made possible by Independent Wrestling Federation and Layfield Energy.  Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events and hosts children’s Birthday Parties.  IWF Wrestling School is recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless television and news media outlets.         Independent Wrestling Federation Best of West Paterson 2009 Recreation Services Award

Franciz & Kevin Knight visited Paterson School 10 December 16, 2008       IWF Participates in Paterson's Annual Holiday Parade of Lights December 2007:    Posted: December 10, 2007 (PATERSON, NJ)- The Independent Wrestling Federation participated in the City of Paterson's Annual Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, December 8, 2007 on Main Street, Paterson, NJ. In addition to an appearance by IWF Wrestlers Kevin Knight, Frank Scoleri, Jana, Mike Jenkins and Evan Schwartz, viewers delighted in twenty five dazzling lit floats, marching bands, car and motorcycle clubs, specialty units, drill and dance teams, clowns, characters, community organizations, centers of worship, carolers and horses.  Hot chocolate, chestnuts roasting, plus free pictures with Santa were a part of the fun. “Legends of the Season” was the theme of this year’s parade that was imaginatively expressed through the float appearances to celebrate the diversity of the holiday season in Paterson. Immediately following the parade, the Tree Lighting Ceremony took place along with the announcement of first, second and third place winners of the best decorated fire trucks and the best marching bands.  A raffle of Toys finalized this wonderful annual celebration.    At City Hall, the IWF Wrestlers met Paterson City Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres.  Throughout the month of December, Cablevision will televise this year’s parade as well on the Municipal Access Channel 77.   Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events and hosts children’s Birthday Parties. IWF Pro Wrestling School is recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless television and news media outlets.      Knight, Sparxx & Blake at PHF TEAM Hydrocephalus Walk-a-thon Fundraiser:    Posted: September 9, 2007    (EDISON, NJ)- As part of the Community Outreach Program, Independent Wrestling Federation’s Kevin Knight, AJ Sparxx and Travis Blake participated in an Autograph Session at the TEAM Hydrocephalus Walk-a-thon Fundraiser held September 9, 2007 at Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ.   For more infomation visit www.active.com/donate/teamedisonnj07          IWF Wrestler Kevin Knight Speaks at Paterson School No. 24 July 26: Community Outreach Program Assembly at Hero Day      Posted: July 27, 2007    (PATERSON, NJ)- As part of the Community Outreach Program, Independent Wrestling Federation’s Kevin Knight spoke to the summer program student body of 125 kids at Roberto Clemente School No. 24 in Paterson, NJ on July 26.     Knight’s positive message address to the students included the importance of working hard in school, eating right and being active in the community. Kevin is a recent World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) performer, a 12-year ring veteran and IWF Wrestling School head trainer.    “In addition to speaking at schools and DARE programs, IWF Community Outreach conducts many charitable efforts for local youth and civic organizations,” said Knight. “Annual activities include a clothing collection for The Red Cross of Metropolitan NJ, food drive for The United Way of Passaic County, Wrestlethon fundraiser for The Twin Towers Orphan Fund, and autograph session at Tomorrows Children's Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center.”   IWF Champion Franciz and Matt Bennett were also present at the assembly, and the trio signed augtographs for all the students.   Established in 1999, IWF Wrestling School trains hundreds of wrestlers from 16 states and six countries that compete in bouts for organizations around the globe. Knight and 16 of his graduates performed on WWE Raw and SmackDown television events and pay-per-view extravaganzas.    IWF Wrestling School was recently featured by CBS 2 News, Fox 5 Good Day New York, ABC 7 Eyewitness News, My 9 News, News 12 NJ, NBC Telemundo 47, Telemundo International, WMBC-TV 63 News, Nickelodeon’s Danny Phantom, Nickelodeon’s WACK, EXTRA, Metro Channel, TLC’s Makeover Story and WOR Radio 710.      Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events and hosts children’s Birthday Parties.  IWF Pro Wrestling School is recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless television and news media outlets.

IWF Teams With Alfred H. Baumann Library Summer Reading Program: West Paterson Groups Unite to Promote Youth Reading   Posted: June 18, 2007 (WEST PATERSON, NJ)- The Independent Wrestling Federation joins forces with the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library in West Paterson to promote their annual Summer Reading Program.   As part of the Community Outreach Program, the West Paterson-based IWF donates several prizes to the youngsters who excel in the library's summer reading program, including T-shirts, bandanas, event tickets and autographed photos.     IWF stars including Kevin Knight, Franciz and Nick Sabre made a guest appearance at the library's summer reading party, where the kids have an opportunity to meet the wrestlers and take photos while posing with the IWF championship title belts.   For information regarding the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library, call 973-345-8120.     IWF Wrestler Kevin Knight Speaks at Paterson School No. 29 June 15 Community Outreach Program Assembly for Grades K Through 4    Posted: June 18, 2007    (PATERSON, NJ)- As part of the Community Outreach Program, Independent Wrestling Federation’s Kevin Knight spoke to the student body of 325 kids Grade K through 4 at No. 29 School, 88 Danforth Avenue, Paterson, on Friday, June 15.    Knight’s positive message address to the students included the importance of working hard in school, eating right and being active in the community. Kevin is a recent World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) performer, a 12-year ring veteran and IWF Wrestling School head trainer.    “In addition to speaking at schools and DARE programs, IWF Community Outreach conducts many charitable efforts for local youth and civic organizations,” said Knight. “Annual activities include a clothing collection for The Red Cross of Metropolitan NJ, food drive for The United Way of Passaic County, Wrestlethon fundraiser for The Twin Towers Orphan Fund, and autograph session at Tomorrows Children's Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center.”    IWF's Franciz and Nick Sabre were also present at the assembly, and the trio signed augtographs for all the students.    Established in 1999, IWF Wrestling School trains hundreds of wrestlers from 16 states and six countries that compete in bouts for organizations around the globe. Knight and 16 of his graduates performed on WWE Raw and SmackDown television events and pay-per-view extravaganzas.    IWF Wrestling School was recently featured by CBS 2 News, Fox 5 Good Day New York, ABC 7 Eyewitness News, My 9 News, News 12 NJ, NBC Telemundo 47, Telemundo International, WMBC-TV 63 News, Nickelodeon’s Danny Phantom, Nickelodeon’s WACK, EXTRA, Metro Channel, TLC’s Makeover Story and WOR Radio 710. Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events.  IWF Pro Wrestling School is recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless television and news media outlets.  Kevin Knight & Aaron Stride Appear at Wyckoff 5K Run October 2006:      Posted: October 20, 2006    (WYCKOFF, NJ)- As part of the Independent Wrestling Federation's Community Outreach Program, Kevin Knight, Event Chairman Dr. Steven Clarke and Aaron Stride appeared at the annual Wyckoff Education Foundation 5K Run and Family Walk October 14, 2006 at Eisenhower Middle School, Wyckoff, NJ.   The two-mile Family Fun Run/Walk is a New Jersey Grand Prix event designed to attract both the serious and recreational runner. The day's activities included a carnival with games, food, hot air balloon rides and an obstacle course.    The Wyckoff Education Foundation (WEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of education in the Wyckoff public school system. WEF was formed in 1990 in response to decreasing financial support from the State and increasing local taxes. WEF provides “tools for learning” and funds programs outside of the school budget that support excellence in education.

(L to R): IWF wrestler Justin Corino, Belleville Board of Education member Anthony Sessa, Carla Fattal of United Way of Passaic County, and IWF wrestler Kevin Knight unite for the 24-Hour Charity Wrestlethon at IWF Centre, West Paterson, NJ.   IWF Establishes World-Record for 'Longest Wrestling Event' September 9-10: 24-Hour Charity Wrestlethon Benefits Twin Towers Orphan Fund, Red Cross, United Way Posted: September 13, 2006 (WEST PATERSON, NJ)- The Independent Wrestling Federation recently established a world-record for the 'Longest Wrestling Event' benefiting several worthy causes. IWF Wrestling School stars competed in a 24-Hour Charity Wrestlethon that began September 9 at 2 pm, and continued uninterrupted through September 10 at 2:02 pm at IWF Centre, West Paterson, NJ. Wrestlethon saw 40 IWF grapplers compete for an amazing 24-hours and 2-minutes in a round-robin event, with IWF Commissioner Rich Ross and GOPUSA's AJ Sparxx sounding the ceremonial opening bell to kickoff the record-breaking feat. The first of 41 bouts saw Nick Sabre battle Franciz, while a day later IWF trainer Kevin Knight tangled with Dan McGuire to close out the Herculean effort. "We had a tremendous showing of support from our families, friends, fans and community members who attended the event and made financial pledges to sponsor each wrestler," said Kevin Knight. "We raised $1,253.00, with all proceeds donated to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund." The Fund was created to provide long-term high education assistance and mental and physical healthcare to children who were orphaned by the attacks of September 11, 2001. "As we remember the fifth-anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we are delighted to help raise needed money for the children who lost so much," said Commissioner Ross. A clothing drive was hosted during Wrestlethon as five huge bins were overflowing with clothes and donated to For a Cause Inc. at Red Cross of Metropolitan NJ which serves Passaic, Essex and West Hudson counties. Clothing proceeds benefit fire disaster relief, assist medical transportation for seniors and meals-on-wheels service. A nonperishable food drive for United Way of Passaic County was conducted, filling seven boxes with 150-pounds of goods. Hunger is a concern that needs to be addressed on a daily basis, as there has been a 30-percent increase in the number of people receiving assistance from food pantries in the county. "GOPUSA is honored to be a part of this event and to help raise money for such a worthwhile charity," said AJ Sparxx, Co-Executive Director of GOPUSA Northeast. "The IWF continues to be front and center in community outreach." Other dignitaries in attendance at Wrestlethon were Carla Fattal, Director of Volunteer and Community Programs of United Way, and Belleville Board of Education member Anthony Sessa. IWF Champion Shawn Donavan, American Champion Travis Blake, Junior Champion Tommy Trouble, and Tag Team Champions Antonio Rivera and Tony Torres also participated in Wrestlethon.  It was a historic IWF milestone as the federation celebrated their 200th live event.   Wrestlethon refreshments donated by Capri Pizza, 654 McBride Avenue, West Paterson. Chiropractic services offered by Dr. Steven G. Clarke, High Street Rehab, Nutley. Wardrobe provided by Forever Pizzazz Costume Company of Paterson.  Nutritional products supplied by L&E Distributors of Sayreville. Community leadership and support courtesy of GOPUSA. Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events and hosts children’s Birthday Parties.  IWF Pro Wrestling School is recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless television and news media outlets.    (L to R): Kevin Knight, Carla Fattal of Passaic County United Way,  Commissioner Rich Ross and AJ Sparxx of GOPUSA at Wrestlethon.

FACE OF FURY Photography and text by Michael Karas / HERALD NEWS / September 16, 2006    Independent Wrestling Federation wrestler Franciz pins opponent Chris Steeler's head to the mat during a 24-hour charity Wrestlethon at the IWF Centre in West Paterson last weekend. The Wrestlethon benefited the Twin Towers Orphan Fund, the Red Cross of Metropolitan New Jersey and the United Way of Passaic County. The event began last Saturday (September 9) at 2 p.m. and featured 40 IWF wrestlers in a continuous round-robin match that lasted 24-hours and 2-minutes. The match set a world-record for the "Longest Wrestling Event," according to Kevin Knight, head trainer of the IWF. "Every year we do a few fundraisers...this year we decided to combine all our fundraising efforts into one event," Knight said. Monetary, clothing or food donations were requested of each visitor to the event and $1,253 was raised along with five bins of clothing and seven boxes of food. "We collected a lot more donations, food and clothing than we expected," Knight said. The event had visitors even into the early morning hours. Knight said, "We had people here watching at 4 a.m. It was great."    Photography and text by Michael Karas / HERALD NEWS / September 16, 2006 (L to R): Kevin Knight, Chiropractor Dr. Steven Clarke of Nutley's High Street Rehab, Justin Corino and Franciz at the 24-Hour Charity Wrestlethon September 9-10 that raised $1,203.00 for Twin Towers Orphan Fund.   IWF 24-Hour Charity Wrestlethon Makes History: * $1,253.00 Raised for Twin Towers Orphan Fund * 5 Bins of Clothing Filled for Red Cross of Metro NJ * 7 Boxes (150 lbs.) of Food Collected for United Way of Passaic County * World-Record Shattered for Longest Wrestling Event: 24-Hours & 2-Minutes * IWF Milestone as Federation Celebrates 200th Live Event

IWF Wrestlers Conduct 'Food & Clothing Drive' for Red Cross Wrestlers Also to Visit Don Imus-WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children   Posted: November 2005 (West Paterson, NJ)- In response to the recent hurricanes, the Independent Wrestling Federation is hosting a holiday Food and Clothing Drive this month at IWF Wrestling School, West Paterson. "Throughout November, clothes and non-perishable foods are being donated by IWF wrestlers and fans in the hopes of making a difference by helping those affected by the recent devastation," said IWF head trainer Kevin Knight of Nutley.  "Items will be sent to The American Red Cross of Metropolitan NJ in Fairfield, which go directly to disaster relief services."    The Red Cross of Metro NJ is the largest chapter in the state and encompasses Passaic, Essex and West Hudson counties.  Recently, the chapter responded to floods, fires and chemical spills, as each disaster mobilizes volunteers and around-the-clock service. On Monday, November 28, Knight and other IWF stars make their fifth-annual holiday visit to the Don Imus/WFAN Pediatric Center at the Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ.  They will be making the rounds signing autographs for kids at the Tomorrows Children's Fund. "TCF is a privately funded, non-profit group that eases the pain and suffering of children fighting cancer or a blood disorder," Knight said.  "They address the critical needs of families facing the anguish of these diseases, provide a loving atmosphere for those in treatment, and fund research." Since 1990, Don Imus of the Imus in the Morning show has headlined a radiothon on WFAN that has raised $60 million to benefit charities such as TCF, The Imus Ranch and CJ Foundation for SIDS.  For information on how you can help, call 1-800-A-TCF-KID or visit www.atcfkid.com.