ACW kickstarted 2026 in a BIG way: by returning to the MJN center with unforgettable action for the second annual Poughkeepsie Rumble on January 3. The sold-out crowd witnessed ACW history once again—vacated titles, new champions crowned, surprise appearances, and dangerous new challengers already staking their claim for a title shot at ACW: Aftershock on March 14.
Tickets for ACW: Aftershock are on sale NOW and moving quickly– get yours today or risk missing out on a killer night of pro wrestling. Below are the 2026 Poughkeepsie Rumble results.
Matt Cardona Vacates ACW Championship
Matt Cardona started off the show by announcing that he was vacating the highly sought after ACW World Heavyweight Championship after his shocking appearance on WWE Smackdown the night before. Cardona gave his all to ACW both in the ring and behind the scenes and will be missed as he makes his well-deserved return to WWE.
This left ACW without a champion, Mike Santana without an opponent, and fans wondering how the night would unfold. Enter Busted Open’s David LaGreca, who delivered the solution: the Poughkeepsie Rumble battle royal would now determine the new ACW World Heavyweight Champion, while Santana would issue an open challenge to crown the number one contender. More on that later…
ACW National Championship Match: Real1 (C) VS. The Reality, Zack Clayton
The opening match immediately set the tone for the evening when Zack Clayton defeated Real1 (formerly Enzo Amore) to capture the ACW National Championship. Shockwaves rippled through the crowd. Real1—an ACW fan favorite—had held the title since its inception, and few expected (or wanted) Clayton, known to many from MTV’s Jersey Shore Family Vacation, to walk away with the gold. But Clayton proved he’s far more than a reality TV personality, showcasing grit, athleticism, and sharp instincts—along with a timely assist from ECW Original Little Guido, which ultimately sealed the win. Whoever challenges Clayton next better be ready to play the numbers game.
Jordan Oliver vs. “Son of the Sun” Leo Sparrow
Next, Newburgh’s own Jordan Oliver versus the “Son of the Sun” Leo Sparrow. One of the fastest-rising stars on the independent scene—best known for his work in GCW—Oliver secured the win in his ACW debut. Arguably the most technically precise match of the night, both competitors displayed exceptional in-ring awareness and kept the MJN Center buzzing. Something tells me this won’t be Oliver’s last appearance in ACW.
The Righteous vs. “The Landmine” Joe Ocasio & Justin Corino
TNA’s The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch) followed with a hard-fought victory over “The Landmine” Joe Ocasio and Justin Corino, earning their second win in ACW. Ocasio and Corino impressed in their first outing as a team, but The Righteous’ experience proved decisive. With momentum on their side, could tag team gold be next?
Hardcore Match: “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela vs. Crowbar vs. “The Southern Psychopath” Mance Warner
Hardcore chaos took center stage next in a wild three-way dance featuring “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela, Crowbar, and “The Southern Psychopath” Mance Warner. Tables, chairs, and pure lunacy were on full display—along with unexpected fan involvement. Just as Crowbar appeared poised to secure the victory thanks to interference from Kerr and Vanessa, wrestling superfan The Machoverse emerged seeking revenge for his altercation with Crowbar at ACW: Mischief Night. Few could have predicted Crowbar being rocked by a Slim Jim mid-match—but the distraction allowed Warner to steal the win in his ACW debut.
ACW Women’s Championship: Indi Hartwell (C) vs. Shotzi Blackheart
Championship gold was back on the line as ACW Women’s Champion Indi Hartwell defended her title against ACW newcomer Shotzi Blackheart. Both women have dominated the independent scene since their WWE releases, and the crowd was firmly split, erupting into dueling chants of “Let’s go Indi!” and “Let’s go Shotzi!”
Shotzi put up a valiant fight, but in the end, the Hart won’t quit. Congratulations to Hartwell on a hard-earned title retention.
Tommy Dreamer & ACW Tag Team Champions The NOW vs Sent2Slaughter & Josh Shernoff
What followed was months of animosity reaching its boiling point. The ACW Tag Team Champions The NOW (Hale Collins & Vik Dalishus), alongside ACW Hall of Famer Tommy Dreamer, clashed with Sent 2 Slaughter (Danny Maff & Shawn Donovan) and their “guiding light,” Josh Shernoff, in a brutal six-man grudge match—with David LaGreca serving as special enforcer. These teams have brawled everywhere from locker rooms to public events (including Dalishus’ wedding), and this match was no different.
The bout descended into chaos, culminating in outside interference from Mrs. Dalishus once again—this time with disastrous consequences. After the referee was taken out, Maff struck Dreamer with a plaque, allowing Shernoff to steal the pinfall victory. The crowd erupted in boos, hurling trash into the ring as Sent 2 Slaughter earned yet another opportunity at tag team gold. When—and how—will this rivalry finally end?
Mike Santana’s ACW Championship #1 Contender Open Challenge
The stakes rose even higher when fans learned who would answer Mike Santana’s open challenge. The response was electric: “The Wanted Man” Nic Nemeth. With less than 24 hours’ notice, Nemeth and Santana delivered a show-stealing performance that had the MJN Center chanting “This is awesome!” Just when Nemeth seemed poised for victory, Santana leveled him with a devastating clothesline to secure the win—and cement himself as the number one contender for the ACW World Heavyweight Championship.
ACW Championship: 20 Man Poughkeepsie Rumble Match
The historic night closed with the unforgettable 20-man (well, actually 21-man) Poughkeepsie Rumble. Featuring returning ACW favorites, newcomers, and mystery entrants—including David Arquette, who received one of the loudest reactions of the night—the match may have been the largest rumble in independent wrestling history. With towering competitors like “Big Trouble” Ben Bishop, Wrecking Ball Legursky, Dark STG, Yoscifer, and Oxx Adams, it was a miracle the ring survived.
In another shocking, unannounced Rumble appearance, pro wrestling legend Gangrel invaded the Rumble.
In the end, it came down to Richard Holliday, the inaugural ACW World Heavyweight Champion, and Dante “El Jaguar” Casanova. After a grueling showdown—and a shocking assist from Ben Bishop—Holliday reclaimed the championship.
But the celebration was short-lived.
Killer Kross Issues Challenge
To the disbelief of the crowd, Killer Kross made his long-awaited ACW debut, congratulating Holliday before immediately challenging him for the title at ACW: Aftershock on March 14.
Not to be outdone, Mike Santana, the newly crowned number one contender for the belt, came out and transformed the main event into a massive triple-threat match for the ACW World Heavyweight Championship: Holliday v Kross v Santana.
You do not want to miss this. Get your tickets for ACW: Aftershock now.
