AWAKENING was the very first EPW event, held almost eight years ago at the Wanneroo Civic Centre. That day was not only the birthplace of Explosive Pro Wrestling, it was also the day the Invitational Tournament was spawned.

The Invitational Tournament is the longest running tournament in Australian wrestling history and it has been used as a platform from which its winners have launched themselves towards EPW gold.

A quick look at the former winners reveals a who’s who of EPW’s top names. It contains five EPW champions (for a total of seven title reigns) and two EPW tag team champions. Simply put, this tournament leads people to the top.

This year, EPW management have devised the toughest qualifying method in the history of the Invitational Tournament and it all starts at HELL OR HIGHWATER.

Nine men have been entered into the Invitational Tournament for 2009 and they comprise the strongest field to ever battle for the trophy. They are:

• Sebastian Sander (2008 Rising Star Cup Winner)

• Davis Storm (2 time EPW champion, 2 time EPW tag team champion, former Invitational Tournament finalist)

• Shane Haste (Former EPW champion, former EPW tag team champion, former Invitational Tournament winner – 2007)

• Damian Slater (Former Invitational Tournament Finalist – 2008)

• Dan Moore ( Former EPW tag team champion)

• Chase Griffin (Former EPW tag team champion)

• Tyler Jacobs ( Former EPW champion, three time EPW tag team champion, former Invitational Tournament winner – 2002)

• Jay Taylor (Former Invitational Tournament winner – 2008)

• AZ Vegara

These men will face off in three - 3 way qualifying matches at Hell or Highwater. The matches will be contested under elimination rules with the first two men to score a pinfall or submission going on to the next round of the Invitational Tournament.

The six men who qualify for the next round will meet just one opponent each, with victory securing them a place in the final at RE-AWAKENING 8.

That means for the very first time in EPW history, the final of the Invitational Tournament will be contested as a three way dance. Whoever is left standing at RE-AWAKENING will be the winner of the Invitational Tournament for 2009.

Matches for the first round of qualifying will be announced in the coming days.
So make sure you’re at HELL OR HIGHWATER to see qualifying commence for the longest running tournament in Australian wrestling history.

Tickets to HELL OR HIGHWATER are available now by filling out our ticket order form or by calling 0409 373 937.