ENFIELD, CT — An independent professional wrestling promotion based in Enfield has created a new championship, paying tribute to one of the town’s – and Patch’s – native sons.
At intermission of Friday night’s Blitzkrieg! Pro (BPW) show, entitled “Cool to Be You,” commissioner Tim Jensen “retired” after nine years with the promotion. Citing health issues, he delivered a heartfelt three-and-a-half minute impromptu farewell address to a capacity crowd at Thompson Hall on Alden Avenue.
“What’s really been great is seeing this particular organization grow from literally the ground up,” he said. “This has become an absolute model promotion for any independent you’ll find anywhere in New England.”
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Near the end of his speech, the fans, collectively known as the Blitzkrieg! Faithful, rose in ovation, directing repeated chants of “Thank you Tim” to the teary-eyed Jensen.
BPW has evolved from a neophyte organization struggling to find its niche to a battle-tested source of top-quality family entertainment. It has also served as a springboard for the careers of many standout performers, including much of the current roster of the country’s second-largest promotion, All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
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Among the AEW stars appearing regularly on national television who cut their teeth with BPW in their early days include former world champion MJF, former TBS champion Kris Statlander, Private Party, Orange Cassidy, Max Caster, Penelope Ford, John Silver and “Smart” Mark Sterling.
Jensen acknowledges the commissioner’s job is merely a figurehead performance role; however, BPW management said the founding editor of Enfield Patch and president of the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance played a crucial part in obtaining venues such as the Our Lady of the Mount Carmel Society, the former Enrico Fermi High School and the Old Country Banquet Hall (now Thompson Hall).
In recognition of his years of service, BPW officials have created a new championship, based on a type of match for which it has become renowned: the scramble match. In a scramble match, anywhere from five to 10 competitors are all in the ring together, with the first person to record a pinfall or submission being declared the victor.
The first post-intermission event Friday was a 5-person scramble, with ring announcer Phil McManus telling the fans that it was the first of several upcoming qualifying matches for the new title, the Jensen Scramble Championship. Other qualifiers will take place at the next several shows, with the inaugural champion to be crowned in 2025.
BPW management issued the following statement:
“Blitzkrieg! Pro would not be where it is now without the essential groundwork that Commissioner Jensen laid. From securing venues to writing articles, and even going to bat for us in court, he is the definition of Blitzkrieg! Faithful, and we’re stoked to introduce this new championship in his honor.”
Jensen said, “I was shocked to learn about this Friday night. Thank you Blitzkrieg! Pro for the tribute and the honor.”
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