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Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) is one of the most prominent independent wrestling promotions in the United States. The company was founded in 2003 and is currently owned by notable indie stars Excalibur, Scott Lost, Super Dragon, and Joey Ryan, who has been featured in TNA as of late.
Since 2005, the promotion has run a tournament known as the Battle of Los Angeles. This tournament has featured so many relevant names in professional wrestling, such as Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), Christopher Daniels, AJ Styles, Austin Aries, Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne), Colt Cabana, and numerous other stars that are players on the indie and national scene.
Last night (Sept. 2, 2012), the eighth annual Battle of Los Angeles concluded. This year's field featured Brian Cage, B-Boy, Davey Richards, Michael Elgin, Drake Younger, Roderick Strong, Ricochet, Kyle O'Reilly, Eddie Edwards, El Generico, Adam Cole, Joey Ryan, T.J. Perkins, Willie Mack, and Sami Callihan.
Out of those 16 men, ROH standout Adam Cole came out on top and now becomes number one contender for the PWG World Heavyweight Championship, which is held by ROH World Champion Kevin Steen. Cole bested El Generico by pinfall in the first round, Eddie Edwards by pin in the second round, Sami Callihan by submission in the semis, and Michael Elgin by pinfall in the finals.
After the tournament concluded, Cole attacked Steen and left with his belt.
Cole seems to be having a breakout year. He won a brutal hybrid rules at ROH's Best in the World: Hostage Crisis on June 24 over Kyle O'Reilly, leaving with this graphic image of his face post-match. Cole then won his first ROH title a few days later on June 29, capturing the company's television title with a victory over Roderick Strong.
Couple all of that with this big tournament victory and I think we can say that Cole's stock is rising rapidly on the independent scene.
For more information on Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and their BOLA tournament, check out their official website.