On Saturday, Feb. 14, Victory Pro Wrestling returned to Pro Game Sports in Bay Shore, New York, for its marquee event, “The 2026 King of New York.”
Commissioner Kevin Fulton welcomed the VPW Faithful before delivering difficult news. Da Big Boofa Dezmond Cole had sustained an injury with no timetable for his return and had been stripped of the Victory Pro Wrestling Championship. Before Fulton could outline the plan for the vacant title, Dr. Sleep Anthony Gangone interrupted and demanded the championship opportunity he believed he earned. ECW King Alvin Alvarez soon followed, also staking his claim.
Samwell Thompson then entered the discussion, stating that while Cole deserved the title, he intended to earn his own opportunity. Fulton made it official. Later that night, Gangone faced Thompson, and the winner would meet Alvarez on March 13 for the vacant championship. Gangone exited with a warning that he intended to hurt Thompson.
King of New York Qualifier
Bobby Buffet def. Georgio Lawrence (6:45)
The first qualifier operated under Beat the Clock rules. Georgio Lawrence targeted Buffet’s legs early and nearly gained control, but Buffet countered with power offense to shift momentum. After a competitive exchange that included near falls and a sleeper hold by Lawrence, Buffet rallied with a spinebuster and finished the match with a rolling clothesline at 6:45, setting the pace for the remaining qualifiers.
During the evening, VPW presented its 2025 Year-End Awards. Match of the Year went to Dezmond Cole for his Summer Showdown victory over Bryce Donovan to win the VPW Championship.
King of New York Qualifier
Azure def. Stan Michael (8:07)
Azure continued to show a darker demeanor in his match against Stan Michael. Michael energized the crowd and used his speed to create openings, but Azure halted his momentum with a punishing attack that included hanging Michael across the top rope. After sustained offense and a near fall off a scorpion death drop variation, Azure snapped Michael’s neck and secured the win at 8:07. Brother Greatness made the save after the bell.
The Even Stevens were recognized as the 2025 Tag Team of the Year.
Commissioner Fulton then presided over Security Inc.’s VPW Tag Team Championship Celebration. Officer Ronald Moses and Guard Dog Malcom Murray criticized the company and declared themselves the law of VPW. Their celebration was interrupted by Lex Lozano and Diego Alvarez of Guapo Suave, who issued a challenge for March 13. After a heated exchange, a brawl broke out, with Guapo Suave standing tall. Fulton later made the title match official.
David Graham was named 2025 Most Improved Wrestler.
King of New York Qualifier
David Graham def. The Artist Formerly Known as Dash (0:07)
Graham attacked Dash before the bell and the two went back and forth outside the ring. Dash was able to come back strong, throw Graham into the ring, but Graham escaped before the match started. Then as Dash went to bring Graham back, he struck Dash with Dash’s own guitar. Once the match officially began, Graham followed with his finishing maneuver for a seven second victory, eliminating Azure from contention and advancing to the finals.
Azure’s betrayal of Steve Somerset was named the 2025 Shock of the Year.
King of New York Qualifier
Brother Greatness def. Leo Sparrow (5:17)
With 6:45 as the time to beat, Brother Greatness needed a decisive win. Sparrow controlled much of the match and applied a sleeper hold in an effort to shorten the contest. Silk E. Smooth observed from ringside. In the closing moments, Sparrow attempted to use kale as a distraction, but it backfired and struck David Graham at ringside. Brother Greatness capitalized with a roll up at 5:17 to advance to the finals against Graham.
Gabriel Skye won the 2025 Debut of the Year. Security Inc. vs. The Even Stevens was named Feud of the Year.
Kalypto and The Unwilting Tatiana def. Tiphani Grady and Valerie Verman
VPW Women’s Champion Tiphani Grady teamed with Valerie Verman against Kalypto and The Unwilting Tatiana. The woman scoring the fall would earn a future title opportunity. After a back and forth tag match that saw Grady and Verman isolate Tatiana, momentum shifted when Tatiana connected with a spear on Grady for the pin. Tatiana became the new No. 1 contender. Post match chaos erupted until Kalypto made the save with a kendo stick. Tatiana required medical attention afterward and was helped to the back.
The Unforgiven Salem was named 2025 Female Wrestler of the Year.
Samwell Thompson def. Anthony Gangone
The night’s opening announcement culminated in a high stakes main event. Gangone attacked before the bell and controlled early action, targeting Thompson inside and outside the ring. Thompson responded with a series of suplexes and high impact maneuvers, but Gangone repeatedly halted his momentum.
As Gangone applied his Sharpshooter, Alvin Alvarez interfered with a chair. The referee was knocked down in the chaos. Thompson capitalized, delivered his finisher and secured the victory. Afterward, Alvarez attacked Thompson, but Thompson fought him off with a DDT. The championship match between Thompson and Alvarez was set for March 13.
Dezmond Cole was announced as the 2025 Men’s Wrestler of the Year.
2026 King of New York Finals
David Graham def. Brother Greatness
The finals featured David Graham against Brother Greatness with a future New York State Championship opportunity at stake. The crowd strongly supported Brother Greatness, while Graham drew heavy boos.
The match was competitive from the outset, featuring near falls, submission attempts and heavy strikes. Silk E. Smooth appeared at ringside during the bout. Both competitors exchanged high impact maneuvers, including brainbusters and a piledriver by Graham.
The referee was inadvertently knocked down during a high risk attempt. With no official in position, Graham struck Brother Greatness with a cane after taking it from Smooth. When the referee recovered, Graham secured the pin to win the 2026 King of New York. Commissioner Kevin Fulton presented Graham with the crown and robe, cementing his place in VPW history.
What will happen when VPW presents Before the Storm on Friday night, March 13?
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Over 13,000 square feet of space, typically dedicated to batting practice and soccer, transforms into an electric wrestling arena. Conveniently located just minutes from the heart of Bay Shore and only five minutes from the South Shore Mall, making it easy to get to and even easier to enjoy!
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