Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts
| Acronym | OMEGA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Cameron, North Carolina, United States |
| Founder(s) | Haxz Islam, Thomas Simpson Matt and Jeff Hardy |
| Owner(s) | Matt and Jeff Hardy |
The Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts, also known as OMEGA, was an independent professional wrestling promotion based in central North Carolina.[1]
It featured and helped launch the careers of both Hardys,[2]Kid Dynamo,[2]Joey Matthews, Christian York,[2]Venom,[2]C.W. Anderson,[2]Shane Helms,[2][3] and others.
History
The company was established in 1997, OMEGA was run and created by Matt and Jeff Hardy with help from Thomas Simpson. They began the promotion because, at the time, there weren't many places to wrestle, nor did they know anyone who could help.[1] Both Matt and Jeff Hardy took apart the ring and put it back together at every event they had, while Matt Hardy sewed all the costumes worn in OMEGA. Compared to other contemporary independent federations, OMEGA stood out because it incorporated high-flying wrestling, hardcore matches and gimmick matches into its shows.[4]
Closure
The promotion folded in October 1999,[5] after both Matt and Jeff Hardy had signed with the World Wrestling Federation, leaving the other wrestlers to make careers for themselves, with many moving onto NWA Wildside.
In 2007, Highspots.com produced a two-disc DVD set entitled OMEGA: Uncommon Passion, chronicling the history of the promotion, including matches and interviews with many OMEGA wrestlers.[6]
Revival
Matt Hardy has announced that OMEGA returns on May 25th at E. Wake High School in Raleigh, N.C. The main event of the show will be Matt Hardy and Hurricane Helms vs. Steve Corino and CW Anderson.
Championships
| Championship | Final champion(s) | Previous champion(s) | Date won | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OMEGA Heavyweight Champion | Steve Corino | December 1, 2000 | Southern Pines, North Carolina | |
| OMEGA New Frontiers Champion | Cham Pain | Kid Dynamo | January 29, 1999 | Wendell, North Carolina |
| OMEGA Tag Team Champions | Mike Maverick and Otto Schwanz | Shane Helms and Mike Maverick | July 31, 1999 | Beulaville, North Carolina |
| OMEGA Light Heavyweight Champion | Joey Matthews | Christian York | January 29, 1999 | Wendell, North Carolina |
Alumni
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References
- ^ a b Jim Varsallone (December 2001). "Matt and Jeff Hardy - Interview". Wrestling Digest. Archived from the original on 2007-03-31. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
- ^ a b c d e f Hardy, Matt (2007-05-29). "Will Not Die-aries: Thoughts on rival Gregroy Helms". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2008-03-29. Retrieved 2010-10-25.
- ^ Milner, John M. (2005-06-13). "The Hurricane". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
- ^ Pro Wrestling Daily (October 15, 2005). "Shannon Moore Talks: Matt/Edge/Lita, WWE, WCW, More!". Retrieved 2007-05-20.
- ^ "Organization Of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts" (in German). Cagematch.de. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
- ^ "OMEGA: Uncommon Passion Double DVD". HighSpots.com. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
Further reading
- Dumas, Amy and Michael Krugman. Lita: A Less Traveled R.O.A.D.--The Reality of Amy Dumas. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003. ISBN 0-7434-7399-X
- Hardy, Matt and Jeff. The Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2003. ISBN 0-06-052154-6
- Keith, Scott. Wrestling's One Ring Circus: The Death of the World Wrestling Federation. New York: Citadel Press, 2004. ISBN 0-8065-2619-X
