The Ring Post: Top 10 Wrestlers Born in the Mountain State

Good morning!

Welcome to the latest edition of The Ring Post, your weekly roundup of pro wrestling results, news, and must-watch content from across the region and beyond.

This week’s spotlight is on the Top 10 Pro Wrestlers Born in West Virginia, a list featuring stars like Heath Slater, Ray Stevens, and Jamie Noble. These Mountain State natives have made their mark across generations—from the territories to WWE and beyond. This list wraps things up with every state in the region now covered.

We’ve got full results from events held this past weekend in Virginia and Maryland, plus the latest news updates, including The Baltimore Banner’s WrestleMania Week spotlight on MCW and media figure Brian Waters.

Looking ahead to the next week or two, we’ll be presenting the Top 75 Pro Wrestlers of All Time Born in the Mid-Atlantic Region. As a thank you to our paid subscribers, even more exclusive content will be coming soon—sign up today for a free trial and enjoy all the benefits!

Thank you for reading and supporting independent wrestling coverage. Click the links below to view match results, watch standout matches, and catch up on everything you may have missed.

This Weekend's Results

• WrestleMania 41 took place in Las Vegas across two nights this past weekend – read the full results.

• RVA Pro Wrestling held a special event in Richmond, Virginia, this past Friday before and after the Richmond Flying Squirrels game – see the full results at the link.

• Voltage Wrestling held its April Armageddon event in Boonsboro, Maryland, this past Friday – get the complete rundown here.

• Pure Pro Wrestling held an event in Montvale, Virginia, on Saturday, April 12, 2025 – click here for complete results.

The Latest News

• During WrestleMania Week, The Baltimore Banner spotlighted Baltimore-based national wrestling media creator Brian Waters and the independent wrestling scene with two articles, including a feature on MCW Pro Wrestling – click here to see more.

• WWE’s claim that John Cena broke the world title record with his 17th reign has sparked disagreement, as many consider Ric Flair’s true total to be 21 – read more at the link.

• WWE announced its acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide just hours before Night 1 of WrestleMania 41, a major move to expand its presence in Latin America – get the full scoop at the link.

• SuperKrazee Pro Wrestling postponed its Friday Night Fully Charged event originally scheduled for this Friday – see the link for details.

• WWE Monday Night RAW is scheduled to take place at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Monday, June 30, at 7:30 PM – find out more at the link.

Must-Watch Videos

• Watch a classic 2017 match from MCW’s Broken Anniversary event featuring Lio Rush vs. Anthony Henry – watch the full match here.

• Watch the latest episode of 3LW Ascend as 3 Legacies Wrestling makes its debut in Sinking Spring – click here to watch it.

• The latest episode of MATW TV features full highlights from Smashville Showdown, filmed live in Nashville, North Carolina – watch the video here.

• WDWA Frontline premiered on April 17, 2025, featuring two intense matchups – click here to watch it.

• United States Wrestling returned with Episode 11 of USW Justice, which aired on April 19, 2025 – see the full episode here.

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West Virginia may not be the first state that comes to mind in wrestling history, but it has quietly produced a number of tough, talented performers who’ve made a lasting impact on the sport. From territorial legends to modern-day TV stars, the Mountain State’s contributions span generations and styles. This week, we’re ranking the top 10 pro wrestlers actually born in West Virginia, factoring in national prominence, championships, and lasting legacy.

1. Ray Stevens (Point Pleasant, WV)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers of the 20th century, Stevens was a major star in San Francisco’s Big Time Wrestling and the AWA, known for his dynamic style and legendary tag team with Pat Patterson. He also had notable runs in the WWWF, where he challenged for top titles under the management of Lou Albano, and competed in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and various NWA territories including Florida and the Central States. Stevens also worked for the WWA in Indianapolis, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile and respected wrestlers of his era.

2. Jamie Noble (Hanover, WV)
A former WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Noble blended high-flying action with southern grit and later became a respected backstage producer and on-screen member of J&J Security. He also had a successful run in Ring of Honor and Japan and was known for his fierce technical style.

3. Heath Slater (Pineville, WV)
Slater spent over a decade with WWE, winning multiple tag team championships and becoming a fan favorite with his "I Got Kids" catchphrase during his free-agent storyline. He was part of major factions including Nexus and 3MB, and later competed in Impact Wrestling.

4. Mark Canterbury aka Henry O. Godwinn (Gilbert, WV)
As one-half of the Godwinns, Canterbury captured the WWF Tag Team Championship and competed during the mid-'90s “New Generation” era. His rugged hog-farmer persona fit well in the cartoonish WWF of the time, and he remained a reliable midcard presence.

5. Necro Butcher (Morgantown, WV)
A deathmatch legend known for his fearless brawling style, Necro Butcher gained cult status through his work in IWA Mid-South and as a key figure in the 2008 film The Wrestler, where he appeared in a brutal match with Mickey Rourke’s character.

6. Bart Batten (Romney, WV)
One-half of the Batten Twins, Bart found tag team success throughout the territories, including stints in Puerto Rico, the Central States, and Continental promotions. The twins were a staple of the southern wrestling scene throughout the 1980s.

7. Brad Batten (Romney, WV)
Alongside his brother Bart, Brad made a name for himself as part of one of the most recognizable twin tag teams in '80s territorial wrestling. Their clean-cut look and athletic style made them popular in several regional promotions.

8. Brandi Alexander (Charleston, WV)
A standout on the independent scene during the 1990s and early 2000s, Alexander competed in various women's promotions and had matches in WCW and WWE. She was one of the more prominent female wrestlers from the region during that era.

9. Big Bully Busick (Weirton, WV)
With his signature derby hat and handlebar mustache, Busick had a brief but memorable WWF run in 1991, portraying an old-school tough guy with real-life amateur wrestling and powerlifting credentials. He also competed in the UWF and other promotions.

10. Roger Smith aka The Assassin (Bluefield, WV)
Smith wrestled under various masks throughout his career, including time as one of the masked Assassins, and worked extensively in Southeastern and Continental promotions. His masked heel persona made him a fixture in southern wrestling during the 1980s.