King of Maryland Stakes could not be any Higher

We are a little under a month away from the 2nd Annual King of Maryland Tournament in Millersville, MD. To say that the stakes could not be any higher would be an understatement. In just the 2nd year of its existence, the King of Maryland trophy has become one of the most coveted prizes in all of Maryland wrestling. Over the last year, wrestlers from not just the state of Maryland, but the entire country have sent tapes, contacted promoters, and expressed desire to obtain a spot in this coveted tournament. But, like the old saying goes; many have called, few are chosen. Only the best of the best in Maryland were chosen for this prestigious event. With the tournament taking place in what could be the biggest year in ACW history on the biggest show of the year, the stakes are the highest that they have ever been.

Why so prestigious?

Winning this tournament can elevate an athlete's career. Look at last year. It's hard to argue that Skull didn't have the best year of his career last year. After winning the tournament, he was cemented in the ACW Heavyweight Championship picture for the rest of 2013. Not a bad year considering that he was widely considered to be strictly a Light Heavyweight competitor the year prior. A tournament victory not only means more money for a competitor, but far more championship opportunities as well. More opportunities mean that the odds are greater for a particular athlete to win a championship. Things can change for an athlete overnight with just 3 wins.

Lets not forget about the other 7 competitors that appear in the tournament. Just earning a spot in this event means that you are one of the very best competitors in the state. In an area that has featured some of the very best Professional Wrestlers in the entire world, being considered as one of the best in Maryland is quite an honor. One great match or dominant performance in this event can be huge for any participant looking to make a statement in 2014. With ACW looking to stage more events in 2014 than ever before, this means more opportunities for championship matches than ever before. You have to believe that a great performance in the King of Maryland Tournament would put a competitor under consideration for those championship opportunities.

The competitors

Last year's tournament winner can benefit the most from a back to back tournament win. After a year of consistently contending for the ACW Heavyweight Championship, another tournament win could finally rid Skull of the "underdog" tag that he is commonly associated with. If the Riot City Superstar wins the tournament again, I guarantee an ACW Championship victory in the very near future.

Either of the Hell Cats could easily benefit from winning this tournament. It could help either man successfully transition into a singles career and even greater championship accolades. It will be tough, especially since they're facing each other in the first round. For two opponents so evenly matched, the winner could enter the second round out of energy and too worn down to obtain another victory.

A win for Christian York would easily cement Christian York's legacy as the greatest wrestling in the history of Maryland independent wrestling. It will be tough considering that York will be facing opponents whose offense mainly focused on speed. If the veteran can dictate the pace off his matches throughout the tournament, you're looking at the next King of Maryland. Fact.

If you ask me who could benefit from this tournament the most, I would say Louis G Rich. Its a realistic possibility for him to win this thing. Ever since joining The Winners, hes been on a mission to get to the top of ACW. There is no one training for this tournament more seriously right now than Louis G Rich.

Chris Wylde is a man who as popular as he is, has yet to make a serious mark in ACW. What better way to make that mark than winning the King of Maryland Tournament.

Ruckus is in a similar position as Christian York, a veteran who could cement a legacy by winning this tournament. He recently lost to Kindred in an ACW Championship match at Chaos in Carroll County, a loss that he was not happy about.  A tournament win could get him back in line for another ACW Championship opportunity.

Last, but certainly not least, Prodigy. A man who has been angry for a year over failing to win last year's tournament. My advice to anyone who has to face this man in tournament matches this year: Run, call in sick, don't show up. Its not going to be a good night for anyone who has to face this man. If this man can control his anger, he very well could be the tournament winner. If he cant control his anger, he more than likely will get DQ'ed early on, and one unlucky participant may very well be eating his meals through a straw.

March 8th, the 2nd King of Maryland will be crowd. The stakes could not be any higher, and its anybody's ball game. Who will claim the throne?