Jim Kettner

Jim Kettner along with a friend had a dream to become professional wrestlers. They founded the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA) in New Castle, DE on August 27, 1967. Since that time over 700 performers have walked the aisle of the promotion and many have went on to become stars in top promotions such as WWE & TNA. The promotion was noted through the 1970’s and 1980’s for raising over $10,000 annually for local charities. In the 1990’s the promotion caught the eye of the wrestling world as it founded the Super 8 Tournament which became known internationally. Jim wrestled on all of his shows from 1967 until 1996. He has returned to the ring a total of 4 times since then. Jim also wrestled for independent promotions from 1979 to 1983 primarily in Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. He held the ECWA Tag Team Titles (for 6 month reigns) in 1983 and 1995. Jim’s biggest claim to fame was not so much as a pro wrestler, but for his ability to teach and mentor young stars. Kettner operated a wrestling school called “Wrestle Tech” from 1997 to 2001. Jim’s star students from the Wrestle Tech days were Charlie Haas, his late brother Russ and Simon Diamond. Jim has not only been a trainer but he has helped mentor many performers including: Charlie Haas, Simon Diamond, Low Ki, Christian, Billy Kidman, Test, Devon Storm, Ace Darling, Matt Striker and countless others. Jim, through invitations to perform in the prestigious Super 8 has helped wrestlers gain international exposure such as Christopher Daniels, American Dragon, Low Ki, Billy Kidman, Steve Bradley, Alex Arion, A.J. Styles, Scoot Andrews, Bobby Rhood, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelly, Davey Richards, Petey Williams, Brian Kendrick, Paul London Chase Del Monte, The Logan Brothers and others. Jim remains active as the owner and promoter of the ECWA which still runs successful wrestling shows in the Delaware area. Jim believes that everyone should follow their dreams. He did almost 42 years ago and those dreams have taken him virtually to every corner of the United States, but he claims there was no greater thrill than having the opportunity to stand in the center of the ring of Madison Square Garden. He sold ECWA in Sept 2010 and retired from independent wrestling, but since then remains active by assisting in promoting WWE events when they are in the Maryland market.